Aston Villa Exec Muses on Struggling Juventus Newcomer

The Cult of Calcio

·27 November 2024

Aston Villa Exec Muses on Struggling Juventus Newcomer

The bombastic summer swap between Aston Villa and Juventus involving Douglas Luiz, Enzo Barrenechea, and Samuel Iling-Junior hasn’t paid dividends. The midfielder hasn’t found his footing in Serie A, while the talents were quickly loaned out. Director Monchi talked about it and more to La Gazzetta dello Sport.

“Douglas Luiz is playing less than we all expected, but he’s a strong player. Some guys come in and establish themselves right away, others need more time and patience. His qualities are undeniable. He’ll become important for the Bianconeri. He’s a regista, and every ball he touches makes sense. He starred in 90 percent of the matches with us last season and was decisive. We invested after his departure, and we’re in a good spot in the midfield. However, I’d always take him back. He’s great.”

Monchi didn’t rule out making more deals with Cristiano Giuntoli.

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“We’ll see, why not? We have a good relationship, which was born when I worked in Rome and he at Napoli. It’ll depend on the needs. He’s one of the best Italian executives and will win the Scudetto with Juventus too sooner or later.”

Monchi explained why they shipped off Iling-Junior and Barrenechea, whom they acquired as part of the Douglas Luiz deal.

“They are young, and we thought about a precise path for them, loaning them to Bologna and Valencia. We’re happy and aren’t in a rush.”

Finally, the official commented on the Champions League clash between the two sides.

“Juventus are finding their way after hiring a coach with different ideas. They are becoming Thiago Motta’s team more and more. They are stronger than two months ago, but I wouldn’t settle for a draw.”