The Brazil international, signed from Aston Villa in the summer, has only played a bit part under head coach Thiago Motta. Yet he impressed during Juventus’ Champion League success over PSV Eindhoven.
Creative midfielder Luiz played the entire play-off first leg, and could be fit enough for the all-important return match on Tuesday in the Netherlands.
As his form has been patchy this term, there has been much interest in the 26-year-old with a potential summer switch back to the English Premier League. Aston Villa, Manchester City, Manchester United and Newcastle United are among the clubs that are tracking his situation with the Turin titans.
Missing the Derby D’Italia against the reigning champions Inter, means that Luiz won’t be adding to his Serie A minutes. Motta will be forced to shuffle his pack ahead of the hotly-anticipated showdown.
Luiz has slowly been adapting to life in Italy. After some uninspiring displays before the turn of the year, resulting in under 500 Serie A minutes this campaign, Luiz has started to show the same verve that made him a star in the Premier League over the past five seasons.
Motta recently singled out Luiz by describing him during a post-match press conference as “having potential”.
Juve’s recent results have loosened the pressure on Motta. Earlier this year, following a string of draws and a mixed Champions League campaign, fans posted #MottaOut on social media channels and the club sounded out ex-Barcelona boss Xavi as his potential replacement in the summer.
With the defense bolstered during the recent transfer window, and the attack improved by the arrival of Kolo Muani on loan from Paris Saint-Germain, it only leaves the midfield requiring a tweak.
Motta’s tactics, which worked wonders at Bologna, has left former players and many supporters critical of whether he is the right fit for the Biancorneri.
He has a variety of midfielders throughout the squad, which can complement each other as they have different characteristics. Motta’s tactics offer them plenty of freedom in possession, and recent results means that finishing in the top four is attainable..
Facing Inter is going to be a litmus test having faced the past three opponents where the Bianconeri were expected to win. Traditionally Juventus and Inter have produced a string of thrilling matches.
Motta’s troops are on a roll with three successive victories having dispatched relegation-threatened Empoli and Como, then snatched a 2-1 success against PSV.
It took time for Juve to find their rhythm against Empoli, and thanks to the visitors being reduced to 10-men they finished strongly to register a flattering 4-1 result.
Como is always going to be a tough destination for any team. But Juventus managed to leave Tuscany with maximum points thanks to a controversial last-gasp penalty, despite being outplayed. Muani coolly stroked home the winner to grab his fifth goal in three Serie A outings.
Muani was man-marked out of the tie by two PSV players, so proved largely ineffective. Yet the 25-year-old is brimming with confidence after making such an impact in the Italian top flight, and should cause problems for Inter.
If the Juventus midfield can start to purr then there should be plenty more goals from French international Muani, although the absence of Luiz for the Inter clash will be a bitter blow for Motta.