David Luiz made Martin O’Neill ‘obsessed’ at Benfica

Gabriel Agbonlahor believes David Luiz would have got many more red cards in his career if VAR was brought in earlier because of the ‘sneaky’ fouls he always makes.

Luiz was controversially sent off on Tuesday night in Arsenal’s defeat to Wolves – the fourth time he’s been sent off in the Premier League.

Former Aston Villa striker Agbonlahor said the Brazilian was a ‘nightmare’ to play against at times but there was always a mistake waiting to happen.

Speaking on talkSPORT Breakfast, Agbonlahor said: “If VAR was out earlier in his career he’d have more red cards because he used to do the little sneaky pull backs of your shirt when you are running through and maybe the ref or assistant wouldn’t see them.

“Obviously he’s a great player and had a fantastic career, we can’t forget that, but he’s always had that mistake in him.

“Whenever I played against him trying to get down those channels and past him he’d always make those sneaky fouls and get away with them.

“He’s a nightmare to try and press and get the ball off because he’d pop it past you and do a one-two.

“When you are running in those channels against him you do have a chance.

“He’s one of those defenders I quite liked playing against.”
Agbonlahor also revealed that former Aston Villa manager Martin O’Neill once tried to sign Luiz after being impressed in a pre-season game.

“The first time we saw him play was at Benfica in a pre-season game and you know what Martin O’Neill is like, we got battered in the game,” he added.

“Martin O’Neill ran over to him after the game saying ‘fantastic David’, he was so obsessed with how he played in that game. Martin probably tried to sign him but he went to Chelsea.

“Outstanding player but he has got that mistake in him.”