Paul Merson hails Aston Villa star midfielder he says is as good as Declan Rice

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Former Arsenal defender Paul Merson heaped praise on Aston Villa’s Douglas Luiz and believes he is at the level of Declan Rice and Rodri.

Luiz was close to joining Arsenal in the January transfer window of last year with a deal falling through on deadline day.

The Brazilian has been instrumental to Villa’s success this season as his performances helped guide the team to second place in the Premier League table.

Paul Merson spoke highly of the 25-year-old claiming that he has now reached world-class status and can be compared with the league’s best midfielders.

“I’ve been on about the Aston Villa man for god knows how long, so people know I’ve always been a huge fan of him,” Merson told Sportskeeda.

“When Arsenal wanted to sign him a year ago, but people didn’t really rate him too highly but now, everyone can see what he’s all about as he’s been absolutely ripping it up for Aston Villa this season.

“He can sit as a holding midfielder and mop things up for his team but he also gets in the box and scores goals – as we’ve seen so often this season.

“He’s quite well-rounded and still very underrated, but in the 2023-24 campaign, he has started getting his fair share of recognition.

“People wouldn’t put him in the same breath as Declan Rice or Rodri, but based on their performances this season, I’d certainly put Luiz up there with the pair.

“With Casemiro and Fabinho past their best in recent seasons, the ex-Manchester City midfielder could also become a key player for Brazil in the years ahead.”

Luiz pivotal for Villa

Having scored seven goals in all competitions, Luiz has formed a strong partnership with John McGinn in the middle of the park.

With 19 league starts, the midfielder has been indispensable in Unai Emery’s lineup showcasing his defensive solidity as well as his creativity going forward.