The David Luiz positonal conundrum

Enough has surfaced about the long-haired Brazilian and his tremendous potential waiting to be unleashed. Having started off as a defensive midfielder, David Luiz was shifted to centre-back where his performances for Benfica earned him a price-tag of €25m, met by Chelsea.

An attractive six-month spell in 2011 was followed by severe criticism for his indiscipline at the heart of the defence, only to be shifted back to defensive midfield under the interim coach Rafael Benitez. The move brought the spotlight to many of Luiz’s suppressed talents such as his passing range, long shots and the most lethal – his free-kicks. Despite the unravelling of an exciting, much improved and confident David Luiz, Benitez continued to play him at central defence, occasionally plugging him in the midfield.

With the season at an end and Jose Mourinho replacing Rafa Benitez, the transfer window could be an oppportunity to back this move. With Michael Essien and John Obi Mikel the only other remaining options (neither really hitting top-form), pushing the brazilian to the midfield could prove to be a masterpiece. Evidently, Mourinho has been vying for a defensively-robust midfielder with approaches made for Daniele de Rossi and Luiz Gustavo. The answer to this whole conundrum could very well lie within their own team sheet.

Shifting David Luiz to the midfield brings about a whole new void in the centre of the defence. Barring Terry’s vast experience and Cahill’s share of solid performances, Kalas remains the only other option. Beholding the age, quality and experience of the current crop, it wouldn’t take a managerial intellect to figure out that Chelsea probably need a talented youngster. With Ivanovic playing his occasional role at centre-back, Chelsea will possess enough experience amalgamated with raw talent to form a formidable defense.

With Eliaquim Mangala, Hector Moreno and Inigo Martinez heading the list of youngsters in this position (in the market), the best option for the blues seems to be the last one, Inigo Martinez. With rumours of Chelsea already having tried a hand at Mangala and lost out, Moreno could prove to be a welcome but mediocre purchase. Touted to be among the best talents in Spain, the 22-year old youngster from Sociedad has attracted interest from many top European clubs.