The recent links between Aston Villa and Rodrigo Bentancur have cast doubts over the future of Brazilian international, Douglas Luiz.

The two players are very similar in their profiles.

Both are very versatile and can play anywhere across midfield.

They are known to operate as the 'number 6' in the sides they play for, when it's fair to suggest it isn't the optimal role for either player.

The two can be classed as 'number 8s' or box-to-box midfielders, given their passing talents and immense work-rate.

The signing of Bentancur would likely mean the two would be competing for a role in the starting line-up, and if first team football isn't guaranteed for Luiz, the possibility of him signing a new contract extension looks slim.

His current deal expires in 2023, with boss Steven Gerrard recently stating "we still think there is another gear or two for Dougie to go into", with the club yet to offer him a new deal.

Here is a look into the contributions of Luiz this season and whether or not his value to the side should be rewarded with a new deal, or conversely, should the club move on without the player.

Position

Luiz has played 17 games for Villa this season and in the last six has operated as the holding midfielder due to the injury to Marvelous Nakamba.

He is currently tied with Emi Buendia for most assists in the Premier League this season with three, with two of these coming whilst Luiz was operating further up the field.

This, therefore, outlines the first issue with Luiz, which is that he isn't operating in his optimal position in a Villa shirt.

His strongest performances this season for Villa have been the home fixtures against Everton and Manchester City. He showcased his talents well in these games, but when operating ahead of the defence in the holding role his talents are limited.

Contributions

Despite being played out of position, Luiz's contributions are still massive within the way Villa like to operate.

He ranks third in the squad for key passes (23), shot creating actions (39), tackles (35) and pressures (273).

He's a key figure in propelling the team forward and can often be seen dropping deeper to collect the ball from the centre-backs to utilise his passing ability, and kickstart an attack for his side.

He's completed more passes than any other midfielder at Villa with 576 so far, which is partly due to the roll he operates within the side, as he is tasked with keeping the ball moving, whether it is sideways or in a progressive manner.

Comparison

When comparing both Bentancur and Luiz, it does outline why Villa are possibly keen on completing a move for the Uruguayan.

The Juventus midfielder exceeds Luiz in pass completion, key passes, pressures, progressive passes, passes under pressure, tackles, interceptions and passes into the final third.

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However, under Massimiliano Allegri, Bentancur is no longer seen as the deep lying playmaker and has often been used in a more box-to-box role this season. Whereas Luiz continues to be restricted due to the injuries his side currently face.

At just 23 and with a market value that has doubled since arriving for £15 million in 2019, it would be unfair to suggest Douglas Luiz is surplus to requirements at Villa.

He is a player that possesses a high degree of talent and if Nakamba hadn't suffered a severe injury, Villa fans may have seen a completely different Luiz under Gerrard's guidance.

Gerrard is keen to have players competing for a starting role and having these two similar South American players battling for the number 8 role in the side could see both of them develop.

However, with Newcastle United and Arsenal on red alert given Luiz's contract situation, it is unclear as to whether the players future is in claret and blue.

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