From Calamity To Best Premier League Defender; How David Luiz Has Clicked In His Second Spell In Chelsea.

When Chelsea failed to sign any of their priority summer transfer centre defensive targets, the West London side did not hesitate to re-sign Brazilian David Luiz from PSG after selling him for £50 million which was then a world record for a defender (2014 summer).
Though Luiz had been fans favourite in his 2 and half years at the Bridge, his re-signing was seen by many as a step backward considering his inability to concentrate defensively for the full 90 minutes having made some shocking defensive mistakes in his first spell. This fear was however confirmed in the Brazilian’s first game at home to Liverpool and subsequent games as he failed to shine in a four man defence looking like a square peg in a round hole.
Fast forward to the present day and Luiz is miles ahead of other defenders in the league this season even though he has played just 13 league games.
“Luiz? There is no surprise in his performance but at the start of the season you would be surprised if he is there. But whether it’s him changing or Conte who’s got hold of him, I think it’s possibly a bit of both. , he’s been outstanding and deserves to be there,” were the words of Jamie Carragher concerning the form of the Brazilian. In Conte’s new 3-4-3 formation , the Brazilian is flanked on the left by an aggressive and tough tackling Cesar Azplicuerta and on the left by a slower but equally experienced Gary Cahill who rarely ventures forward making It easier for the Brazilian to concentrate on the opposition striker, roughing him up and trying to gain a physical advantage. Luiz is equally more than good In building up Chelsea’s attack from the back immediately after dispossessing the attackers as well as distributing long and short range passes which has seen him become the defender to have created most chances for his team mates in the Premier League this season (3). It doesn’t end there as Luiz often ventures forward to force opponents to come out and mark him thereby freeing his team mates.
“Make no mistake about it, David Luiz is the best centre back in the Premier League at the moment,” were the words of pundit and former Liverpool midfielder Jamie Rednapp last week on Sky Sports. The defender has been ever present in a back-line (Chelsea) that has conceded just twice in 11 straight Premier League games this season with one of the goals an own goal by Gary Cahill against Manchester City. Quantitatively, Luiz has won 37 tackles with a success rate of 62%, making 72 interceptions, 147 clearances and 11 blocks this season. That is not all as Luiz has won 47% of his duels coupled with his 84% pass accuracy of 25 m length range.
“Decisions in football happen quickly. When Chelsea came to me and said they wanted me to be back, I was happy because I had a special moment here, one of the best in my career, I won Champions League and Europa League here,” the defender said were was his reason for rejoining Chelsea in the summer for £30 million two years after he departed for Paris where he won the Ligue 1, Coupe de la Ligue and Coupe de France.
At 29, he might not be the youngest but judging from his displays, David Luiz is the right player for Chelsea for the present and future.
Stats powered by Opta.