Jermaine Jenas hailed Aston Villa duo Douglas Luiz and Matty Cash on Match of the Day and shared they are two of his Ones to Watch for 2021.
The former midfielder claimed that summer signing Cash has been a ‘sensation’ since moving from Nottingham Forest to Villa, whilst Luiz is ‘one of the most underrated players’ in the Premier League.
Both have been standout performers for Dean Smith this season and they are a key reason as to why Villa are sitting fifth in the table.
This is what Jenas had to say about right-back Cash and the technically-gifted number six in Luiz.
“The two players that I really want to get into, Matty Cash and Douglas Luiz,” said Jenas. “I think Matty Cash coming from Forest has been a sensation at Aston Villa and he’s hit the ground running. He’s been brilliant.
“Douglas Luiz in that midfield area. He’s one of the most underrated players in the league, I think. He’s a top, top footballer. Top central-midfield player. Himself and McGinn have really formed a partnership.
“Yes probably [it’s suited Luiz having a better balance in front of him]. But Villa as a whole seem to have a better balance. And of course within that he sits very nicely. I just think as a footballer, him and Matty Cash in 2021, they are going to be ones to look out for.”
It’s finally great to see a player of Luiz’s qualities get the recognition that he deserves because he has been outstanding, not only this season, but since football restarted.
When he first joined from Manchester City last summer, he was trying to improve his English, including dealing with the pace of the game out on the pitch.
But for six months now, he has looked calm and assured in front of Villa’s defence, added with his ability to take the ball out of tight spaces, play pinging balls out wide and sprinkle some magic to his game when need be
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
