When Chelsea take on Barcelona in the Champions League semi-final, they will need their £25 million defender to put in two performances of a lifetime.
Both Lionel Messi and David Luiz have been granted comparisons to ‘Playstation footballers’ but that is where the similarities end.
One was meant as flattery, while the other was a barbed insult.
It was after Barcelona had demolished Arsenal 4-1 in the Nou Camp in 2010 that Arsene Wenger paid Messi the compliment, after the Argentine had destroyed the Gunners with a memorable four goal blitz.
“We lost against a team better than us with the best player in world. He made the impossible possible. He has something exceptional. He is unstoppable.
“He is the best player in the world by some distance. He’s (like) a PlayStation. He can take advantage of every mistake we make.”
David Luiz was not so fortunate to be bestowed with such praise, when former Manchester United defender Gary Neville put in a damning critique of his showing in Chelsea’s 2-1 loss to Liverpool earlier this season.
“He played as if he was being controlled by a 10-year-old in the crowd on a Playstation.”
Luiz’ form has improved since February, when an upturn in fortunes was demanded for all Chelsea’s players following their dismal 3-1 loss at Napoli.
By time the second leg came around, under new manager Roberto di Matteo, Luiz was much-improved and has continued a rich run of form since then- meshing his extravagant style with a no-nonsense approach.
The biggest test of his renaissance, bigger than anyone could ask for, is the daunting prospect of facing the world’s best footballer Lionel Messi.
Messi is becoming utterly incomprehensible, such is his success and personal achievement this season. He currently looks set to eclipse Gerd Muller’s historic record of scoring 67 goals in a season, having already hit 60 in 2011-12.
But in a couple of one-off games, there is no guarantee that Messi and Barcelona will overcome Chelsea. Much will depend on Di Matteo’s tactics and David Luiz.
If he turns in the type of performances he was doing early this season, there is every chance Messi will rip Chelsea to shreds and Luiz’ reputation will be back to square one.
Chelsea fans will hope, that the Brazilian can pull-off a memorable man-to-man job, in tandem with John Terry and the rest of the Blues backline and shackle Messi as best as possible.
Should he pull it off, then he will succeed in ramming Gary Neville’s words down his throat.
Two successful showings from Luiz will come with a double-edged sword, Barcelona are already sniffing around and have been linked with making him a summer signing.
Chelsea have so far been able to bat off such interest, but two show-stopping performances would only intensify Barcelona’s interest.
The Blues must put such worries out of their minds, Chelsea are comfortable living in the present; there are many players at the club facing worries over their futures next season, and Champions League football next year still remains only an outside possibility.
Chelsea host the first-leg next Wednesday, before traveling to the Nou Camp the following Tuesday.
With John Terry nursing a rib injury, and Gary Cahill still inexperienced when it comes to Champions League football, David Luiz has suddenly become the club’s main man, and most important defender for the two clashes.
Fans will hope it is pressure he thrives on, otherwise the matches may be painful viewing for supporters.
Can Luiz help shut out Messi?
images: © Aitor Escauriaza, © jeroen bennink
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