David Luiz Biography

Name :
David Luiz

Nationality :
Brazilian

Date of Birth :
22/04/1987
Diadema, Brazil

Height :
6' 2" (189cm)

Weight :
13st 3lbs (84.0kg)

Squad No :
23

Previous Clubs :
Benfica

Position :
Defender

David Luiz (full name David Luiz Moreira Marinho) signed on transfer deadline day in January 2011 after a protracted transfer from Portuguese champions Benfica.

On putting pen to a five-and-a-half year contract he become the third Brazilian in the current squad, linking up with former Benfica team-mate Ramires and fellow defender Alex. A 6ft 2in centre-back who can cover at either left- or right-back, he is renowned for his skill on the ball as much as his defensive ability.

Twenty-three years old when he signed, David Luiz was born in Sao Paulo and began his career with Esporte Clube Vitoria in Bahia where he made 47 appearances.
He switched to Benfica, initially on loan in January 2007 before making the move permanent that summer.

In total he made 82 league appearances for the Lisbon club missing just one game in the 2009/10 season as they wrapped up a first league title in five years. Uefa.com voted him the Portuguese League's Player of the Year.

David Luiz, who made his Brazil debut against America the same season, had earlier represented his country at the 2007 Under 20 World Cup,
After signing for Chelsea, he outlined his determination to nail down a regular place in the side, and took the previously unclaimed number 4 shirt, last worn by Claude Makelele.

He won plenty of plaudits for his early showings although did conceded a late penalty on his first start, saved by Petr Cech.

Ineligible for the Champions League, he retained his place in the Premier League side until a goal conceded in the opening seconds at Old Trafford torpedoed Chelsea's title chances and Carlo Ancelotti left the Brazilian out of the remaining games.

He was in the Brazil squad that contested the Copa America in July 2011.

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