Arsenal: David Luiz embracing the culture as well as the team

David Lui has been a mixed bag since arriving at Arsenal, but credit where it’s due, he’s not taking his new digs lightly. He’s actually here.

I’ve made an over-exaggeration sandwich out of David Luiz and his time at Arsenal. When he first arrived, I said that we’d be better off sticking with Shkodran Mustafi. Then I heralded him as a tremendous addition for a cut price. Then I wished him to the bench with fears that he would rebel against Unai Emery if he was so.

All a bit… extreme. All unnecessary. But the one I regret most is the last one, questioning how much he’s actually an Arsenal player, versus being a Chelsea player looking for an easy retirement. Basically, I wondered how loyal he would be if confined to the bench.

And not more than a few days later, Luiz was outspoken about how much fun he’s had helping the “kids” around the locker room and on the pitch. He spoke of the upward trajectory of the team and proved himself to be truly of this team. Not just someone filling it.

Luiz has always been a leader, wherever he’s been. He’s outspoken. He yells at his teammates and he yells at himself. But that’s part of his individuality.

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That individuality is seeping into the team though, with these recent statements. I don’t always put a lot of credence into what players say, but I have been more and more when they are genuine comments like this. The fact that Luiz is reveling in helping these academy products grow up, the fact that he’s so openly speaking about where the club is headed.

It’s what you’d expect from a professional like Luiz, but it’s almost more than that. Like he’s double motivated to be a part of the club. Of course, maybe it’s just a life time of me not liking him catching up on me.

Say what you will about his mistakes, and I will continue to question his starting spot. I will be right here ready to criticize Unai Emery’s decision to bench Calum Chambers or Hector Bellerin and leave David Luiz on the pitch, like I fear he will continue to do.

But I won’t question his character again. Luiz is here, he wants to be here, he is a part of this club through and through. And even if he has to sit on the bench, I’ll be damn proud to see him there, wearing the red and white.