Harry Diamond
Rio Ferdinand has called on David Luiz to go back to basics and urged the defender not to ‘try anything outlandish’ as he bids to recover from recent criticism.
Luiz has been a target of fierce criticism following his role in Arsenal‘s 3-0 defeat to Manchester City earlier this month, the Brazilian coming off the bench to endure a nightmare evening at the Etihad.
The 33-year-old made a notable error for Raheem Sterling’s opener, before conceding a penalty and being sent off just 24 minutes after his introduction as a substitute.
Despite that performance and question marks over his form, Luiz signed a new one-year extension at Arsenal, reportedly taking a ‘significant wage cut’ to remain at the Emirates next season.
Ferdinand – widely regarded as one of the greatest defenders in Premier League history – has now spoken on the challenges facing Luiz as he bids to recover from a torrid period, urging the veteran to simplify his game as he bids to win over his growing list of doubters.
“If I’m David Luiz now, he’s got to draw on all that experience that he’s got as a 33-year-old player at the top level in big games all through his career,” Ferdinand during his punditry role with BT Sport.
“In these situations, we’ve all been there, where you’ve lost confidence, you’ve had a bad game and it’s been highlighted in the media.
“The next game is about bringing it back to simple terms – play your way into the game, don’t try anything crazy, don’t try anything outlandish.
“Concentration levels have got to be at the highest they can be for the full 90 minutes.”
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