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Chelsea boss Antonio Conte signals the start of the David Luiz Experience, Part Deux

By André Carlisle

COBHAM, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 06: Gary Cahill, John Terry and David Luiz of Chelsea during a training session at Chelsea Training Ground on September 6, 2016 in Cobham, England. (Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
COBHAM, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 06: Gary Cahill, John Terry and David Luiz of Chelsea during a training session at Chelsea Training Ground on September 6, 2016 in Cobham, England. (Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images) /
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Chelsea boss Antonio Conte confirmed that David Luiz will make his second Blues debut when Liverpool visit Stamford Bridge on Friday night.

Be sure your harnesses are securely fastened and remove any valuables that may fall from your pockets when inverted. The David Luiz Experience begins, well, now –

"Tomorrow, David Luiz will play for the first time with us and we are confident about him. We expect him to play very well, we know he’s a good player. We are working to put him in the best condition to give us the best of him.When new players arrive they need time to adapt to a new concept but tomorrow we need to play David Luiz. He’s worked a lot on defensive situations and when we are in possession. I have confidence in him. – Antonio Conte via chelseafc.com"

Though it may have been assumed the moment the replay of John Terry turning his ankle against Swansea was shown, it’s now officially official. How are your nerves?

Depending on which way you lean on Luiz – as a Chelsea folk hero or a walking defensive mistake with fun hair – you’re either hopeful or terrified. It’s no secret that at 35 years of age, John Terry’s pace against a team as fast as Liverpool wouldn’t be too settling at this point in the week either.

However, he has been experiencing a bit of a rebirth under Antonio Conte. Though if a doctor was to take credit for this miracle cure, you may raise an eyebrow of suspicion at the studies only being conducted against West Ham, Watford, Burnley, and Swansea.

Luiz is still in the midst of learning a new system and how Conte wants him to react in specific situations, but he possesses the skills necessary to frustrate Liverpool. Sure his pace is better, but even the paciest of defenders will not want to rely on just that with an onrushing Liverpool trio.

That’s why Luiz’s ability to keep the ball will come in handy in stretching Liverpool’s press. Of course, that’s the positive spin.

Luiz also possesses the skills necessary to frustrate the whole of Chelsea’s fandom. Getting caught high up the pitch will give Liverpool’s jitterbugs a park’s worth of space to enjoy themselves in.

Ready or not, the ride is about to begin. We hope it’s been a few hours since you’ve eaten.

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