Alex

[Waterfall 893]

Having a strong 2nd/3rd CB like Alex gives us much needed depth and lots of options tactically. No way he's sold.

[Sparkie 27]

Was the stand out Chelsea player for me - we all (myself included) got swept away with the Luiz hysteria. He'll be good, but needs an off season to learn the Chelsea way too, like Torres.

[termninja 5,290]

Luiz plays 1 bad match and already he's a bad player. Sure he had a great start, but you shouldn't forget that he is young, that he doesn't know English and that he is in our club around 5 months. Besides that, Luiz needs to play and improve while Alex is a finished article.

[LDN Blue 7,903]

Luiz plays 1 bad match and already he's a bad player. Sure he had a great start, but you shouldn't forget that he is young, that he doesn't know English and that he is in our club around 5 months. Besides that, Luiz needs to play and improve while Alex is a finished article.

Excellent post.

Can't believe Luiz has gone from hero-to-zero here

[Tomo 21,681]

Excellent post.

Can't believe Luiz has gone from hero-to-zero here

Unbelievable.

Maybe they should watch the reverse match against Utd the games against Spuds and City and (the time he was on) against Liverpool. Not once did they get through our defense with him on the pitch.

[Term-X 7,891]

Excellent post.

Can't believe Luiz has gone from hero-to-zero here

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2VOVStL0NW0

[Henrique 9,133]

Its not about Luiz going hero to zero, is about the bulshit of saying that now with Luiz, Alex is useless.

[zolayes 14,489]

Its not about Luiz going hero to zero, is about the bulshit of saying that now with Luiz, Alex is useless.

Ive gone back through this thread ,,,which started in January ,,I can't find a single post which says Alex is useless ...Its just another example

of your paranoia

[LDN Blue 7,903]

Its not about Luiz going hero to zero, is about the bulshit of saying that now with Luiz, Alex is useless.

David Luiz is an immense central defender. No-one even put Alex in their starting line-ups when he was around because he'd outshone him in 2 months. Now because of 1 mistake he's not good enough?

[zolayes 14,489]

David Luiz is an immense central defender. No-one even put Alex in their starting line-ups when he was around because he'd outshone him in 2 months. Now because of 1 mistake he's not good enough?

not sure people are saying David isnt good enough ..Im certainly not but the two positions that need most experience are I believe keeper

and CB ,,,notice these players tend to be later in making first team places and international teams ,, Cech and Terry are excepptional in this regard .

One plus is they seem to be able to continue longer ...I am sure David will improve with experience of our league ,,,Actually I feel he could play at fuull

back or in midfield ,,,

[Gianfranco_Z 202]

I think when people say Luiz has gone from hero to zero... Remember this has been at the start aswell... First start vs Fulham? Cech saved the blushes... Could have easily seen red vs Man Utd...

He's a quality defender but alot of goals recently conceded... he has to hold his hand up... The one vs Stoke comes to mind where he rushed in... on the HALFWAY LINE! Alex for me should be the #1 with JT... no nonsense, great anticipation knows our game. Luiz will learn in time.

[Rambo 1,729]

IMO Alex > David Luiz right now. I've been saying this before he was injured.

[eldo 868]

I agree with Zolayes. Alex has more experience. I said it before we signed Luiz that atm Alex is better and he would be one of the best Chelsea players if he wasn't injured for so long..Unlucky.

In a season or two David will be class.

[BlueLion. 21,491]

I've said it before and I'll say it again...

http://www.talkchelsea.net/first-line-of-defence.html

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.

Luiz should be shifted to right back, and Alex should be at the back with Terry.

[LDN Blue 7,903]

Well.. I still feel Luiz > Alex. Yes he's a bit reckless at times but it's a learning curve like people have said. The solution is not drooping him for most of the season.

Alex, I'd have agreed this season, but if the rumours about Van Der Weil are true, then Luiz should stay in central defence

[Melanicus 5,208]

But guys look, we have 4 CB's, one of them is JT which is always in 1st sqad. And than Ivanovič, Luiz, Alex...

[BlueLion. 21,491]

I'd say Alex is the best defender out of the four of them...

[SeanO 7]

Zenit offer Chelsea cash plus Bruno Alves for out-of-favour Alex

Chelsea have been offered Zenit St Petersburg defender Bruno Alves in a swap deal for Alex - but the Russians' initial bid to lure the Brazil centre back has been rejected.

Zenit manager Luciano Spalletti contacted Chelsea about the 28-year-old last week.

Alex has fallen down the pecking order after David Luiz's £25million transfer from Benfica in January. Zenit are prepared to include cash, as well as Alves, in their attempts to sign Alex.

Alves only joined Zenit from Porto in an £18million deal last August and has made 24 appearances.