Journalist Natalie Gedra has provided some insight into the situation of Arsenal defender David Luiz and why the club still wants him around.
Gedra was a guest on the latest episode of ‘The Totally Football Show’ podcast recently and the panel was discussing the FA Cup and Premier League games at the weekend. While talking about them, Gedra also shed some light on David Luiz and the club’s thinking process behind handing him a new contract recently.
It was recently confirmed that the Brazilian has signed a new one-year contract at the Emirates. Luiz was in action in Arsenal’s 2-1 win over Sheffield United at the weekend and it was his first appearance since he was sent off against Manchester City in the Premier League earlier this month.
While talking about Luiz, Brazilian journalist Gedra revealed that the defender’s leadership values are liked by the club. She said: “David has a very strong personality and I think they really value that [at] Arsenal – this leadership. At times in this season, in the past seasons, there was a lack of leadership in the dressing room for Arsenal and when they signed David, I think they were hoping that he would address this problem as well.
Is it a good reason to extend Luiz's contract because he's a leader?
No, he should leave ASAP
Yes, he's an important player
“Not only the defending and all the problems that Arsenal had in the defensive side, but the leadership as well and [Mikel] Arteta really likes him and he’s been enjoying working with Arteta a lot. So, I think they decided to give him another year because of his personality, because of how much he can offer to the team as a leader as well and I know that he wanted to stay.
“He’s been enjoying playing for Arsenal. But of course, I know there were fans who were against it, and I completely understand that. But there is this other side and, of course, the fact that Arsenal’s been struggling financially as well. So, it was convenient.”
Clearly, Luiz adds more to the Arsenal squad than fans can see. Gedra believes that Luiz could even address what she describes as “lack of leadership” at the north London club.
TIF Thoughts…
At 33, Luiz is an experienced player and has plied his trade in not just England, but France and Portugal as well. He was won trophies and titles in all the three countries. Not just that, he has also won the UEFA Champions League once and the Europa League title twice.
But Luiz has picked up an unimpressive WhoScored rating of 6.57 in the Premier League this season. That is the joint-eighth-worst rating in the Arsenal squad this season. It shows that he’s had a pretty mediocre season and isn’t the sort of player Arsenal should rely on.
While his experience of winning trophies and leadership can’t be questioned – as Gedra says, he might have to improve if he wants to become an important player for Arsenal.