As reported by Express, newly signed Sky Sports pundit Jose Mourinho believes that David Luiz can be successful at Arsenal. The former Chelsea defender arrived at Emirates for a fee of £8 million this summer. And the ex-Manchester United boss is confident that the Brazilian will be able to improve the Gunners and become a success at the club.
“David is a player [Unai Emery, his former Paris Saint-Germain manager] knows well,” Mourinho said on Sky Sports. He knows what David can give and what David cannot give. I think we all know the good qualities of David and where he can improve teams.”, the Portuguese mastermind told Sky Sports.
In this article, we will be discussing key reasons why Mourinho may be right as we look ahead to the new season.
Arsenal’s lack of reliable defensive options
Arsenal currently lack reliable options at the back aside from Sokratis Papastathoupoulos. Apart from the Greek international, the Gunners boast the services of Rob Holding, Konstantinos Mavrapanos and Calum Chambers. None of the three has any significant experience of top-flight football. Unai Emery notably started with Chambers in the first game of the season.
Either way, the lack of well-established options at the back will make it easier for Luiz to make himself a first-team regular at the club. Also, the fact that Emery often likes to switch to the three-man backline could significantly improve his first-team opportunities.
A good relationship with Emery
As Mourinho iterated, Luiz has a strong relationship with Arsenal manager Emery, thanks to their time together at Paris Saint-Germain. Although the 32-year-old appeared in only three games under Emery, his desire to join Arsenal is indicative of his willingness to perform under the Spaniard.
Besides, Luiz’s ball-playing skill and excellent distribution tune in well with Emery’s attack-oriented tactical approach. The Brazilian can also provide versatility as he can play as a holding midfielder as well, giving the ex-PSG boss additional options as far as his tactical choices are concerned.
Vast experience in the Premier League
Luiz is currently one of the most experienced defenders currently playing in the Premier League. During his time at Chelsea, the 32-year-old has made 160 appearances in the English top flight. Furthermore, the defender has featured in over 50 matches in Ligue 1 while winning 56 caps for Brazil.
This vast experience at the highest level of football should help him settle in quickly at Arsenal. This will also become invaluable for the club as well, especially following the departure of Laurent Koscienly, thus making Luiz an excellent signing for the Gunners.
