Thiago Motta is planning to use new Juventus signing Douglas Luiz as a central defender in some games and ‘depending on opponents’ but insists central midfielders must be able to do ‘everything.’
Thiago Motta explained his view on the Juventus team during his first press conference as the Old Lady’s coach on Thursday.
Douglas Luiz is one of the first three signings completed by the Old Lady so far in the summer transfer window and Motta has no doubt that the ex-Aston Villa midfielder will have an immediate impact at the Allianz Stadium.
“He is a great footballer. We did a great job in having him here. He plays for Brazil, which is not a small thing. He had an important season, qualifying for the Champions League for a team [Aston Villa] that was not among the candidates,” said Motta.
“He is a complete footballer who will easily adapt to our playing style. He must be able to change roles during the game and, defensively, depending on our opponents, he will also play as a defender.”
This doesn’t mean the Brazilian will be deployed as a centre-back, but, on the contrary, he will drop between the two central defenders in some games and against certain opponents.
Explaining Douglas Luiz’s new Juventus role after move from Aston Villa
During his press conference, Motta spoke very openly about what he expects from central midfielders, suggesting that each one must be able to contribute offensively and defensively, with and without the ball.
“To me, midfielders must do everything,” he said.
“Defend, attack, know how to play the ball, tackle and score. We only have strong players here, and I think all the midfielders who will remain here will be able to do everything.”
Douglas Luiz has joined Juventus on a permanent €50m deal from Aston Villa, but the Premier League side signed Enzo Barrenechea and Samuel Iling-Junior for a combined €22m transfer fee, so Douglas Luiz effectively cost Juventus just €28m.
The 26-year-old has covered different positions in central midfield during his playing career and finished the 2023-24 campaign with ten goals and ten assists in 53 games across all competitions with Aston Villa.