Aston Villa midfielder John McGinn has told Sky Sports that Douglas Luiz has helped him to perform at a high standard in the Premier League this term as he has found ‘another level’.
McGinn took his tally for the season to two goals and an assist after scoring and creating in an influential performance at home to Wolves in the Midlands derby last Saturday. He had not found the back of the net since the opening day during a 3-2 loss away to Watford.
Douglas joined McGinn and £33m club-record signing Emi Buendia in Dean Smith’s engine room against Bruno Lage’s Wolves. The Brazilian and Scottish midfielders have featured together six times so far this term. With McGinn only absent against Brentford while following covid guidelines and Luiz sitting out the Hornets loss after competing in Tokyo.
McGinn credits Luiz for Aston Villa form
McGinn’s upturn in form over recent weeks has come amid Smith making a tweak to how Aston Villa are set-up. The Villans boss has begun to favour a three-man centre-back group with the wing-backs pushing forward.
But McGinn credits Luiz and the protection Aston Villa’s £15m signing from Manchester City in 2019 offers just as much. Believing the 2020 Olympic gold medallist has taken his game to an even higher standard this term, and the benefits have stretched into his.
“It’s certainly a different way of getting used to [the new formation],” McGinn said. “But in midfield, it doesn’t really change too much for us. It does give you a bit more licence to go forward now there’s more defenders on the park. But a big part in us having freedom to play is how well Douglas is playing at the moment.
“You can speak about how I’m playing at the minute, but Douglas has found another level himself. If we can keep playing the way we are and get other boys fit and firing, we can certainly get more positive results this season.
“But Douglas has been brilliant to play alongside and when you have someone like him behind you, you can attack knowing he’s going to be there to cover for you. Whether that’s a back four or a back three, I’m sure having Douglas beside me certainly helps.”
Douglas has shone for Aston Villa at points this season to offer McGinn the protection to push forward. The £33k-a-week star’s efforts also convinced Tite to recall him to the Brazil squad this month, after missing the September internationals.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
