Jose Mourinho warns David Luiz: Time for him to get stability

Grow up Luiz – Jose Mourinho

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has admitted that David Luiz can be a world class defender, but only if he grows up.

“A team and a defensive player need stability. With the talent Luiz has I hope he can reach that. Sometimes he makes a little mistake, and he has to work on that stability because it is important for him and it is important for the team,” Mourinho told the Express.

If Luiz does what Mourinho asks, he still won’t be guaranteed regular starts for Chelsea, according to the Portuguese boss.

He continued: “Modern football it is not like it was 20 years ago with two central defenders playing one match a week and having the same ones every time. The team needs three/four central defenders, and with [Branislav] Ivanovic we even have five.

“I am confident with them, and I make changes in big matches when you expect one to play, and he doesn’t.”

Luiz was criticised after his mistake led to the opening goal for Cardiff City at Stamford Bridge a week ago, but Mourinho believes Luiz can become a top defender if he gets his head right.

In the four matches Luiz has featured in the Premier League this season, Chelsea have conceded four goals and not kept a single clean sheet.

Luiz, unusually for a central defender, is normally rampaging forward and joining in with the attack. However, so far this season, he’s not managed to do that. Last season, Luiz created 21 chances (2 assists) compared to none so far this season.

In his 20 appearances in the league last season, Chelsea conceded just 24 goals, and Luiz was one of the reasons behind that.

In the match versus Cardiff at home, Luiz had one of his worst games since he arrived at Chelsea from Benfica. He was hardly involved in the 90 minutes. making no tackles or headed duels, while only completing three clearances and one interception.

He spent 33.6% of his time in the middle of midfield due to Chelsea’s high pressing and dominance. In Chelsea’s only defeat of the season at Goodison Park, Luiz was restricted to his own defensive area throughout.

He won one tackle, lost both of his headed duels, completed two interceptions and one clearance.

Concentration has always been a problem for Luiz. His ability is unquestionable at times, especially last season under Rafael Benitez. He seems to be having the same problem under Mourinho, as is Juan Mata, so time will tell whether Luiz can recreate his form from last season.

Last season David Luiz made 21 chances and got 2 assists, but so far this season the Brazilian is yet to register a single key pass.