Bent: Doug has energy and power

By Graham Hill

FORMER Villa striker Darren Bent says Douglas Luiz will be ‘massive’ for Villa this season.

Luiz is fast becoming a fixture in Dean Smith’s midfielder after his £15million move from Manchester City this summer.

And now that the Brazil Under23 captain has come through all the red tape needed for him to get a work permit and passport to finally play in this country, the 21-year-old is making the most of his chance.

He made a shaky start on his full debut against Bournemouth only to score a superb first goal in Villa colours.

And he was a key member of the Villa side that recorded their first win of the season against Everton on Friday.

Now Bent believes the player will only grow in stature this season.

Bent told the Football Insider website: “I thought Luiz gives them a real thorn and a real spine in the side, he’s making a big, big difference for them this season.

“He’s that energy and powerhouse in the midfield. Even when he came in against Bournemouth and scored that goal, you could see he was going to be a key ingredient to the way they play. He’s going to be massive for them this season.”