David Luiz’s signing has been a divisive deal amongst the Chelsea faithful here in the Football Transfer Tavern – but our landlord thinks it could end up being the signing of the summer…
David Luiz’s career thus far has been a bit of a mixed bag.
He had a few unbelievable games in a Blue shirt, including the 2012 Champions League final – but those top performances are sandwiched amongst some absolute shockers from the Brazilian international.
This so-so form continued into his spell with PSG, with the defender losing his place in the first team towards the end of his tenure in the French capital.
Nonetheless, the very fact that Chelsea have re-signed him suggests that the Blues brass is high on the 29-year-old – and our landlord completely agrees with them.
He thinks Luiz come become absolutely crucial to Chelsea’s title charge this season.
With that said, here are THREE reasons why David Luiz is a superb signing for Chelsea…
Quality
Whilst David Luiz has been at the centre of many jokes here in the Football Transfer Tavern with regards to his inconsistent form on the pitch – our landlord feels that many of his criticisms are simply unfair.
His poor performances are remembered, whilst his stunning performances are often forgotten; such is the life of a professional footballer under the microscope of the modern day football fan.
The Chelsea faithful here in the Tavern have pointed out games like the 2012 Champion’s League final, and Chelsea’s 6-0 demolition of Arsenal as games that Luiz has thrived in. On his day he is absolutely unstoppable.
He was arguably the best player on the pitch in the 2012 Champions League Final; and if he can come anywhere close to that level of form this year, his signing could start to look like a bargain.
Experience
Chelsea have really suffered with a lack of leadership in recent years, with key departures like Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard proving difficult to recover from for the Blues.
For all of David Luiz’s flaws on the pitch; off the field he was, by all accounts, absolutely crucial.
He is a larger than life like figure, and that that rally resonated with the Chelsea players both on and off the field.
This is particularly important given that he will likely take the place of John Terry in the Chelsea back line, leaving Luiz himself as the most experienced member of Chelsea’s defence.
He is now coming back to Chelsea as a 29-year-old defender, with years of experience and know-how behind him.
Our landlord thinks that his tendency for mistakes could be behind him – and his leadership and experience on the field will come to the foreground.
Back three
This is more of a hypothetical point; but David Luiz’s signing opens up a number of doors for Antonio Conte from a tactical perspective.
Luiz’s pace and technical ability mean his skill set is varied enough to play a number of roles at the back; and our landlord thinks that he would be perfect in a back three.
Conte has preferred the utilisation of a three-man defence in recent years, but players like John Terry and Gary Cahill are less able to work in that sort of system.
David Luiz would be perfect for it – his positional play is outstanding, he is absolutely electric when chasing back and he is solid in the air.
He could become a key part of Antonio Conte’s back-line, especially in a back three.
