Douglas Luiz Returns Home: Brazilian Midfielder Admits Struggles Since Leaving Villa

Douglas Luiz has candidly admitted his football suffered dramatically after leaving Aston Villa, as the Brazilian midfielder settles back into life at his former club following an underwhelming spell away from English football.

The 26-year-old, who rejoined Villa on loan from Juventus via Nottingham Forest, has opened up about his difficult 18-month period since departing Villa Park in summer 2024 for a £42 million move to Italy.

"I really appreciate coming back to Aston Villa, where I showed my best football," Luiz told Sky Sports. "For one year and a half I did not play so well since I left Aston Villa."

A Humbling Experience Abroad

The midfielder's struggles were particularly evident during his loan spell at Nottingham Forest, where he managed just five Premier League starts and spent more time as an unused substitute than on the pitch. Injuries compounded his reduced status at the City Ground.

When pressed on what went wrong, Luiz offered a refreshingly honest assessment: "I don't know, maybe it was the adaptation. It is another team, another coach, another idea. It did not go so well, that is true."

However, the Brazilian maintains his difficult period abroad has provided valuable lessons, adding: "Even in the bad moments you can get something."

Emery's Faith Proves Decisive

Villa manager Unai Emery moved quickly to secure Luiz's return when injuries struck his midfield options, with Boubacar Kamara, Youri Tielemans and John McGinn all sidelined.

"In the first call, he said, 'Douglas, we need you a lot in this moment,'" Luiz revealed. "I just told him, 'Gaffer, you know me. I am ready to play. I am ready to come back.'"

Emery explained his decision to bring back the midfielder: "Douglas Luiz knows us. He knows everything we were working on and building here, our mentality, our demands. He left trying to improve his career because he was performing fantastic."

Tactical Adjustments Required

Despite the familiarity, Luiz acknowledges he must adapt to tactical changes implemented since his departure. The midfielder admits the transition has required patience, particularly in curbing his attacking instincts.

"The most difficult at the moment is this one because for one year and a half I could attack more. Now, I am being more calm and not attacking a lot," he explained. "He has told me, 'Douglas, you can attack but the priority is the structure.'"

Villa's European Ambitions

Luiz returns to find Villa sitting third in the Premier League table, a remarkable position that reflects the club's continued progress under Emery. The midfielder is determined to help maintain their European qualification hopes.

"We know it is very difficult because we have Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool behind us," he said. "They push a lot and we need to keep going to get the points."

While Villa have managed just one victory in their last five matches, there remains optimism that Luiz's return will provide the midfield stability needed for their final push towards European competition.

The loan arrangement includes an option for Villa to make the move permanent, though both parties are focusing on immediate objectives rather than long-term planning. For now, Luiz appears simply grateful to be back where his career flourished.

As Villa prepare for their crucial fixtures ahead, the Brazilian's honest assessment of his struggles abroad serves as a reminder that even talented players can find adaptation challenging when they venture beyond familiar surroundings.