David
Luiz is beginning to show signs that he can become the best defender in the
world, according to former Chelsea centre-back Marcel Desailly.
The Brazil international re-joined Chelsea from Paris Saint-Germain for £30m
in August following a two-year spell in the French capital and has helped
the Blues surge ahead in the Premier League title race.
Luiz has settled firmly into Antonio Conte's three-at-the-back formation and
France World Cup winner and former Chelsea captain Desailly admits he has
been surprised by the superb form shown by the 29-year-old.
"I want to congratulate him because when he was at Paris Saint-Germain I was
saying he was not going to become the best defender of the world like
[Sergio] Ramos at the top," Desailly, who spent six years at Chelsea between
1998 and 2004, told Sky Sports News HQ.
"Now he is showing a great ability. We have found the system for him. He has
a great set-up and a great discipline. He scored a free-kick [against
Liverpool]. A small cherry on top of the cake.
"At least defensively he is there - focused. Concentration is there for the
90 minutes I am very pleased to see that."
Luiz is expected to start on Saturday as Chelsea host London rivals Arsenal,
live on Sky Sports 1 HD from 11.30am.
A victory for Chelsea at Stamford Bridge would move them 12 points clear of
the Gunners, who sit in third level on 47 points with second-placed
Tottenham.
"They (Chelsea) have to perform. They have to perform because it is a great
signal that 'we are going on our way to win the title'," Desailly added.
"During my time, Arsenal was the team that was having the taste of victory.
Now it's the other way round. Now it is Chelsea.
"They have a new coach that has brought a new system, a new philosophy and a
new energy. They are going to go to the end for this title."
top