At just 26 years old, Douglas Luiz has made a big splash at Juventus, donning the number 26 jersey as the club’s most expensive signing of the summer. Fans are quickly warming up to the Brazilian midfielder, especially after a stellar debut in early August, where he showcased his skills by providing two assists from corners and demonstrating some impressive tricks, including a sombrero and backheel flick.
In his own words, Luiz expressed a strong first impression: “Juventus is an enormous club with a rich history of great players, which motivates me to be here. We have new players, and we’re adapting to the demands of Thiago Motta, and I’m very happy.” His initial experience with the club has been overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the grandeur of Juventus and the passion of its supporters. He emphasized the importance of this season and the determination within the team to achieve significant results.
The presence of fellow Brazilian teammates, Danilo and Bremer, played a crucial role in Luis’s move. “Danilo helped a lot with the transfer, continually encouraging me with ‘Forza Juve’ and sharing insights about the club,” Luiz said. His relationship with coach Thiago Motta also seems promising. “It feels like we’ve known each other for a long time. His youthfulness offers a great atmosphere for open communication about tactics and game aspects,” he noted.
Luiz’s desire to join Juventus was unwavering. “There was no need for much persuasion; the club’s stature speaks for itself. As soon as I heard about the opportunity, I expressed my interest, and we worked hard to make it happen. This is a significant step in my career.” Despite his enthusiasm, he acknowledges the high expectations that come with his hefty price tag, close to €50 million. “I feel the pressure, but I will continue to work hard as I always have. I want to be an example for the younger players; I am here to both learn and teach.”
Discussing his move from the Premier League, he reflected, “I left a league that’s considered the toughest because any player would want to experience life at Juventus. It’s not just about the league; it’s about the club’s greatness. One day, I’ll cherish telling my family that I played here.” He respects the Premier League but believes Serie A holds its own merits.
As he gears up for the new season, Luiz feels prepared and ready to deliver more. “I understand my abilities well; my goals will follow from the hard work put in throughout the year. Sometimes, an assist means more than a goal, as intelligence in my role is key,” he said. He looks forward to cooperating with his teammates, noting that the squad is youthful yet capable, with Danilo providing valuable leadership.
Luiz also acknowledged some of his role models. “In Serie A, Adriano, Danilo, and Felipe Melo stand out for me. I have always admired Juventus, even using them in video games,” he shared, reminiscing about his childhood fascination with iconic players like Pavel Nedved and Edgar Davids.
On choosing his jersey number, he explained, “The number 6 is Danilo’s, and I respect that. The 26 was available, and it just felt fitting – it contains ‘6’ and represents my age.” Lastly, he takes pride in his versatility, having worked hard on his ability to play both defensively and further up the pitch. “I’ve been developing this skill since my youth, whether at Vasco da Gama or Girona,” he concluded, poised for an exciting season ahead with Juventus.
