David Luiz: His three best Arsenal performances

With David Luiz set to leave Arsenal this summer, this article takes a look back at his three best moments in North London

Villareal CF v Arsenal - UEFA Europa League Semi Final Leg One

VILLARREAL, SPAIN - APRIL 29: (BILD ZEITUNG OUT) David Luiz of Arsenal looks on prior to the UEFA Europa League Semi-final First Leg match between Villareal CF and Arsenal at Estadio de Ceramica on April 29, 2021 in Villarreal, Spain. Sporting stadiums around Europe remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Maria Jose Segovia/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)

By Ben Browning20 May 2021 09:56 BST

David Luiz has been a polarising figure since he joined Arsenal from London rivals Chelsea in the summer of 2019.

As capable of moments of brilliance as he is moments of madness. the 34-year-old Brazilian has nonetheless been a mainstay in Arsenal's defence when fit.

With his contract due to run out this summer and The Athletic reporting that Arsenal have no intention of renewing his current deal, David Luiz could well have played his last game for the Gunners.

This article looks at three highlights of his short Arsenal career.

3. Arsenal 3-2 Everton

It is easy to pick games where Arsenal have kept clean sheets (as I have done later), yet this game, in particular, showed Luiz's considerable technical capabilities.

Bringing the ball out of defence, Luiz spotted the run of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, stationed on the left-wing.

A perfect defence-splitting pass allowed the Gabonese striker to pick up the ball and bear down on goal, curling past a hapless Jordan Pickford to give Arsenal a 2-1 lead in the game.

2. FA Cup semi Final vs Manchester City

What a defensive performance. This was perhaps Luiz's finest game in an Arsenal shirt, as he commanded his fellow centre-backs well and also provided a significant threat going the other way.

With the game at 0-0, it was Luiz's through ball that put Aubameyang 1-on-1 with Ederson, a chance that he ultimately missed. Once again, however, Luiz's value to Arsenal's attack was clear.

Defensively too, Luiz was immense. Heading and clearing everything that came his way, the Brazilian also offered a brilliant option to build through, and was rightly awarded the man of the match at the end of the game.

1. FA Cup final vs Chelsea

A cup final, against his old club. The stage was set for Luiz, and boy did he live up to the expectation. Acting as a leader defensively, the Brazilian marshalled his two fellow centre-backs expertly and ensured that Chelsea were only allowed half-chances on the Arsenal goal.

A serial winner, it is no surprise that Luiz showed up in the biggest game of Arsenal's season.

His passing range allowed Arsenal to move up the pitch quickly, whilst his composure ensured that the likes of Rob Holding and Kieran Tierney remained steadfast as Chelsea searched for an equaliser late on.

Whilst not perhaps his most brilliant individual performance, Luiz's role for the team cannot be understated.