I think he offers a lot in defence tho, we are playing a high line this season and I think we need some pace at the back. Mikel has looked good this season and I don't think he should be dropped either

Surely his "saunter forward culminating in an excellently taken goal" lends to more of an attacking midfielder rather than a defensive midfielder, who should be sitting in front of the back four??

Based on last night I think Luiz can play anywhere on the pitch - he really is that good.

But yes would like to see him tried out as a DM. Even if it´s just for one game. Why not ?

For me are best back 6 is:

Cech
Ivanovic Luiz Terry Cole
Mikel

Why not Alex....?

Why not Alex....?

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Because he doesn´t have the flair or creativity that Luiz has.

Alex doesn't need it in the back four if Luiz is playing in midfield

Alex doesn't need it in the back four if Luiz is playing in midfield

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Sheriff I think I´ve misunderstood you.

Are you saying Alex should play as DM or Alex should play at centre back alongside Terry if Luiz is played at DM ?

If it´s the latter then I fully agree.

I have also thought Luiz could play this role, but the problem with the DM role is that person has to be very disiplined.

The DM can not just break forward as he done last night as his main job is to protect the back four and break up attacks.

It could be argued that as a CB he has more licence to get forward than if he played as a DM.

Yes frank

The latter - his only weakness is possibly injuries

To be honest I thought Mikel was excellent last night...no reason why Luiz couldn't play midfield in his own right anyway

Luiz along side a DM now that would be interesting.

probably have to play 4-4-2 but would like to see it even if its just for the last 20 mins of a game.

Luiz in DM would be sent off in the first 35 mins of every game. Until he matures more putting him in DM would be a terrible idea.

We have a far more mentally matured player for that position in Mikel.

To be honest I thought Mikel was excellent last night...

Spot on, his best game in a Chelsea shirt for me, and he was playing further up the pitch, as he does for his country.

Luiz is an odd one, maybe he is like the Kaiser was back in the day, or Socrates after him, maybe we might just need to stick him on the pitch and let him go, his creativity is there for all to see, his defensive qualities are still in doubt, that tackle was a poor one, and 1/2 second later it would have been a red card

As a gooner, I love watching Luiz going forward. However, when he is in his own penalty area, I half expect an error. I do not see him that often so I am prepared to be put right.

He reminds me of an England cricketer being picked for his bowling and who turns out to be a better batsman.

Luiz is not disciplined enough to play the DM role, Mikel has been good and showed more forward awareness than in previous matches

I would still have a midfield 3 of:

Ramires--Meireles--Lampard(Place untenable in the team)

Mikel stays on the bench,it's all good and well against Leverkusen but he will get murdered against Utd.
People are overrating his performance yesterday he wasn't that great,he kept losing the ball and was doing his usual sideway passes without really pressing forward,but was composed at times.

I don't know why scoring a goal, or even playing a good offensive game means a player should play defensive midfield.

It's just so counter intuitive.

Is it just me or is Brana becoming a bit of a bombscare at the back?

Think he should stay at the back.

Think you're being harsh CMF. If Miereles played like that you'd be singing his praises,

here's an interesting thread I found in my archives

in my opinion the only decent thing Rafa has done so far...

Sturridge was our best player that game