Mario Mattioli baffled at how slow Douglas Luiz plays at Juventus

Douglas Luiz was one of the best midfielders in the Premier League during his time with Aston Villa, which is why Juventus added him to their squad in the summer of 2024.

The Brazilian arrived as one of three top midfielders signed by the Bianconeri to revamp that area of their squad, and significant expectations were placed on him. However, it quickly became clear that he was struggling to establish himself with the Bianconeri.

Under Thiago Motta during his first season, Luiz struggled with both form and fitness. The Bianconeri subsequently sent him out on loan during his second season, but things did not improve, despite his return to familiar territory.

Luiz has another chance to impress

Luiz is back in Turin and is keen to make a name for himself while on the books of the Bianconeri. The club expects him to do so by the end of this season, although he is yet to show the form that convinced them to sign him in the first place.

His continued struggles have surprised Mario Mattioli, who admits that he expected too much from Luiz when the midfielder moved to Turin. The Brazilian will now hope to demonstrate why Juventus invested in him and show that he can deliver the performances expected of him.

(Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

Mattioli raises concerns over Luiz

Mattioli believes Luiz and Koopmeiners now have an important role to play after being placed on the market. He also questioned the Brazilian’s slow pace, particularly because Luiz had previously played at a faster tempo.

He said via Tuttojuve:

“Now, two players who were put on the market will have to save the day: Douglas Luiz and Koopmeiners. The Brazilian hasn’t changed his slow pace, which is strange because he used to play faster when he was abroad. Perhaps he’s having trouble following the coach’s instructions.”

Luiz now has another opportunity to change perceptions and prove his value to the Bianconeri. With Juventus expecting him to make an impact this season, he will need to rediscover his best form and demonstrate the qualities that initially made him such a highly regarded midfielder.