Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz has emerged as one of the top creators in the Premier League and will need to show his strengths on Saturday against Wolves.
Aston Villa have found a reliable creative asset from an unlikely source this season, with defensive midfielder Douglas Luiz prevailing as one of Unai Emery’s top playmakers.
The Brazilian is renowned for his combative influence in the engine room however, this term the 25-year-old has shown his worth in the final third.
It’s nothing new for Luiz, who contributed to 12 goals in the Premier League last season and has already had a hand in 14 goals after just 28 appearances this campaign, via Sofascore.
Aside from his contribution to goals, the Villa ace has showcased just how dominant his passing ability can be, with statistics revealing the extent of his creative mastery.
Statistics show that Douglas Luiz is one of the Premier League’s top creators
As relayed by WhoScored, only three players in the Premier League have played five or more accurate through balls in 2024.
While Arsenal maestro Martin Odegaard and Manchester City marvel Kevin De Bruyne are expected to be there, Luiz is the other inclusion, telling of his potency in midfield.
At Aston Villa this season, no player averages more key passes per game than the Brazil international, who records an average of 1.6 per game in the league, reinforcing the progressive side of his game that Emery has unlocked.
Why Douglas Luiz must now use his creative strengths against Wolves
Speaking to Brazilian news outlet UOL last week, Luiz credited the Villa manager for his ability to flourish in the final third.
“I feel very comfortable after Emery’s arrival. With previous coaches, I was 6, the 5, with him I have more freedom, exactly the way I like to play.”
Emery will be hoping that his prized midfielder will be at his best on Saturday against Wolves, who will pose a significant challenge in the midfield for the Villans to overcome.
Luiz will know more than anyone just how potent the Old Gold’s midfield pivot is, after spending the past week on international duty with 23-year-old jewel, Joao Gomes.
Ranking in the top 5% of midfielders in the Premier League when it comes to his rate of 2.33 tackles won per game, via FBref, Luiz’s countryman will be difficult to beat on Saturday.
That is however where the “unbelievable” Villa ace, as lauded by Dean Smith, can really put his attacking prowess to the test with him being more than capable of splitting defences with a single pass.
It’s set to be a thrilling game at Villa Park on Saturday between the two Midlands clubs, who are both eyeing European football next season.
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