Maurizio Sarri has stated that David Luiz can play comfortably in a back four and not just as part of a three-man defence.
The new manager was speaking after the 3-0 win over Huddersfield in our opening game of the season and was quoted by the Metro as saying:
“I disagree that he can only play as one of three central defenders.
“If you are a good defender you can play in a defensive line of three and you can also play in a four.
“I don’t know about what happened in the past but now he has a good chance.
“We only have to carry on like we are doing now with him.”
The report from the Metro claimed that former manager Antonio Conte did not want to use Luiz in the wider roles of the three-man defence and hence, played the Brazilian in the middle.
Luiz didn’t feature much for us last season as he only made four appearances since the turn of the year. The report also claimed that he had a bust-up with Conte last October and an injured knee certainly did not make things easy for him.
The 31-year-old has, however, been involved heavily in our pre-season and did a pretty good job in the back with Antonio Rudiger as his partner.
Read more: Chelsea close to finalising an exit for Conte’s flop signing
Chelsea have looked good under Sarri but the team still needs time before delivering admirably on all fronts this season.