---
title: "Fans call for ‘superb’ Marvelous Nakamba to start against Leeds"
canonical: "https://readastonvilla.com/2021/02/22/villa-fans-want-nakamba-start-v-leeds-douglas-luiz/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Crippy Cooke"
section: "Aston Villa News"
published: "2021-02-22T09:30:00Z"
modified: "2021-02-22T09:30:00Z"
---

# Fans call for ‘superb’ Marvelous Nakamba to start against Leeds

Douglas Luiz underperformed in [Aston Villa’s 2-1 defeat to Leicester City](https://www.avfc.co.uk/news/2021/february/Aston-Villa-1-2-Leicester-City/) and was substituted in the second half, leading to many supporters calling for a change in midfield ahead of Saturday’s meeting with Leeds United.

The 22-year-old has struggled for form in recent weeks, resulting in Dean Smith substituting him in Villa’s 3-1 defeat to West Ham, dropping him in their 1-0 win over Arsenal and substituting him against Leicester ([Transfermarkt](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/douglas-luiz/leistungsdaten/spieler/447661)).

His midfield colleague [Marvelous Nakamba](https://readastonvilla.com/2021/01/28/marvelous-nakamba-targeted-valencia-transfer-rumours/) has made 10 appearances in all competitions this season, spending most of the campaign as an unused substitute ([Transfermarkt](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/marvelous-nakamba/leistungsdaten/spieler/324882)). He has found himself behind Luiz, John McGinn, Morgan Sanson and Jacob Ramsey in the pecking order, but Smith might turn to him in this time of need.

Against Leicester, Luiz turned over the ball only once before coming off and gave away three fouls ([WhoScored](https://www.whoscored.com/Matches/1485432/LiveStatistics/England-Premier-League-2020-2021-Aston-Villa-Leicester)). With Nakamba [delivering impressive performances](https://www.whoscored.com/Players/243249/MatchStatistics/Marvelous-Nakamba) in the last two leagues games he started, he should have earned some trust from his manager.

These Aston Villa fans on Twitter believe that the “superb” Zimbabwean should be given an opportunity to start ahead of Luiz next weekend.

> Spot on with everything here pal it's graft needed against Leeds so I agree nakamba has to be a starter with trez for both there workrates hopefully we can take it to them utv.
>
> — Sam Brogan (@SamBrogan3) [February 21, 2021](https://twitter.com/SamBrogan3/status/1363582406469509121?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

> He's definitely got the ability to play there, doesnt stop running which could really help Ollie when he's all alone. \
> \
> I'd argue Nakamba is pushing for a starting place, rarely puts a foot wrong and gives us a bit of grit in midfield.
>
> — Jack Jennings (@JackJenningss\_) [February 21, 2021](https://twitter.com/JackJenningss_/status/1363598114591043588?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

https://twitter.com/GreaIishhh/status/1363604421897240585?s=20

> I would play Nakamba and Sanson as the two holding midfielders with McGinn having more licence to go further forward
>
> — Tim (@thallium\_72) [February 21, 2021](https://twitter.com/thallium_72/status/1363605696793739268?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

> Thinking Nakamba for Luiz. Samson for Barkley and Trez for Traore. Traore has left the right back exposed too many times already great going forward but no effort in getting back.
>
> — ClarryBlue (@VillainPaul1962) [February 21, 2021](https://twitter.com/VillainPaul1962/status/1363638976393928708?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

> I agree, Nakamba came in against Arsenal and was superb, his reward was to be dropped, it's the wrong message to send out, it's a bit like favouritism.
>
> — Martin Rammer (@Martin45015565) [February 22, 2021](https://twitter.com/Martin45015565/status/1363640154771062788?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

https://twitter.com/macdonaldchiad1/status/1363736330732253186?s=20

https://twitter.com/AVFC\_Religion/status/1363520137253519365?s=20