How has David Luiz become integral to Antonio Conte’s Chelsea?

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When David Luiz moved to PSG in the summer of 2011 for £50 million, a record transfer fee for a defender, many eyebrows were raised. Playing for Chelsea in the Premier League, the Brazilian was prone to mistakes and was very inconsistent, unplayable one week then costing his team goals the next.

Even more eyebrows were raised then when the player returned to Chelsea in the summer transfer window for a £30 million. Dubbed a ‘panic buy’ by many plaudits and fans alike, even his own manager admitted the transfer occurred due to Chelsea’s failure to capture other targets.

Having returned to Chelsea, however, and as a part of Antonio Conte’s side, Luiz, playing in the central position of the three-man defence, has been a revelation. He has looked composed and assured in defence, whilst his ball-playing ability is an important asset also.

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As we saw in the recent Liverpool game as well, Luiz still possesses a fantastic long-range shooting ability, as he scored a fantastic free-kick that cannoned in off the post.

Luiz can be described as a defender who plays on the front foot, often stepping out of defence, determined to win the ball. In his early days at Chelsea, however, he was often over-eager to do so, leading to him either committing a foul or losing the ball, leaving his team vulnerable on the counter attack. This was a prominent issue during his first stint at the club, but with more experience and the guidance of Conte, he seems to have put this behind him.

As the central defender in Conte’s back-three, alongside César Azpilicueta and Gary Cahill, he is less exposed. As a result of good positioning, he is often the defender who clears the ball in the box or makes key interceptions.

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When he does step out, however, it is less of an issue. With two central defenders either side of him, there is adequate cover behind him whilst the industrious N’Golo Kanté provides support across both the midfield and defence. Playing centrally, there is also less chance of Luiz venturing out wide to defend and potentially coming up in a one-on-one where he is undoubtedly weak.

Antonio Conte and his 3-4-3 formation has not only been crucial to the successes of Chelsea this season then but also to David Luiz. The Brazilian international has proved the doubters wrong this season and is now an integral part of this Chelsea machine that continues to drive towards the title.

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