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John Hartson posts on Twitter as reports claim David Luiz could be about to leave Arsenal
John Hartson has reacted to reports that David Luiz could leave Arsenal in the coming weeks on Twitter, by suggesting the Gunners should keep the Brazilian defender – but play him in a different position.
that Luiz, 33, is in the final weeks of his contract. It was originally believed that he had signed a two-year deal at Arsenal following his move from Chelsea, but it now has now emerged he had only signed an initial 12-month contract.
Luiz has come in for criticism during his time at Arsenal, in which he has clocked up 32 appearances in all competitions for The Gunners. Certainly, there is a mixed reaction on Twitter over whether the north London side should keep him.
Speaking out on the reports that the former Chelsea star could leave, ex-Arsenal striker Hartson has hammered those that have labelled Luiz a “liability”, suggesting Arteta should keep him and mould him into a holding midfielder.
David Luiz every other week people calling him a liability that takes chances.. poor defensive positioning basically giving him a hard time. Now Arteta is letting him leave, oh he’s all of a sudden a good player again.
— John Hartson (@JohnHartson10)
Luiz is not a defender he is a holding midfielder who can pass the ball excellently into the front men.. play him in front of the back 4 in 4-3-3 sitting for me that’s where he can be effective.
— John Hartson (@JohnHartson10)
TBR’s view – Is it too late for Luiz?
Now starting to enter the twilight of his career, £125,000-a-week () star Luiz has failed to stem the flow of goals and rid the Arsenal defence of their lapses in concentration. But Hartson’s suggestion might just work.
Luiz has always been famed for his excellent long-passes from centre-back, his technical abilites while in possession – but also his mistakes as the last line of defence. Removing that risk, but still giving him the space to pass, would be ideal.
Perhaps, then, Arsenal should listen to Hartson and keep Luiz – moving him further up the pitch.
