David Luiz has ability to be world's best defender, says former Chelsea captain Marcel Desailly
Friday 3 February 2017 14:22, UK
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.
Live Premier League
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."
*Marcel Desailly were speaking at the TAG Heuer Premier League Pressure Test. TAG Heuer is the first ever Official Timekeeper and Official Watch of the Premier League. www.tagheuer.com/pressuretest
