David Luiz

[Miguelito 459]

absolutely love this guy! so amazing, just scared he dives in a little too much but he'll mature thru that hopefully

[zolayes 14,489]

he looks as if he could play in defence ,,,midfield ..or even as a striker ...real Brazilian flair (and hair)

[Fulham Broadway 16,386]

Nice story about his early career

Good article - we've quite a Brazilian streak running through the squad now now

[zagger 47]

What a similarity.

[Tomo 21,681]

In decades gone by when Luiz is retired the roaming centre half will be known as "the Luiz role"

[Tortilla9 390]

I loved watching him. My only concern is because of Fergie's rant and the media kissing Fergie's.... that refs may watch him a little closer. Any bets on him being sent off at OT later?

[BlueLion. 21,491]

Luiz scares the shit out of me.

[TomCFC 356]

What an absolute bargain.

[Tomo 21,681]

Cant believe there were people against signing him

Could u imagine the sense of regret we would have felt if we saw him put these performances on at the Bernabeu or good for bid Eastlands?

[BlueLion. 21,491]

First line of defence

3rd Mar 2011, In Articles, by Alex Hinsley David Luiz’ sensational goal on Tuesday evening did not only make him an instant fans’ favourite – but it also underlined his supreme attacking qualities.

Described by Dunga, the Brazilian national team manager as a true “footballing defender,” Chelsea fans have already been given an exclusive insight into the powerful centre back’s desire to join in with the attackers.

A scintillating volley in front of the Matthew Harding Stand began an instant love affair with the Stamford Bridge faithful. It was also a finish that Fernando Torres, Nicolas Anelka, Didier Drogba et al would all have been proud of – and a goal that has turned the tide of Chelsea’s fortunes this season.

Make no mistake – Chelsea are not back in the title race, and in fact, our victory against Manchester United may only have improved Arsenal’s odds of ending a trophy run so hilariously extended by last-minute calamity on Sunday afternoon.

But a victory in our game in hand would not only see Chelsea re-establish themselves as a top three outfit, displacing Manchester City in the process, it would also see the gap between themselves and Sir Alex Ferguson’s wounded outfit to nine points.

That being taken into consideration – the damage has already been done. Costly defeats against Birmingham and Sunderland have put paid to our title chances. A win over Liverpool almost a month ago might have resulted in a different equation, but Chelsea supporters should be contented in the knowledge Champions League football looks much more likely after a brace of confidence-inducing wins over Copenhagen and now United.

Even with trips to Anfield, the Emirates and what looks like a potential title decider at Old Trafford against Carlo Ancelotti’s defending champions, the title seems very much so United’s to lose.

Arsenal will try their best and come closer than they have done in many a season, but years of experience coupled with a wonderful ability to produce when necessary will see United over the finish line with a point or two to spare, one imagines.

Luiz’ sumptuous effort will certainly go down as one of the more memorable goals of the 23 year old’s career so far, and whilst the debate in regards to whether he should have perhaps been sent off for admittedly cynical and idiotic fouls on Hernandez and Rooney whilst still on a yellow will predictably rage on judging by Ferguson’s history of bitterness and being a sore loser – as well as him just generally being a despicable, loathsome hypocrite.

On Tuesday, Ramires ensured insult was added to grievous injury as Nemanja Vidic was dismissed in stoppage time for the most innocuous of fouls – though few can have any complaints considering the ‘totting-up process’ that saw Martin Atkison acknowledge several acts of thuggery; including a thunderous studs-up effort on Didier Drogba’s ankles.

But with the dismissal – or lack of – surrounding Vidic and Luiz still a hot topic, a secondary debate has emerged in regards to Chelsea’s number four – his position.

With all respect to the player, who possesses wonderful skill and confidence to match (as demonstrated by the guts he has to sport such an incredible hairstyle), he frankly scares the shit out of me.

As a centre back, he likes to get up close and personal with his opponents – and, as best demonstrated by his concession of a penalty at Craven Cottage, that involves some haphazard, touchy-feely defending in the penalty area. He also enjoys forays into opposition territory, thus neglecting his defensive duties. Granted his athleticism and considerable stamina see that more often than not his adventures forward are quickly countered by a 50-metre sprint back into the defence, Luiz still leaves a sizeable gap that is sometimes left unplugged.

However, it must be said that after only his third game in English football he will, with time, adapt to a different footballing culture and learn the discipline required when playing as part of a rearguard. In Portugal, such is the all-out attacking nature of their first division, defenders such as Luiz may well find themselves playing as midfielders at times – but in the Premier League, such risks should be addressed by the coach.

Ancelotti will therefore have to instil some restraint in the afro-sporting defender – that, or he could play him elsewhere.

The Fulham game showed his ability to operate as a full-back; his switch with Bane Ivanovic mid-way through the second period did not only see him demonstrate great attacking nous, but Chelsea fans became privy to a hidden talent; Luiz long throws. Such a weapon could be effectively utilised – cue the inevitable images of Rory Delap hurling a football into the penalty area at 30 miles-per-hour.

Alternatively, such is the player’s diversity, he could even be played as a midfielder. As to where he could be played is debatable, however. Judging by Florent Malouda’s recent showings, a pop on the left wing might not be out of the question. Of course, realistically-speaking, a player who performed so well for Benfica in a variety of roles should be played in one of his primary positions- but when you have a player with such attacking instincts, a place within the midfield quartet should certainly be considered.

Ultimately, Luiz’ versatility will be a key aspect of any potential trophy triumph for Chelsea in the future – though his immediate influence should not besmear the long-term overview. Chelsea have signed a wonderful, wonderful talent in this young Brazilian defender, and, like fellow countryman and former Benfica team-mate Ramires, has certainly already come to warrant a hefty price tag.

Luiz has come to represent the first line of defence with his defensive enthusiasm matched with an unquenchable thirst to attack. He is also an insight into the foreseeable future – and what an exciting future it may well be.

[J.F. 1,484]

[Peace. 4,352]

Very good article

[LDN Blue 7,903]

David Luiz, bringing back the "Sweeper" position back to modern football?

[Styles 9,790]

Luiz is going to give me a heart attack sooner or later. He does some great things but he looks to always be on the verge of doing something incredibly silly. Maybe that's why we all like him :champions:

[milllz 43]

-- must watch!!! david luiz song!!!!

[DYC. 7,542]

Roman Abramovich discovers that Chelsea's X-factor player is incredible David Luiz & not struggling Fernando Torres

Brazilian is delivering sparkle that £50m man was expected to bring

COMMENT

By Wayne Veysey at Stamford Bridge

One is the brilliant finisher whose class and composure in the penalty box is matched by his excellence outside it. The other is Fernando Torres. The sight of David Luiz producing an outrageous piece of skill is becoming as common at Chelsea as Torres looking forlornly at the touchline to see his No.9 being held aloft.

The irony of the Premier League new boy completely outshining the global icon during their first seven weeks in London will probably not have been lost on Roman Abramovich, watching from his private box at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

His thoughts can be gauged only from his actions and not his words, as he never speaks publicly, but there was a rueful look to the Chelsea owner when the camera panned on him following Torres' 71st minute substitution.

Having shelled out £50 million for what Abramovich would have reckoned to have been the complete article, particularly following a mini renaissance under Kenny Dalglish in January, Torres has reverted to the hesitant figure whose first touch is like a misplaced pass and whose speed across the first 10 yards seems half of what it was 12 months ago.

It is not as if he did not try against a Manchester City rearguard that is a tough nut to crack under Roberto Mancini's cautious regime. When Torres was hooked with the scores still level, he was given a standing ovation. There were even jeers from some at his premature removal from the action.

Yet Torres has been the beneficiary of faith from Carlo Ancelotti that is starting to look unwarranted. Abramovich's rouble outlay might be swaying the Italian's decision-making but the cold, hard facts are these.

In seven games - six of which he has started - for Chelsea, Torres has not scored or created a goal. In six Premier League matches for his new club, he has had only one shot on target, a fine reflex save by Pepe Reina against Liverpool on his debut. In four of his six starts, he has been substituted.

The brilliant striker who, at various times during his three-and-a-half-year spell on Merseyside, looked the best centre-forward on the planet now has a fight on his hands to be much more than an impact substitute for the rest of a season that still offers tantalising possibilities for his new club. How did it come to this, might think Torres. His Russian pay-master might think the same.

Chelsea were energised by the dual arrival of Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka against City. Neither has been at their best since Torres signed his name on Chelsea headed paper but both have offered far more threat inside and outside the box than their new team-mate.

Torres is trying to compensate for his miserable form by drifting into wide areas but he doesn't possess the invention to conjure regular opportunities for colleagues and the end result is he is rarely taking up positions in the area, where he is at his most effective. It is an indictment of his situation that Kalou looks a more dynamic presence up front.

The X-factor that Torres was supposed to bring to Chelsea is being delivered instead by the riveting Luiz.

For the second consecutive home game, the Brazilian, four years younger and £29m cheaper than Torres, lifted the Bridge off its feet with a consummate piece of finishing.

He added to his majestic volleyed equaliser against Manchester United in Chelsea's last Premier League home fixture with a powerful and unerring header that undid City's massed defensive ranks.

But it was not just for his game-changing abilities that the home supporters chanted 'Luiz, Luiz' at the final whistle. They have merely been mouth-watering desserts following delicious appetisers and main courses.

In four-and-a-bit games since his switch from Benfica (sadly the Brazilian is ineligible for the Champions League), he has brought a swagger and majesty to Chelsea which has been the missing piece of the jigsaw for the majority of the serial-winning Abramovich era.

Rarely can a centre-back in modern times have been such an asset in attack. One can think of Ronald Koeman and his countryman Lucio on the European stage and, Premier League-wise, the ebullient but brittle Philippe Albert at Newcastle United.

Luiz's divine passes above and along the ground, forward bursts and outrageous pieces of skill, such as the bicycle kick on his full debut against Fulham, all have the hallmark of the footballer raised in Brazil.

Even the rawness to his defending, which was exposed considerably more by Manchester United than their 'noisy' neighbours, only makes him even more engrossing to watch. He was lucky to escape a red card in that tumultuous clash against the league leaders at the start of the month but he is also racking up a healthy share of perfectly timed interceptions.

The man known in Lisbon as Sideshow Bob from The Simpsons for his spaghetti curls has swiftly become the main event at Chelsea.

Only perhaps Arjen Robben, when fit and in the mood, has offered such a capacity for the unexpected during Abramovich's reign.

This is not to say that, by comparison, Torres is a busted flush. That is nonsense. But the Spaniard's travails cannot be dismissed simply as a blip or even new club blues.

He will doubtless soon ease past Luiz on the list of leading scorers at Chelsea. If he gets enough minutes on the pitch, that is. It would not be a surprise if Drogba ends the season where he began it as the main man up front.

It is seven weeks to the day since the football world was given notice that Abramovich has lost none of his desire to own the most successful club in the world.

For the two signings who are the emblems of his ambition, the mood could not be more different.

Link

[caesarblues 51]

[chrismada9 1,948]

Frank Lampard on David Luiz:

"I can only be pleased we've got him, because he would be ideal for the Arsenal. I mean, he can play anywhere, he's absolutely fantastic. And you know what, more than how he's playing, he's got such a lovely attitude about him. He's carefree, he plays with a smile on his face.

I think he's almost learned the English language in three weeks because he's such a confident boy, you know, he's not fearful of anything.

With David Luiz, you could see a look in his eye and a smile on his face the minute he walked through the door. We were having a funny time when him and Fernando turned up, and to get a striker like Torres and then this player coming, we didn't know much about him to be honest. To see the confidence and the ability he's got, it was a breath of fresh air. So he's going to be a fantastic player for a long time for us."

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Source: Chelsea Daft

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Edited March 26, 2011 by CJ Revo