5 Arsenal alternatives to David Luiz in defence against Slavia Prague

Arsenal's English defender Calum Chambers (L) shakes hands with Arsenal's Spanish manager Mikel Arteta after the English Premier League football match between West Ham United and Arsenal at The London Stadium, in east London on March 21, 2021. - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by PAUL CHILDS / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by PAUL CHILDS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /

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LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 03: Calum Chambers of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Liverpool at Emirates Stadium. (Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images) /

Calum Chambers – Centre-Back

Calum Chambers is not fast. It’s the weakest element to his game and one that if targeted can be heavily exposed. At right-back he’s only had the occasional poor game, however, his ‘poor’ games have been so poor they’re regularly regurgitated. Jefferson Montero still gets a mention, albeit unfairly.

But the Englishman is now an option to have at centre-back. Prior to his long-term injury he was earning his keep in the position even if results weren’t forthcoming. He was doing okay in a makeshift pairing with Sokratis on the left.

He’s played centre-back once since Chelsea in December 2019, a 4-2 win over Dundalk, although it’s the unfamiliar pairing that will be of most concern to Arteta.

Whoever he lines up with in central defence will be someone he’ll only have featured alongside in training, let alone a major European quarter-final.

Given his crossing ability, which we weren’t able to see any of against Liverpool, that’s an asset Arteta may feel is wasted in the heart of defence. Chambers’ long distribution is better than Holding’s though, thus there is scope for a potential start – and if Arsenal want to play expansive football you need athleticism for second balls.

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