THE mountains which Marvelous Nakamba must climb every week, to try and break into the Aston Villa starting XI, were drawn on Saturday when Douglas Luiz broke into an All-Star US$645.966 million Brazil first XI.
That Brazilian squad could even afford to leave talent worth a staggering US$171.218 million, featuring superstars from Liverpool, Manchester City and Real Madrid, on the bench, in their opening 2022 World Cup qualifier against Bolivia.
Manchester City ‘keeper, Ederson, Liverpool midfielder Fabinho, Everton forward Richarlison and Real Madrid’s Rodrygo could just get a place on the substitute’s bench as the five-time World Champions powered to a comprehensive 5-0 victory.
With Liverpool goalkeeper, Alison Becker, injured, Brazilian coach, Tite, went with Palmeiras ‘keeper, Weverton, one of the heroes of the team’s 2016 Olympic Games triumph.
But, it was the quality of the infield players, which caught the eye.
The Brazilians sent in Marquinhos (US$37,10 million); Danilo (US$43,72million); captain Casemiro (US$8,28 million); Coutinho (US$136,91 million); Firminho (US$37,91 million); Neymar (US$259, 90 million); Everton (US$23,62 million); Thiago Silva (US$49,60 million); Luiz (US$19,56 million) and Lodi (US$29,53 million).
And, it’s that All-Star first XI, into which Luiz forced his way, in what is yet another confirmation of his rapid improvement, which showed how the midfielder has come of age.
He has even forced his old club, Manchester City, to consider invoking a buy-back clause in his contract.
The 22-year-old Brazilian has been fighting a personal battle, with the 26-year-old Warriors star, for the holding position in the Villa midfield, with the former having established himself, in recent months, as the first-choice.
While Nakamba was the preferred choice for Villa manager, Dean Smith, before lockdown, things changed after Project Restart with Luiz taking full ownership of that critical position.
“The rise of Douglas Luiz continued on Saturday night as he made his first start for Brazil, who began their 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign with victory over Bolivia,” Villa reported on their official website.
“The midfielder was one of four Villa players to start their respective fixtures over the weekend, along with Marvelous Nakamba, Conor Hourihane and John McGinn.
