It’s certainly a testament to the work of Unai Emery – and Aston Villa’s recruitment team for that matter – that the Premier League powerhouses have a handful of players you could potentially put in and around the ‘world-class’ bracket these days.
Emiliano Martinez, their talismanic goalkeeper, was named the FIFA Goalkeeper of the Year for 2022 after his penalty shoot-out heroics in the World Cup final.
Ollie Watkins, meanwhile, was one of the most productive centre-forwards anywhere in Europe last season. A combined 30 goals and assists in all competitions, Watkins’ end-product has improved no end since Emery’s arrival.
Douglas Luiz, meanwhile, has blossomed from a solid if unspectacular deep-lying midfielder into one of the most complete footballers in his position. No longer merely a destroyer and a distributor but a goalscorer, a playmaker and a set-piece specialist too, Luiz will be missed if indeed he does complete a big-money move to Serie A giants Juventus.
Juventus in talks to sign Aston Villa’s Douglas Luiz
HITC reported earlier this week that Juventus are continuing discussions over the £50 million-rated Brazil international. News that has certainly captured the imagination in Turin and beyond, Juve closing in on a player their rather one-paced midfield has been crying out for for some time.
“If Juve seals the Douglas Luiz deal, they will make a superior move,” is the opinion of former Italy defender Lele Adani, speaking on his Instagram account.
“I know this player from the South American U20 (tournament) in Ecuador in 2017, in which Richarlison, (Lucas) Paqueta, Dodo and Lyanco also played in that Brazil team.
“(Douglas Luiz) is a world-class player. He knows how to do everything. He knows how to control and dominate the game,” adds the former Fiorentina and Inter Milan stopper.
“Luiz knows how to manage ball possession and knows how to pass forward with his right and left foot. He has great quality, vision and reading (of the game).
“Go and see the goals he scores when he arrives in the opponent’s area.”
Villa could lose ‘a world class’ player
HITC understands that Juventus are willing to offer three players to Aston Villa in order to sweeten the deal. Dean Huijsen, so impressive on loan at Roma last season, is one of Europe’s most promising centre-half talents. Samuel Iling-Junior, once of Chelsea, is an England Under 21 international.
Long-time Villa target Weston McKennie, meanwhile, could help fill a Luiz-shaped hole in Emery’s engine room with his versatility, boundless energy and aggression.
Fomer Man City man Luiz, meanwhile, is not the only player who could leave Villa for big money before the end of June. Interest from Chelsea in benchwarming striker Jhon Duran remains, as confirmed by his agent.
Ex-Villa captain Gabriel Agbonlahor, meanwhile, feels that Duran is a prime candidate to be sacrificed by a club with Profit and Sustainability Concerns.
“I think, when Duran has come on, he has affected the game,” former Villa captain Gabby Agbonlahor tells talkSPORT (12 June, 12.40pm). “He can hold the ball up, he can score goals, he’s aggressive as well, quick.
“I’ve heard there has been problems sometimes in training, and maybe with him sulking that he’s not playing,” says the former England forward. “I mean, he’s not going to be guaranteed (to start) when Watkins is your main man and rarely gets injured.
“If you can get £20, £30, £35 million for Duran…
“Villa have to sell. We have to generate money before the end of June.”
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