Gary Neville once described David Luiz as like a player being controlled by a 10-year-old on a Playstation.
But the Brazilian’s performances this season since he returned to Chelsea have led to a rethink from the Manchester United legend, with Neville describing Luiz as ‘perfect’ for Antonio Conte’s 3-4-3 system. Speaking to Metro.co.uk Neville also said Blues captain John Terry should accept he’s no longer needed every week.
‘The three at the back suits David Luiz perfectly. He doesn’t suit playing in a back four. But I think playing in a three, particularly with N’Golo Kante and Nemanja Matic playing in front of him, and he seems to be making good decisions. He seems to be selecting when to play out from the back and when to get rid of it. He seems to be more mature.
‘I think also Conte is a very good, well drilled defensive coach. So ultimately at the moment I think it looks very good. I think having Kante and Matic in front of him and having the two players either side is giving him a good platform to show his best.’
Luiz’s return to Stamford Bridge and the switch in formation has seen Terry forced out of the side. Neville thinks that considering the Chelsea skipper’s age and experience, a support role is perhaps the right thing for him now.
‘At John Terry’s age he can relax about not being in the team. He’s climbed the mountain of football really with what he’s done. He can now provide good support to that team,’ Neville said at the Red Bull Street Style event last week.
‘I don’t think to be fair he needs to play every single week. I don’t think it’s the whole ‘oh John Terry’s been left out’ anymore, I think now because of his age and the fact he got injured I think people accept it’s the right thing to do and it’s not the big shock that it may have once been. Although John will be determined to get back in.’
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