Chelsea

Luiz return key to Chelsea title bid, says Nevin

Chelsea legend Pat Nevin says he is a “total fan” of David Luiz and believes the flamboyant Brazilian centre-half’s arrival has brought hopes of a realistic title challenge.

Luiz, 29, has re-joined the Blues for fee of £34m, two years after leaving Stamford Bridge.

And Nevin is convinced manager Antonio Conte’s transfer deadline day business – which also saw Spanish full-back Marcos Alonso sign – has been both excellent and vital.

“I tipped Manchester City or Manchester United to win the league at the start of the season and didn’t think Chelsea could unless they signed a quality centre-half and a left-back. They have done that,” Nevin told West London Sport.

“I seem to be in the minority in the media but I am a total fan of David Luiz. I can see the weaknesses but they are heavily outweighed by all his strengths.

“Yes, he will make mistakes and he will get caught out once in a while when he takes chances. But he is such a talent.

“David Luiz is also much more than just a centre-half. He can play left-back, right-back and as a holding midfielder. He covers everywhere and he is more than just one player.

“He has the physique, strength, pace, the range of passing and the ability to bring the ball out of defence. And I suspect Antonio Conte will rein him in a bit more.

“He knows the club and the Premier League and he’s a winner. He’s won the Champions League with Chelsea and he’s won the league with PSG.”

This post was last modified on 08/09/2016

Owen Phillips

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  • Agree with Pat 100%, he has charisma and will help Terry to lead by simply being on the pitch. only point I disagree with is that he thinks he is in a minority, Jamie Redknapp along with many others think he is an excellent signing, you will always get some less intelligent views based merely on his odd error. You could say that JT is is considered by many pundits etc to be the finest central denfender in PL history is slow. Giles smith also made some excellent points, e.g. Luiz penalty in the CL Final where we would have been 2-0 down on pens had he missed.

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Owen Phillips