Signed by Smith, now worth 566% more: Aston Villa struck gold with “outstanding” gem

Aston Villa’s hiring decisions have only been based on Unai Emery’s playing philosophy and style since his arrival.

While at some teams this isn’t always the case, at Villa, on-field performance comes first.

Because of his versatility and ability to play as a second striker in a fluid system, recent addition Morgan Rogers is a great illustration of that.

However, there are also players from before Emery’s tenure that are a perfect fit for his approach; one such player is Dean Smith, whose worth has increased as a result of the former Arsenal manager’s impact.

Douglas Luiz’s early Villa career

If fortune hadn’t been on Villa’s side during the 2019–20 season, Douglas Luiz’s career would have looked very different from what it does now.

Brazil’s team, which cost £15 million to acquire from Manchester City, almost averted relegation to the Championship in a dramatic fashion during Smith’s first season at Villa Park.

The youthful midfielder participated in 36 Premier League games during that season, frequently playing in a 4-3-3 formation with Marvelous Nakamba and John McGinn.

Since then, Luiz has made at least 30 starts in Premier League games each season, and during his tenure at Villa, he has established himself as a vital member of the team under each manager in charge.

Douglas Luiz’s value in 2024

In the present era, Luiz stands as one of the best midfield players in the Premier League, if not all of Europe. The quality was always there in the former Vasco de Gama prospect, but he has truly blossomed since he started playing with Boubacar Kamara.

On the pitch, the number six is a one-man show. He exudes technical elegance, persistence, and energy every time he sets foot on the turf. His consistency is the icing on the cake.

This season, the former Girona player has started all but one league game; his single absence was for a suspension. Villa’s remarkable growth this season, which has placed them in a position to contend for the Champions League, has been largely attributed to Luiz.

Luiz has a very distinctive character; in the first half of the season, he has scored seven goals and contributed four assists while playing defensive midfield.

As you can see, Luiz is essential to Emery’s team’s style of play, both attacking and defending. Journalist Jacob Tanswell calls him “outstanding” this season.

Given how valuable he is to the team and how several elite teams, including Arsenal, are rumored to be interested in signing him, Villa is supposedly valued at £100 million, which represents a 566% rise over his original £15 million asking price.

All things considered, Luiz’s acquisition has undoubtedly been one of the best transfers in the team’s history, and they would profit handsomely if they were to sell the former Man City star.