It proved to be an inspired decision by Chelsea boss Rafael Benitez to play David Luiz in a midfield role for the club’s Europa League semi-final against FC Basel.
Due to his flamboyant, South American attacking tendencies I have always thought of Luiz as more of a midfieder and wondered why he wasn’t played there on a more regular basis.
His wasn’t the stand out performance against Basel on Thursday night, that accolade belongs to the ever improving Victor Moses, but he was one of Chelsea’s best performers on the night and his goal helped ease nerves ahead of the second leg.
With his comedy hair do and funny looking free kick technique, Luiz is something of a character and, since his arrival in England, has impressed with his attacking forays from the centre back position. His defending could do with improvement in some areas but on the whole he is a competent enough defender.
Plus, if he can knock in goals like this every now and again then there is no need to harness such an attacking force.
This has to be a contender for goal of the season; nice and casual, up Luiz steps from 35 yards out and straight into the top corner. A wonder goal? Yes, but he is capable of pulling off the spectacular and Sideshow Dave might be featured more prominently in Chelsea’s midfield in seasons to come.