---
title: "Merson urges Emery to make Luiz captain – would this be a mistake?"
canonical: "https://readarsenal.com/2019/09/25/merson-urges-emery-to-make-luiz-captain-would-this-be-a-mistake/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Ryan Darby"
section: "Articles"
published: "2019-09-25T07:00:22Z"
modified: "2019-09-25T07:00:22Z"
---

# Merson urges Emery to make Luiz captain – would this be a mistake?

Paul Merson has told Unai Emery to name David Luiz as his permanent Arsenal captain, rather than picking five.

Speaking on [Sky Sports](https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/11818284/david-luiz-has-got-to-be-arsenal-captain-says-paul-merson), [as reported by Goal](https://www.goal.com/en/news/serial-winner-luiz-has-to-be-arsenal-captain-emerys-five/1orthz0njb1y11muxle1p5vt7v), Merson expressed his concerns about the policy of naming five captains.

> David Luiz has got to be captain, he’s a serial winner. People have a go at him because one week he’ll be a 2/10 and the next a 9/10, but he’s going to play every week.

It was an approach that Emery adopted last season, but with only two of his previous five still at the club, he needs to make changes once again this season.

Should Arsenal fans be concerned by Merson’s recommendation or is Luiz the right man for the job?

### Read Arsenal verdict

Merson references Luiz’s inconsistencies and that should have Arsenal fans worried about his potential to be a captain.

He is a leader in the dressing room, that cannot be denied. The Brazilian was very influential during his time at Chelsea and it looks to be no different at Arsenal.

By having those qualities, you’re not guranteed to instantly become a good fit as the club captain. You simply cannot overlook the lapses in concentration and the frequent errors that the Brazilian makes.

A captain should be one to lead by example, they should stand up and be counted for when things go wrong – not something that Luiz always does.

Emery has a tough decision to make with regards to who should be the club captain and Luiz may well end up being one of the five, but it’s a decision that could backfire on the Spaniard.