Among David Luiz’s post match requests, a Brazilian living in London shyly asked if it would be possible to record a video message for an eight-year-old football-crazy nephew back in Brazil called Lucas. The defender grabbed the phone, pressed record and spoke with the enthusiasm he might have shown to a relative of his own. “Hey Luquinha!” he exclaimed, eyes beaming with positive energy. “Keep working on your football but also keep working at school. The best footballers are clever.” He grinned into the phone. Everyone in the vicinity of this scene agreed that Luiz, familiarising himself with all the match-day staff at Arsenal on the day of his debut, carried this aura of a man who likes to spread a little happiness.



People make impressions not only with what they do but the vibes with which they do them, and Luiz has brought something to Arsenal’s dressing room that is making a difference. Charisma. There might have been some raised...