Antonio Conte’s 3-4-3 is helping David Luiz prove the doubters wrong at Chelsea – and the Brazilian is loving it

Solid Blueprint | David Luiz celebrates with his team-mates during Chelsea's 5-0 win over Everton
Clive Rose/Getty Images
Simon Johnson18 November 2016

David Luiz’s return to Chelsea in August was met with much derision and disbelief but three months later no one is laughing.

Critics remembered only the negatives from his first spell at Stamford Bridge — between 2011-14 — before he was sold to Paris St Germain for £50m.

Coach Antonio Conte’s belief that the Brazil international could be turned into a world-class defender so late in his career was also met with contempt.

However, Luiz’s contribution has silenced the doubters and been a major reason why Chelsea are title contenders again.

Fellow defender Gary Cahill said: “David has been superb — he is in fantastic form. Is he motivated to prove people wrong? It can look that way. He is showing his quality on the ball when he can but is also defending when he has to.

“He is an experienced player at the top level and has won many trophies. He has played in the Premier League but also has a lot of experience in other divisions, too.”

In Pictures | Chelsea vs Everton | 05/11/2016

1/25

Conte’s decision to switch to a 3-4-3 in late September has benefited Luiz. With Cahill and Cesar Azpilicueta either side of him, Luiz has licence to express himself in possession.

The Blues have won five straight League games with the new system and play at Middlesbrough on Sunday having not conceded for 500 minutes in the top flight.

Cahill added: “David has a big role. Everyone is aware of his ability on the ball. Against Everton [when Chelsea won 5-0 this month] he brought that to our game but also did what defenders are supposed to do and won tackles.

“This formation allows me and Cesar to go really tight on the opposition, even leave our position and push higher up the pitch, and David can then anchor it. It’s like the old sweeper role and his range of passing is a big help to the team.

“But it’s not a case that we don’t defend. When you are left with three at the back as a team break, you have to be ready.”

Chelsea may be forgiven for casting their eye at the higher-profile fixtures to come, against Tottenham (November 26) and Manchester City (December 3), but Cahill said: “Our credentials will be tested no matter who we play.

“We know that because we experienced it the season before last when we finished top. It is all about consistency.”

Striker Diego Costa is fit despite pulling out of the Spain squad with a groin injury.

You can follow Sunday's clash between Chelsea and Middlesbrough live on Standard Sport. Click here for more information.

Create a FREE account to continue reading

eros

Registration is a free and easy way to support our journalism.

Join our community where you can: comment on stories; sign up to newsletters; enter competitions and access content on our app.

Your email address

Must be at least 6 characters, include an upper and lower case character and a number

You must be at least 18 years old to create an account

* Required fields

Already have an account? SIGN IN

By clicking Create Account you confirm that your data has been entered correctly and you have read and agree to our Terms of use , Cookie policy and Privacy policy .

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged in