Providing all fit and healthy and showing no immediate signs of fatigue. If Luiz recovered, would you Stick with Terry 'n' Cahill? Or would you play Luiz alongside JT?
I doubt RDM is gonna experiment at such a critical stage, by playing Luiz as a holding Midfielder, so I cannot see that scenario arising.
I ask this question, because the last time we took a lead to the Nou Camp, we had a similar situation, that is providing all parties are available. Emerson Thome played at the Bridge and I thought he did a very good job on the night. I did not want him to be dropped for the return leg. But I'm not an expert, Vialli was the Manager he chose Lebeouf for the 2nd leg.
TBH I don't know how or if that made any difference on the outcome. But at the time I thought Lebeouf looked like he was getting a bit stale and I started to lose a little faith in him defensively. Which was probably more my problem and wrong assumption than anything.
But now, I'd quite like to go 'same again' in defence. But I'd also understand, if available, if RDM opts for Luiz.
Thoughts?
Luiz or Cahill in the 2nd leg?
posted on 19/4/12
Well, I think we should get the job done with any of them alongside Terry but Luiz is a more attack minded defender and I am not sure if we are going to need any of our defenders to attack at the Nou camp. I'll stick with Cahill and deploy Luiz for the finals.
posted on 19/4/12
Cahill, Luiz won't be fit.
posted on 19/4/12
It's a really tough call, they both offer something different. Cahill was superb last night and along side Terry their blocking and last line of defence looked impermeable, really, really solid.
However when our back are against the wall and we’re looking for both relief and to attack Barca on the counter attack Luiz is a really good outlet with his long balls from the back. With Drogba leading the line, balls straight over the top from Luiz, which he can provide with great accuracy will be problem for them and will be our biggest threat.
For me it’s too close to call and it may well go down to who’s in the better condition.
posted on 19/4/12
However when our back are against the wall and we’re looking for both relief and to attack Barca on the counter attack Luiz is a really good outlet with his long balls from the back. With Drogba leading the line, balls straight over the top from Luiz, which he can provide with great accuracy will be problem for them and will be our biggest threat.
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You have a point, then shouldn't RDM deploy him in defensive midfield alongside Mikel instead of Meireles
posted on 19/4/12
Luiz won't make it, so no point pondering his inclusion.
posted on 19/4/12
Luiz fit or not, I think Cahill earned the right to start last night!
posted on 19/4/12
Ooops, I meant AFTER last night!
posted on 19/4/12
I'd like to see Luiz deployed as a DM.
It will ßë like playing an extra defender, the only difference being that he can still initiate counter attacks, by going forward when necessary.
posted on 19/4/12
I watched last night's game and was very proud of Gary. I'm quite smug when I think back to the number of Chelsea fans who said Luiz was a better defender in January. Silenced.
posted on 19/4/12
Luiz is a better defender though.