Arsenal Academy head, Per Mertesacker believes David Luiz will learn from his recent defensive errors. He still stands to admit that the current Arsenal squad is lacking balance.
David Luiz can “learn from his mistakes on the pitch,” says Mertesacker. Nonetheless, he claims that the center-back is “comfortable” at the Emirates Stadium following his move from Chelsea.
The 32-year-old Brazil international was at fault for two of Liverpool’s goals during their 3-1 defeat in August. For pulling out a challenge on salah, he conceded a penalty for Liverpool which Salah proudly scored at the 58th minute in the game at Anfield.
Mertesacker says, “I think Luiz will learn from his mistakes on the pitch, but he is very comfortable being at Arsenal. That’s what I have been seeing. We are happy to have him.”
“he brings something different to the table right now. So, I think he can learn and excel his level of being an Arsenal player.”
Following Arsenal’s 2-2 draw with Tottenham, Luiz admitted that the club’s defenders had to take responsibility for conceding two first-goals against their North London rivals.
“we lack balance right now”
Arsenal ha so far conceded and scored six goals after two-win, one draw and one defeat in their opening four games of the Premier League season, leaving them fifth in the table.
Mertesacker believes the team’s foundation and the role of the front three: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Alexandre Lacazette and Nicolas Pepe need more clarity. That is if they are to give away fewer goals.
He added, “I think we have a lack of balance right now. Where you feel like, ok, we have amazing strikers but they as well need to understand that we need to have certain compactness.”
“It’s not only about us three strikers providing an offensive threat. It is about these front three as well, leading the first frontline as being a defensive unit.”
“so, I think we need to be cautious of that. No matter how much striking power you have got, you need to have a sense of defensive compactness from everyone. “
“It’s not only the back four who should be judged on how many goals we concede.”