Douglas Luiz’s move to Juventus has not unfolded as many anticipated. After a standout season at Aston Villa, where he became a key player, his transition to Serie A has presented several challenges.
It is an understatement to say that Douglas Luiz has underperformed at Juve. He appeared only eight times this season without any goal contributions, playing only 293 minutes for Thiago Motta’s side.
As things currently stand, Douglas Luiz might be on the move, as reports already say that he will be out of Turin at the halfpoint of the season.
Stellar Season at Aston Villa
In the 2023-2024 season, Douglas Luiz established himself as a vital component of Aston Villa’s midfield. He made 35 appearances in the Premier League, scoring nine goals and providing five assists. His ability to dictate play and contribute defensively was instrumental in Villa securing a spot in the Champions League. Luiz averaged 2.98 dribbles per game and had a pass completion rate of 90.8%, showcasing his technical prowess and vision on the field.
Luiz’s performances earned him recognition as a fan favourite at Villa Park. He was particularly effective in creating chances, registering 98 key passes throughout the season, which highlighted his role as a creative force in midfield.
Transfer to Juventus
In June 2024, Douglas Luiz made a high-profile move to Juventus for €50 million (£42 million). This transfer was part of Juventus’ broader strategy to strengthen its squad while managing financial constraints. Alongside Luiz, Enzo Barrenechea and Samuel Iling-Junior moved to Aston Villa as part of the deal.
Despite the excitement surrounding his arrival, Luiz’s integration into the Juventus setup has been challenging. The club boasts a competitive midfield that includes established players like Manuel Locatelli and Nicolo Fagioli. As a result, Luiz has struggled to secure a regular starting position.
Current Performance at Juventus
Since joining Juventus, Douglas Luiz has made eight appearances across all competitions but has started only once in Serie A. His contributions have been limited. He has yet to score or assist in any match. While he maintains a solid pass completion rate, averaging around 91.4%, his overall impact on games has been less significant than expected.
Statistical analysis reveals some concerning trends:
- He has completed just two shots on goal since his arrival.
- His defensive contributions have also been minimal, with only one interception recorded across six league matches.
- In terms of average match ratings from WhoScored, he ranges between 5.76 and 6.92, averaging around 6.52, suggesting that while he is not the worst performer in the squad, there is considerable room for improvement.
Potential Move Away from Juventus
As January approaches, speculation about Douglas Luiz’s future at Juventus is growing. Some reports suggest that if his performance does not improve, he could be on the move again. The financial implications of selling him after such a substantial investment complicate matters for Juventus management.
However, it is also possible that both Luiz and the club may choose to ride out this rough patch together. Given that other midfielders like Weston McKennie have also struggled for form, Juventus may opt to retain Luiz in hopes that he can regain his previous level of performance.
Difficulties have marked Douglas Luiz’s time at Juventus compared to his successful stint at Aston Villa. As he navigates these challenges, both fans and analysts will be keenly observing whether he can adapt and find his place within the team or if a change will be necessary come January.
