'This is a problem' - Gregg Evans slams 'desperate' Aston Villa man who lost 75% of his duels

Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz has been criticised for his display against Watford this afternoon with Gregg Evans of The Athletic explaining a serious ‘problem’ with the player.

The Brazilian, who has played the vast majority of matches under Steven Gerrard since the ex-Rangers manager’s appointment in November, started life brilliantly under the Premier League legend.

Indeed, he attracted praise from various pundits, with ex-Arsenal striker Kevin Campbell explaining that Luiz was ‘shining’ under Gerrard back in December (Football Insider).

However, more recently, some of his performances have been questioned – as highlighted by Ashley Preece’s Birmingham Live player ratings against Newcastle last week.

Luiz apparently ‘infuriated’ Gerrard at one point in that match and he was the one sacrificed today, being taken off mid-way through the second period.

Speaking in a Q&A in The Athletic, Evans claims the ‘problem’ with Luiz right now is his desperation to get forward – leaving Gerrard’s side exposed.

Replying to a fan with the same theory, he explained: “This is a problem. Luiz is just so desperate to play higher up. He was way too high for the Dennis chance.”

Losing 3/4 of his overall duels before being taken off against Watford, a huge 75% (SofaScore), it certainly appears Luiz needs to work more on the defensive side of his game.

However, judging by the praise he received late last year, he isn’t irredeemable and it could be a case of patience with the 23-year-old who attracted serious interest in January.

If he hasn’t improved under the manager’s guidance in the next couple of months, perhaps it will indeed be time to cash in come the summer.

Source