The Brazilian defender left Chelsea to join Paris-Saint Germain this summer.
Former Chelsea defender David Luiz believes the Blues will regret selling him to Paris Saint-Germain this summer.
The Brazilian centre-back left Stamford Bridge for a fee in the region of £50million prior to the World Cup, and he is confident that his former club will rue the decision to let him go.
“I have to believe that Chelsea or any team will miss me,” Luiz told the Sun. “I’m not arrogant but I’m confident in my own abilities.”
Luiz was one of the most polarising players in the Premier League during his stint with Chelsea. One of the most unique players in the top flight, he wowed fans with his physicality and spectacular long-range goals, but drew the ire of pundits for his defensive lapses.
But will he be missed at Stamford Bridge now that he has left?
| Apps | Mins | Total tackles | Tackles won (%) | Blocks per game | Clearances per game | Interceptions per game | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Branislav Ivanovic | 36 | 3,180 | 65 | 83.08 | 0.22 | 4.97 | 1.06 |
| John Terry | 34 | 3,060 | 29 | 62.07 | 0.59 | 6.62 | 1.06 |
| Gary Cahill | 30 | 2,623 | 34 | 79.41 | 0.70 | 6.83 | 0.97 |
| David Luiz | 19 | 1,358 | 22 | 77.27 | 0.32 | 4.63 | 1.32 |
Taking a look at Chelsea’s first-team defenders, Luiz’s strengths and weaknesses are clear. The Brazilian’s impulsive style of defending means he is excellent at making interceptions. He struggles, however, to sit back and read the game, as shown in his low tackling, blocking and clearance numbers.
Judging by these stats Luiz is a solid centre-half, but does not stand out above his fellow defenders. When compared to Terry, Cahill and Ivanovic, he does not appear to be worth £50million.
| Goals conceded per game | Aerial duels | Aerial duels won (%) | Own Goals | Errors leading to shots | Errors leading to goals | Fouls | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Branislav Ivanovic | 0.75 | 173.00 | 69.36 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 47 |
| John Terry | 0.74 | 156.00 | 66.03 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 14 |
| Gary Cahill | 0.63 | 152.00 | 69.74 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 12 |
| David Luiz | 0.53 | 67.00 | 61.19 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 26 |
It is worth noting that Chelsea conceded less goals per game with Luiz in the lineup, although this does not necessarily mean he is the team’s best defender. He is the least effective of the four defenders in the air, but for a player considered error-prone, he does not often negatively impact the team in that way. Only one of his errors all season lead directly to a goal.
The Blues have plenty of cover in the centre of defence. Ivanovic, one of the Premier League’s most consistent defenders, will see more time at centre-back and young Kurt Zouma will be given opportunities to stake his place.
Luiz is a very useful player to have available in a squad looking to challenge for the title. He is a good centre-back and can be thrown on as an impact substitution in midfield to break up play and is unlike any other player in the league.
His £50million price tag, however, means he will not be missed at Stamford Bridge next season. His sale funded moves for Diego Costa and Cesc Fabregas, who will contribute in areas of the pitch that Chelsea have been lacking in recent years.
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