Arsenal

Arsenal's David Luiz defends Willian form

By Ben Knapton, Senior Reporter | 05 February 2021

Arsenal's David Luiz defends teammate Willian after an underwhelming start to life with the Gunners and is convinced that the winger will get back to his best soon.

Arsenal defender David Luiz has launched an impassioned defence of Gunners teammate Willian after his frustrating start to life in North London.

The former Chelsea attacker quickly forced his way into Mikel Arteta's starting lineup and set up two goals in the opening-day victory against Fulham.

However, Willian has failed to live up to the hype since and is still without a goal for Arsenal - a run of form which has seen him left out of the starting lineup for the Gunners' last eight Premier League matches.

Nevertheless, Luiz is convinced that his compatriot will come good at the Emirates Stadium, telling ESPN Brasil: "Few people know the person Willian. But those who do know can't say they don't love him. Because everyone loves him as a person.

"Everyone knows the player Willian. And everyone knows Willian's potential. And he doesn't have to prove anything to anyone after so many years at the highest level.

"And he's in a moment which is not so pleasant on the individual level because things are not happening. But he's an experienced, intelligent guy, who knows what he should know, and what he must do every day.

"You don't see Willian murmuring about training, you don't see Willian not training. He's always dedicated, he's looking for the best, to improve, to grow. You don't see Willian with an ugly face on the bench. All those things.

"So he's a guy who will get through this, he will get through this moment and he'll still bring a lot of joy to Arsenal, to this club. Because there's this turbulence, just as I had in the first few months.

"My first months weren't easy, and that's what I try to pass on to Willian. 'Calm down, things will work out, things will happen. Just keep working because you're you, there's no way to change. You're a great person and you're a great player. Calm down. Things are going to happen'.

"That's what we try. Everyone already loves Willian here, so I know that things will happen in the best possible way soon."

Willian has chalked up three assists in 22 appearances for the Gunners in all competitions so far.