Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz says teammate Jack Grealish has a bit of Brazilian about him.

Both midfielders have kicked off the season in superb fashion.

"I play a bit differently to the player I loved to watch — Ronaldinho," he told the Daily Mail. "I watched him when he was at Barcelona and in the national team, and it was the way he played the game, his essence, the joy he brought to the stage. He was my idol.

"Jack certainly has elements of Brazilian football to his game. He likes to show off his skills, he is joyful on the pitch, he is quick, he can dribble, so he is a very important player and he will continue to develop.

"With Jack signing a new contract and players like Ross Barkley and Emiliano Martinez joining the club, we are clearly developing every season, getting better and bringing in international players.

"Unfortunately I play in a different position to Ronaldinho and Jack, and in my role it's hard to be joyful all the time.

"You have to be more serious but I do try to let that ray of sunshine come on to the pitch."