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Leboeuf supports Terry-Luiz partnership

Blue Legend Frank Leboeuf is convinced Luiz and Terry can form a formidable partnership this season. Although Luiz and Terry haven’t played together this season, Leboeuf has seen enough of Luiz to arrive at his conclusion.

Published

12 years ago

September 22, 2011

Scott Balaam

Lebeouf, having a number of trophies with us and the World Cup with France deserves to have his opinion taken highly.

He said:

“I think ‘the hairy one’ David Luiz will play alongside John more often than not this season because he has the strength and the pace and can be a great partner for him.”

“I like Alex but he is a bit too similar to John. You have to find someone who is different; the pair must complement one another. Someone who can mark, someone who is faster than John – if I’d played alongside Laurent Blanc it would have been a problem, but Marcel Desailly with me or with him was fine.”

Luiz has been outstanding since his arrival in January last year; he is excellent going forward but a bit suspect when it comes to defending. He is a good defender but he definitely needs some polishing. I say this because Luiz’ over eagerness to win the ball tends to make him commit infringements that could be costly at times. I believe AVB recognizes this, explaining why he subbed him for Alex later on in the game against Bayer Leverkusen.

Two seasons ago, I would confidently argue the Alex-Terry partnership was the best in the world. Today, Alex is a shadow of himself. He works a good shift but his lapses in concentration and his inability to turn swiftly to address some defensive situations is a bit disturbing. I still believe in Alex and I hope he gets back to his best soon.

Ivanovic has done a good job at centre back this season but it is obvious the chemistry between him, Terry and Cech needs improving. Given he has been deployed mainly as right-back, I believe it will take a good number of games to get him gelling with Terry and Cech.

I’m no soothsayer so I can’t tell which one of Alex, Ivanovic or Luiz will be Terry’s main partner this season.

By Morad

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