Chelsea beaten: Five lessons learnt from Liverpool defeat

By Scott Brant | Sep 18, 2016

Chelsea's Brazilian defender David Luiz (L) reacts as Liverpool's Croatian defender Dejan Lovren (3L) celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the English Premier League football match between Chelsea and Liverpool at Stamford Bridge in London on September 16, 2016. / AFP / Adrian DENNIS / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo credit should read ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP/Getty Images) /

2 of 5

LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 16: David Luiz of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Liverpool at Stamford Bridge on September 16, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images) /

It wasn’t “Geeze Luiz”

David Luiz made his second debut for Chelsea against Liverpool on Friday. My expectations were pretty minimal and he exceeded them for sure. Defensively he didn’t make any real mistakes, surprisingly even covering for Gary Cahill a few times.

Meanwhile, his offense was impressive and the numbers back it up. Not only did he lead the team in passes, touches, and shots, he made numerous long distance pin point passes from deep. It was entertaining and refreshing to watch from a Chelsea centre-back.

Having said that, it will be interesting to see how Antonio Conte proceeds with him in the backline. The Blues need Terry’s leadership, but Luiz’s partnership with the captain during his first stint left much to be desired. Will Conte finally make the switch to the three-man defence he is synonymous with?

Home/Premier League