Ezri Konsa and Douglas Luiz joined Aston Villa in July 2019 from Brentford and Manchester City respectively and have three years remaining on their deals, but Dean Smith told Birmingham Live that contract extensions are already being considered as reward for their fine form this season.
The manager said: “There will be ongoing discussions with sporting director (Johan Lange), and the representatives of our players. That is something ongoing all the time at the club. Douglas is obviously one who I think has a big future at this football club. Ezri Konsa is another one.”
Konsa has made 42 appearances in all competitions for Villa, scoring four goals and supplying two assists. After missing Villa’s opening Premier League game of the season, the 23-year-old has since played every minute of every league game, mostly alongside Tyrone Mings at centre-back. [Transfermarkt]
Konsa has conceded 13 goals from 10 appearances while helping Villa keep an impressive five clean sheets. He has won 35 aerial duels, made four tackles, blocked seven shots, made 47 clearances, given away only four fouls, made six interceptions and is yet to be dribbled past (WhoScored).
As for Luiz, the 22-year-old has made a total of 53 appearances for Villa, scoring three goals and supplying four assists (Transfermarkt).
He has made 11 appearances this season, 10 of which have come in the league, creating nine chances, completing 85.7% of his 421 passes, winning 13 of 23 aerial duels, succeeding with six of his seven dribbles, blocking five shots, making 11 clearances and averaging either a tackle (9) or interception (13) every 39 minutes (WhoScored).
The midfielder has two caps for Brazil off the back on his Villa form and is being considered by Manchester City and Juventus.
It’s no surprise that Smith wants to reward the pair and end any speculation of their respective futures, given their respective contributions to the Aston Villa cause.
In other news, one club is reportedly in advanced talks to sign an Aston Villa player in January.
