Chelsea defender David Luiz defied critics last season and he has heaped praise on John Terry and Antonio Conte for helping him do so.
David Luiz returned to Stamford Bridge last summer in what seemed like a desperation move. However, the flamboyant Brazilian proved critics wrong when he showed himself to be an absolute rock in the heart of the Chelsea defence. Now, he is being touted as the next club captain and is heaping praise on Antonio Conte and John Terry for helping him develop.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, the defender first complimented Terry for the significant role he had leading the team.
"He was a leader. Not just the guy with the armband, especially last season which was a different season for his career because he didn’t play a lot. He was still great with the team, trying to help and to be together."
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Last season was a bizarre one for the former England captain. Having being a regular in the Chelsea line-up for over 15 years, Terry found himself largely on the bench. His time was up in a blue shirt.
However, this didn’t stop him from fulfilling his duties as a leader off the field. Every player who was asked praised Terry’s professionalism and team mentality, despite his lack of game time.
With Terry gone, Gary Cahill is favourite to take over. Luiz, though, has also been tipped for the armband in a confirmation of the player he has become.
While his first stint in West London was riddled with flair and errors in equal parts, he has returned as a much more mature man. His performances last season confounded expectations and the massive blow up cynics were awaiting never came. Luiz is quick to credit Conte with his improvement.
"He definitely improved me. Not just me, everybody. That’s what the coach is for, to try to improve the players and improve the team. This is their job."
It is safe to say that Luiz is far and away a better player than the one who left for PSG in a £50 million deal. Fears were that the relative lack of intensity and competition in Ligue 1 may have regressed the defender, but the opposite has happened. Now, Chelsea are reaping the rewards.
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How impressed were you with David Luiz last season? Should be named club captain? Sound off in the comments below!