In Focus: Impressive Luiz ready to lead Villa's continental charge

Unai Emery's Aston Villa revolution is ramping up a gear with Douglas Luiz leading the charge.

The 25-year-old was linked with a move away in the summer transfer window — but the Villans stood firm and are reaping the rewards.

Luiz put in a dominant midfield display against Crystal Palace on Saturday and scored a stoppage-time penalty to secure a 3-1 victory.

Next up for the Midlands outfit is this evening's Europa Conference League clash with Legia Warsaw, with their Brazilian star looking to continue his fine form.

Midfield motor

Luiz has already started to build on his eye-catching 2022-23 campaign.

The Rio de Janeiro native is strong in challenges, making more total tackles (11) than any other Villans midfielder in the Premier League this term.

He has also posted squad-leading numbers when it comes to regaining possession in the middle (17) and attacking (four) thirds.

With clubs breaking the bank to sign ball-winning midfielders like Declan Rice and Moises Caicedo during the summer, it is no surprise that Villa's No6 is a man in demand.

Spot on

In converting his late penalty against Palace, Luiz became the first Villa player to score in four consecutive Premier League home matches since Gareth Barry in 2006.

And the former Vasco da Gama man expressed his delight at matching that long-standing feat after the match.

He said: "I saw the news before the game.

"And [that] I scored, I'm so happy for this. I need to continue training hard, I've scored four goals in four consecutive games and I am so happy."

Pass master

Assured on the ball, Luiz has successfully recorded a commendable 341 touches, 20 completed long balls and 242 successful passes this season.

Villa's anchorman has also attempted (82) and completed (63) more passes into the final third than any of his team-mates, reflecting his desire to continually progress the ball.

This combination of security and advancing play makes Luiz a key cog in Emery's side, regardless of whether his team are in or out of possession.

Warsaw task

Aston Villa's Europa Conference League journey begins in Poland this evening as Emery bids to win the fourth continental trophy of his career.

And there is little doubt that Luiz will be key to that endeavour.

The midfield enforcer's off-the-ball grit and calmness in possession will be particularly crucial during difficult away trips in a group containing AZ Alkmaar, Zrinjski Mostar and Legia.

Luiz will be keen to get the Villans' European campaign off to the best possible start at the Stadion Wojska Polskiego — and to continue reminding everyone why he is so sought after.