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Chelsea Watch: David Luiz As DM – A Tactical Switch

David Luiz was finally given a nod to start as a defensive midfielder for the first time today having already played as one when the Blues played against Nordsjælland. Almost after 2 years with Chelsea and after many a pundit claiming that’s where he should be Luiz started the game and had an impressive 60 minutes before he was replaced by Lampard. However is this move a next step for the defender to be a permanent midfielder ? or was he given the pivotal role because Rafa was over confident about the match?

Luiz vs Cahill
Luiz vs Cahill

Clearly as per the stat, Luiz is better off playing as a defender. Though the return of Terry would boost the defensive line-up. A Terry – Luiz partnership is always a better option than Terry-Cahill  partnership. No doubt Luiz had a great game and bossed the midfield but one would doubt his abilities as a midfielder. 

Here is Benitez’s reaction about his performance:

“It’s an option for the future, but it was mainly for this game,” Benitez said. I know David from Benfica, where he was playing centre-back, left full-back, right full-back, in many positions. David is quick and can regain a lot of balls and, at the same time, can play passes to our players.”

So it looks like the Brazilian could be seen playing alongside Mikel or Ramires in the near future. The Capital One Cup game against Leeds could be another game where Luiz could take centre stage as Mikel and Ramires are both suspended and OriolRomeu is out for 2012. This gives Bentiez an extra option to lookout for instead of calling in youth project’s from the academy. 

Thoughts from former players:

Former Chelsea winger Pat Nevin:

“It has been slightly disappointing that David Luiz has played for Chelsea in the period he has and no one has thought to put him in midfield until now. He was doing all the things you would expect him to do in that position. It might well be tougher for him against tougher opposition but I think the positives he give you outweighs the negatives.”

Robbie Savage on MOTD:

“David Luiz has looked very good, he always looks forward and he played a great pass to Eden Hazard. He is looking comfortable in midfield. It is early days but for me the best two players to play in that position are Luiz and Frank Lampard, when he is back. Both can do what Mikel does, because I don’t know what Mikel does.”