Douglas Luiz returning to Juventus after his Aston Villa loan never really looked like the start of a comeback story.
The midfielder had struggled badly in Turin following his move from Villa in 2024. Juventus then sent him back to England, and another exit seemed a very realistic outcome this summer.
A few weeks later, the situation looks completely different. Luciano Spalletti decided to take a proper look at Douglas Luiz and liked what he saw.
The Brazilian has started all six games this season and is now a key part of the Juventus midfield. His performances have also helped him return to the Brazil squad.
Douglas Luiz has become a key man for Juventus
TuttoJuve highlight just how dramatically things have changed for the former Aston Villa midfielder.
They relay comments from Sky Sport Italia journalist Paolo Aghemo, who sees Douglas Luiz as the perfect example of a player reviving his Juventus career.
“Douglas Luiz is certainly the symbol of these players: returning from his loan in England, the chance to relaunch himself at Juve, an important investment made two summers ago, six starts but above all a very good impact,” Aghemo said.
“Not only in terms of the numbers, but also technically in front of the defence. Even more so with Locatelli’s absence through injury, the Brazilian has become a major protagonist in this first part of the season.”
That would have sounded unlikely during Douglas Luiz’s first spell at Juventus. The midfielder never really got going after leaving Aston Villa. Juventus had made a major investment to sign him, yet he quickly became a player they were willing to move on.
Spalletti gave him another chance
There was another important part to the story. Douglas Luiz actually wanted to give Juventus another go.
Speaking to Brazil’s Globo Esporte earlier this month, he explained that returning to Italy was his choice. He had already told his representatives and Juventus that he would do whatever was needed to win his place back.
“I’m happy with this good start to the season because returning to Italy was something I wanted,” he said.
“I spoke to my staff and the people at the club and said I would do whatever was necessary to earn my place here. I want to win in a Juventus shirt and repay all the affection and investment they’ve made in me.”
Spalletti also gave him encouragement.
“Spalletti always said that whoever was playing well would play, that he trusted my football and knew I would perform well when I was ready,” Douglas Luiz explained.
“We have a very strong squad, with many quality players, and we all have to be ready to help when needed.”
At that stage, he had only started Juventus’ first two league matches. Four games later, his position looks even stronger.
Brazil return completes the turnaround
The change is now being recognised away from Juventus as well. Douglas Luiz is back in the Brazil squad after playing his way into Spalletti’s starting XI. That adds another layer to what has been a remarkable few months for him.
When his Aston Villa loan ended, Juventus were getting back a player who had failed to justify their investment and spent the previous season out on loan.
Now they have a regular starter, one Spalletti trusts in a crucial midfield role, and a player back in the Brazil picture. For someone Juventus had previously tried to move on, that’s quite the turnaround.
