Douglas Luiz, from Girona ostracism to starting for Brazil

Douglas Luiz, from Girona ostracism to starting for Brazil

Douglas Luiz celebra uno de los goles de Brasil con Neymar y Casemiro.
Douglas Luiz celebra uno de los goles de Brasil con Neymar y Casemiro. | sport

The midfielder featured in the 5-0 win over Bolivia in a Qatar 2022 WC qualifier

Douglas Luiz started for Brazil in their 5-0 win over Bolivia in a World Cup 2022 qualifier.

The midfielder, 22, has done well at Aston Villa where he has played after spending time at Girona (2017-19), which didn't go as successfully. 

Former Barca midfielder Arthur was not called up to duty and Douglas Luiz took his place in the XI. "He's a great player, we are very happy for his growth," said Philippe Coutinho.

Douglas signed in 2017 for Man City for 13m euros. He was loaned out to Girona after not getting his English work permit. The then 19 year old never shone under Pablo Machin or Eusebio Sacristan. It was only in the 19-20 season did he break out, at Villa.

He played 450 mins in the first year at Girona and then 1,958 the year after that, a more respectable total. He never scored a goal. In October 2020 Villa paid City 16.8m euros for him, and now he has debuted for Brazil.

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