Phillips makes ‘massive’ Luiz claim after what he’s seen at Aston Villa
Steven Gerrard’s decision to play Douglas Luiz in a more advanced role will be a “massive plus” for Aston Villa, according to Kevin Phillips.
The former Claret and Blue striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed Gerrard has “seen something” in the 23-year-old that others haven’t.
Luiz played 90 minutes in an uncharacteristically attacking role as Aston Villa were beaten 2-1 by former club Manchester City at home on Wednesday (1 December).
As per stat expert PGR Analytics on Twitter (2 December), the Brazillian recorded five key passes, three progressive carries, and registered an assist during the match.
Luiz also registered 30 pressures, the most of any player on the pitch.
That figure will be evidence of how he fits into Gerrard’s high-intensity philosophy.
Phillips insisted he is a big fan of the nine-time Brazil international.
“I really like Douglas Luiz, he’s a good player,” he told Football Insider‘s Dylan Childs.
“He won’t have played where he has without being a good player. He can sit in front of that back four, breaking up play and picking passes – but I think he’s got a bit more to him than that.
“Seeing him playing a bit more advanced and getting into areas where he can create danger, this is a massive plus for Aston Villa.
“The manager has seen something in him that others haven’t. He’s tried him a bit further up and it’s paid off. It’s great news for Villa.”
Luiz joined Aston Villa in July 2019 for a reported £15million.
The midfielder has played 86 times for the club, scoring three goals.
In other news, Aston Villa summer signing could be frozen out after news from Gerrard.