Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Alex Milne

Unai Emery urges David Luiz to introduce Chelsea tactic to Arsenal

Arsenal manager Unai Emery is allegedly encouraging David Luiz to continue to play the long, direct balls he became well-known for during his time at Chelsea .

The 32-year-old signed for the Gunners on deadline day, with Emery keen on adding a ball-playing centre-back to his squad.

During his second spell at Chelsea Luiz often played long balls to Pedro, and created more 'big chances' than any other Premier League centre-back last season with 11.

According to the Telegraph Emery has told Luiz to aim for star striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang when he receives the ball, and he is hopeful the Brazilian will be able to set up the Gabonese forward on a number of occasions this season.

David Luiz could help Arsenal's attack as well as defence (AFP/Getty Images)

It will be interesting to see whether this tactic is put into effect during Arsenal's upcoming trip to Anfield to take on Liverpool .

Both Luiz and Aubameyang are expected to start the match, with the latter looking to continue his scoring streak having netted once in each of Arsenal's opening two fixtures, a 1-0 win over Newcastle and 2-1 victory against Burnley .

The Telegraph's report also claims that Emery was 'delighted' with the signing of Luiz having got to know the player during his time at Paris Saint-Germain.

Luiz and teammates take part in training ahead of the game against Liverpool (Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Luiz was desperate for a move having been clearly told by new Chelsea boss Frank Lampard that he would be the fourth-choice centre-back behind Kurt Zouma, Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger, and was thrilled to be given the opportunity to stay in London and link up again with Emery.

Nicolas Pepe could make his full debut for Arsenal against Liverpool having come off the bench as a substitute in the Gunners' first two matches. Midfielders Mesut Ozil and Granit Xhaka will have late fitness tests, with Ozil recently suffering from illness and Xhaka recovering from a leg injury.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.