From ‘Playstation defender’ to Champions League winner – 2011/12 was quite a journey for Chelsea’s David Luiz.
After being pulled from pillar to post in Napoli, David Luiz would not have dared dream of such a reversal in fortunes.
A number of Chelsea players put in poor performances that night, as Ezequiel Lavezzi and Edinson Cavani ripped them apart.
Yet David Luiz, who had cost £25 million 13 months previous, was singled out by analyst Gary Neville, describing him as looking like he was being controlled by a kid with a Playstation controller. I
Unlike Arsene Wenger calling Lionel Messi a Playstation footballer two years earlier, it was not a compliment.
Take Part In Our Euro 2012 Predictor Competition – Free Entry, £4,000 Prize Fund
Andre Villas-Boas was soon axed, but Italian manager Roberto di Matteo kept the faith with the defender, starting him in the return leg.
Luiz was like a player transformed. Gone was the over-elaboration on the ball, in it’s place a rugged ‘kick it to row Z’ no nonsense approach.
It made a difference, Chelsea won the game, conceding just the one long range effort, and Luiz continued his form, helping the club keep back-to-back clean sheets away to Tottenham and Benfica.
Injury curtailed much of his run in with Chelsea, he played an hour in the FA Cup semi-final win over Tottenham, and that would be his final domestic game of the season.
He would make a glorious return, along with fellow injury concern Gary Cahill to play a triumphant part in Chelsea’s Champions League win over Bayern Munich.
Chelsea had some luck on the night, but Luiz worked hard to repel to the German advances, and many observers would argue it was not fortune, but good defending.
Barcelona had been linked with a bid for him in mid-March, but there is little chance Chelsea would accept an offer if one came in for him this summer.
His performances under Roberto di Matteo’s management showed a player transformed and full of focus. That is his benchmark going into next season and beyond.
John Terry and Gary Cahill are his competition for the two central defensive berths. Many have suggested Luiz’ role belongs in midfield. His next manager will be the judge of that. He has shown though that he is more than adept at performing defensive duties.
His challenge is to continue on the path he is on, and keep the critics at bay. Until then, this summer he can enjoy his achievements.
Has Luiz proved the critics wrong? Are you convinced about him?
image: © Ben Sutherland
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
