Sideshow Bob and The Return of the Sweeper

"Not since Gianfranco Zola popped up on these shores in November 1996 has a single individual made such an instant impact at our club" (Rowe)

He's fast, he's tall, he has curly hair.Dribbles like a Brazilian, Finishes like Ronaldo, Defends like Terry on steroids.

Brazilians are not known for their defensive qualities, they are mostly well known for their forwards and midfielders.

In hindsight, i thought this particular player was just another typical Brazilian defender, agile as a cat on the ball but clumsy like a giant on the tackle.

How wrong was I really

5 games in, with 2 shots and 2 goals and he's looking more sterling than the pound itself.

David Luiz is a defender by line-up, however his abilities far supersede that. He can run, he can pass, he can finish like any other winger, midfielder or striker.

Which brings me to today's post

The Return of the Libero or Modern Sweeper

The game has changed a lot in the last century. In 1940, it was all about catenaccio or park the bus and hit them on the break football. In 1980 it was total football . Now in the 21st century, football again has undergone a massive change. Before, a defender just tackles and clears balls, but now in the modern game, defenders have to offer a more attacking presence while still keeping the back line tight.

This type of player had existed before in the name of Franz Beckenbauer, also known as ' Der Kaiser' for his masterful attacking and defensive displays on the pitch. He's well known for inventing the role of the libero or modern sweeper, whose main duty was to take the ball from opposing forwards running on goal. A keen eye and almost telepathic reading of the game allowed Beckenbauer to literally pocket the ball from forwards. He had an aura about him, with his meticulous close control and dribbling, opposition defenders couldn't touch him on the ball. He had the flexibility of a gymnast, displayed by his last minute clearances. His boot was literally golden as he showed his tact for finishing, ending up with a goal tally of 60 goals in 430 games for Bayern Munich, his hometown club.

Comparing these 2 players, I believe that David Luiz represents the return of the sweeper or libero into modern football. With his last minute interceptions, acrobatic clearances, precision passing and striker's finishing. He is the Brazilian Kaiser.The boy needs to be more cautious in the tackle and possibly wear protection on his legs against those 'accidental' tackles but bearing that in mind, i have no doubt that the young lad is Mr Chelsea in the making

Interesting Links
http://www.cfcnet.co.uk/2011/03/23/i-want-curly-hair-too/

And of course some videos





And finally

Suck it United !