Luiz

First Article in a while, been way too busy! But I have to say I was impressed by today's performance, as although it was only Bolton, who are the team who regally just hand us 3 points, I thought some of the football played was very good. Also the defending was a lot better, Luiz and Cahill looked solid together! Ivanovic did will against a unbelievably fast winger, Miyaichi, and even Cole played well at the back!

However Luiz should not be played as a holding mid, or anything other than a CB. LB he might be ok, but trust me he would struggle in midfield. As a holding mid, you will need to be able to defend well, have a range of passing, and think decisively! Luiz can do two of these things. He has mazing passing ability, and his defending although inconsistent, at times is amazing. With all those who disagree with his defensive capability, look at some of his performances. In particular 10/11 game against City at Stamford Bridge, where imo he produced one of the greatest defensive displays in years. What lets him down is his decisive thinking, and this is vital for any midfielder. A DM needs to be composed at all times on the ball, and not give away possession cheaply. Luiz unfortunately can give away possession cheaply, and will make errors. Although at CB it is also important to be composed, you are less susceptible to pressure from the midfielders and attack, because there is more space.

Nor is Luiz a winger or attacking midfielder. As although he has the technical ability to play both, he hasn't had the experience in that area of the pitch. It takes years to develop the positioning and other requirements for any role for positions. So for a CB to suddenly play in midfield, at the age of 24, he hasn't got the time to learn the role.

Luiz needs a mentor. Very like how Pique needed a mentor, how Carvalho needed a mentor, and how Vidic also needed one. These players began their careers very raw and developed, they processed a lot technical ability but all had their weaknesses. But all of them turned out to be great CBs. Given time Luiz will become a great CB also. However if AVB is the right man to develop him remains yet to discover, but something we will have to see in a few years time.