Aston Villa director Monchi would take ‘top class’ Douglas Luiz back ‘at any club’ | OneFootball

Douglas Luiz’s signing from Aston Villa was one of Juventus’ most expensive deals last summer and the Premier League side’s sporting director Monchi believes he’s ‘top class’ despite he’s playing ‘less than we all expected’.

The Brazilian struggled to settle in at the Allianz Stadium, as his rare appearances on the pitch were marked by repeated mistakes that affected his confidence, with some injuries also hindering his adaptation.

TURIN, ITALY – OCTOBER 19: Douglas Luiz of Juventus celebrates his team’s first goal, an own goal scored by Mario Gila of Lazio (obscured) during the Serie A match between Juventus and SS Lazio at Allianz Stadium on October 19, 2024 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

However, Monchi insisted that ‘patience is needed’ to get the best out of the midfielder, admitting he would ‘take him back’ always and ‘at any club’, although he admitted Aston Villa already boast a deep and quality midfield with their latest additions.

Monchi: Douglas Luiz’s qualities ‘unquestionable’, Juventus stronger now than two months ago

“Douglas Luiz is playing less than we all expected, but we’re talking about a strong player,” former Roma director Monchi told La Gazzetta dello Sport in an interview, as quoted by Tuttomercatoweb.

“There are players who arrive and impose themselves, and others who need time. Patience is needed, but Douglas’ qualities are unquestionable.

“Would I take him back? After his departure, we made investments and our midfield is well-stocked with Tielemans, Onana, Kamara, Barkley… But I would always take Douglas back, at any club: he’s top class.”

Monchi spoke ahead of what he expects to be a ‘very difficult match’ for Aston Villa against Juventus in the Champions League, noting how the arrival of Thiago Motta in Turin brought a ‘different idea’ that is gradually paying off, as he feels the Bianconeri are now much ‘stronger than they where two months ago’.

TURIN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 09: Thiago Motta, Head Coach of Juventus, crouches down as he looks on during the Serie A match between Juventus and Torino at Juventus Stadium on November 09, 2024 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

“Juventus are Juventus. Slowly, they are finding their way after the arrival of a coach with a different idea,” Monchi added.

“It’s becoming more and more Thiago’s team, and they are much stronger than they were two months ago. And they also need points in the Champions League: it will be a very difficult match.”

Asked if he’ll make more deals with his Bianconeri counterpart Cristiano Giuntoli in the future, Aston Villa’s director said ‘it will depend on the needs’ of the two teams.

“We’ll see, why not,” he conceded.

“I have a good relationship with Giuntoli, it started when I was working in Rome and he was at Napoli. It will depend on the needs.

“Cristiano is one of the best Italian directors, and sooner or later, he’ll win the league title with Juventus too.”