• Name: David Luiz
• Nationality: Brazilian
• Position: Defender
• Former Clubs: Benfica
• D.O.B: 22/04/1987
• Squad Number: 4

David Luiz (full name David Luiz Moreira Marinho) signed for The Blues on transfer deadline day in January 2011 after a protracted transfer from Portuguese champions Benfica. After the clubs agreed a transfer fee, which Benfica confirmed to be 25 million euros, Luiz agreed a five-and-a-half year contract at The Bridge.

The big defender became the third Brazilian in the current squad joining Alex and former Benfica team mate Ramires. Luiz then made his Premier League debut in the 1-0 defeat to Liverpool on February 6th as he replaced Jose Bosingwa in the 1-0 home defeat of Liverpool. He then made his first start for the club eight days later. Luiz was awarded man of the match and instantly became a cult-hero within the Chelsea supporters even though he gave away a 93rd minute penalty which resulted in a Petr Cech save.

On March 1st, Luiz bagged himself his first Chelsea goal in Blues win against title challengers Manchester United at The Bridge. The Brazilian scored a spectacular half-volley which helped his side come back and win the match after being a goal behind.

Luiz’ 2011/12 season got off to a slow start as he was out of the first three matches with a knee injury. He returned to first-team action on the 13th September in the Champions League match against Bayern Leverkusen. Scoring from 15 yards, Luiz broke the deadlock and helped the team on their way to a 2-0 home victory. Before his time with Chelsea Luiz was known for jumping into tackles, not goals like the Chelsea fans’ now know him for.