In Neymar’s absence, David Luiz is Brazil’s poster boy. In Thiago Silva’s absence he is the new skipper. But foremost among his duties on Tuesday against Germany in the first semifinal will be the one to man his defence. The whole of Brazil might be fretting over Neymar, but the gap at the back is just as big.
Germany, in its quarterfinal against France looked to exploit the space between the defence and the midfield. For Germany this area so fluid and a number of players could pop up.
One of those is Thomas Muller. He could either start on the right in a 4-2-3-1 or as the frontman in a 4-3-3. Either ways, Luiz will have a handful.
Luiz has an intrinsic ability to bring the ball forward and get into attacking positions. He has scored two goals as well. But with his reliable centre-back partner Silva suspended, it’s his defensive role that assumes importance.
