Ron Vlaar, a fan favourite at Aston Villa, has singled out Douglas Luiz as the man to watch when Unai Emery’s side take on Ajax this week.
The Dutchman has been speaking to Voetbal Nieuws about the Europa League clash on Thursday, and who he believes could be the key men for the Premier League team.
The two sides meet in Amsterdam on Thursday for the first leg of their last 16 clash before the return leg at Villa Park on the 14th.
Aston Villa head into the game full of confidence after an impressive season so far that has seen them sitting fourth in the table and five points clear of Tottenham in fifth.
It’s been a season in which many of the squad have kicked onwards and upwards under Emery’s guidance after impressing under him since his arrival last season.
Douglas Luiz is undoubtedly one of them, transforming from a somewhat defensive minded midfielder into something of a creative force, bagging ten goals and eight assists in 38 games in all competitions for Aston Villa this season.
He’s already bettered his totals from last season despite playing two fewer games and Vlaar admits he’s his particular favourite, even with Ollie Watkins also shining.
“They already had a number of good players at the time,” he said.
“For example, they already had Douglas Luiz and Ollie Watkins in their ranks. Under this training, targeted purchases were made and some loan transfers. The structure and intensity is clearly visible. They really have a good team.
“Watkins is definitely one of [his favourites], but I’m the biggest fan of Douglas Luiz myself. He was really good at Alkmaar against AZ, and he also made the difference at Villa Park. He positions himself perfectly between the lines. That’s a really clever player.”
