David Luiz: Defensive rock or midfield general?

Chelsea are now in pole position to secure third spot in the Premier League, and along with it Champions League football for next season, after a convincing 3-0 away to Fulham at Craven Cottage. The likes of Juan Mata and Eden Hazard controlled the game from start to finish, with Fernando Torres showing glimpses of his old self. However, the goals were shared amongst the two centre backs – David Luiz and John Terry.

The Chelsea captain celebrated his return to the starting eleven with two towering headers past the helpless Mark Schwarzer in goal. However, the highlight of the game was Luiz’s thundering 35-yard effort into the top corner, surely a contender for goal of the season. The goal capped off an amazing performance by the Brazilian on the night; the defender was my man of the match by a long stretch. Along with his superb strike, the curly-haired number four played some exquisite passes and made crucial interceptions, and this got me thinking as to whether David Luiz would be better off as defensive rock or a midfield general.

David Luiz signed for Chelsea in the 2011 January transfer window for a fee of approximately 25 million euros. The ex-Benfica man was branded one of the future stars of world football, and Chelsea were lucky to have signed the Brazilian, as Barcelona were also interested. Luiz soon became a hit at Stamford Bridge with his stunning goals against the two Manchester clubs. It seemed that Luiz was 25 million well spent, but he soon faced serious criticism from the English media and pundits alike for his erratic nature and carelessness on the football field.

Ex-Manchester United captain Gary Neville claimed that Luiz looked like he was being controlled by a ten-year old on a PlayStation. He was known for making rash challenges and venturing forward unnecessarily, leaving the Chelsea defense vulnerable. Despite the criticism, Luiz did display some terrific performances while playing at centre-back (namely the Champions League final against Bayern Munich), which allowed him to cement his spot in the centre of Brazil’s defense alongside Thiago Silva.

Towards the end of Roberto di Matteo’s reign as Chelsea manager, Luiz was deployed in a holding midfield role so he could make the most of his attacking talents. His impact was instant, as he marshalled the Chelsea midfield alongside Frank Lampard and Ramires. David Luiz was given the freedom, but suddenly seemed more disciplined. He could make surging moves forward without having to worry about leaving a massive hole in defense. He took to the position like a fish to water, and many suggested that Luiz should stick to being a defensive midfielder. He continued to hold the midfield role under Rafa Benitez in the absence of John Obi Mikel, but now has moved back into a central defensive role.

David Luiz seems to have developed a more ‘no-nonsense’ style of defending, and has eradicated many of his mistakes as a defender. He is an unbelievably talented footballer, and can always put in a defensive shift when needed. However, I feel that David Luiz is more suited to a holding midfield role. He is comfortable on the ball, tackles hard and can certainly pick a pass. He’s got a powerful right boot and is a supreme athlete. He is charismatic and commanding. These are all the qualities required to become a midfield general, and David Luiz has the ability to become the world’s best in that position.