Liverpool vs Arsenal: 3 Men who would be pivotal for Unai Emery against Liverpool

#2 David Luiz

David Luiz is a welcome figure in defence for Arsenal

As solid as Liverpool's defence is, their attack is their biggest asset, in particular, their attacking trident. It is beautiful and frightening at the same time, that one of the three always steps up to torment the opposition, even if the others are having an off day. Against Southampton, Salah was poor, but Mane was good. Last year at Anfield, it was Roberto Firmino who rattled the disintegrated Gunners defence.

Standing tall to this attack cannot afford any passivity on part of the defenders. Moreover, to deal with the Gegenpress, the defenders need to be comfortable on the ball as much as the other players. To counter the nightmare press of Liverpool, David Luiz will be an important presence in the backline.

Not only is Luiz a good ball-playing centre back, but he is also very solid defensively and has the experience to soak up pressure from the opposition, and he is a good commander of the backline. We don't need to go long back in time to find an example of a David Luiz masterclass against a high pressing team.

Last season against Manchester City, he won the most number of aerial duels and completed 100% tackles in a game that ended 2-0 for Chelsea, despite City boasting 14 shots and 62% possession.

Unai Emery needs a strikingly similar performance against Liverpool from his newest defensive acquisition.