Luiz: "I'm older and wiser!"

One person that should come away with credit for this season in my eyes is David Luiz. Remember when he first came to Chelsea? His defending was at times rash, he would drift out of position too many times and would dive into tackles when he never needed to when he could have just stood up and faced his attacker to make him get past him.

Well I think it's fair to say that one area that he looks to have improved is his defending with great performances against Napoli and Manchester City. OK, he made a mistake against Napoli away for the third goal but like I said more than made up for it with his performance.

Roberto Di Matteo has spoken of Luiz and his performances since he has taken over as manager and said:

"He's been very solid. Over the last six games I've been very pleased with him. I like my centre-halves to play football as well, and would never discourage him. Absolutely not.

There's a line when you have to make decisions about whether to step out or not, but he's done well since I've been in charge. Remember he's a centre-half for Brazil. With all due respect, he doesn't play for any country with a lower Fifa ranking. He's the centre-half of Brazil and a terrific player. Many managers of many clubs would want a defender like David Luiz in their team. That's what I think about him."

(Source)
He is right he has got better and better as the season has gone on and it comes as no surprise that Barcelona are rumoured to be thinking of offering around £35m in the summer to try and tempt him away from Stamford Bridge. I really hope that Luiz stays for at least another season.

As for tonight? Luiz makes his return to the Stadium of Light tonight and has a message for his old fans. He said:

"I'm older and wiser, more experienced from the games I've played and I have taken on more responsibility.

It's very special to be back, I had a great time here, from my first day in the media room being presented to the press as a Benfica player, to the last when I stepped on that plane bound for London. My former team-mates are still my friends, and they'll be my mates right up to the first whistle but, after that, I will fight to win. They're a different team now, but the quality is still there."

Let's hope Luiz puts in another great performance tonight along with his team mates and we get a good result.

KTBFFH!

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