David Luiz - Thriving in the heart of our defence.

David Luiz was once described as a defender being controlled by a 10-year-old on PlayStation. In the last six games he has demonstrated that he is actually the Ringmaster of Chelsea's back three.

I wrote an article on David Luiz when he first rejoined Chelsea stating that he was here to change opinions from his first spell in the Premier League but no-one thought it would be this soon. From Gary Neville to Jamie Carragher, all slated him defensively and described him as a maverick and someone you could not trust because he always had a mistake in him. Both have praised Luiz this week which is great to see as the likeable Brazilian finally gets the credit he deserves.

Playing through the middle of our back three with Gary Cahill to his left, Cesar Azpilicueta to his right with the addition of Nemanja Matic and N'Golo Kante in front of him, Luiz has turned into the Ringmaster that is thriving in the heart of our defence.

Luiz has always in my opinion been able to read the game being played out in front of him. He can sense danger early and look to stop the attack being played out. Many times in the past playing as one of two centre backs he would sense danger and step out to win the ball as we have often seen with him coming out on top more often than not, but it's been those times when he doesn't win it and leaves his defensive partner exposed that it causes problems.

Playing where he does now in the middle of our back three, he has the perfect vantage point to see things being played out in front of him again, however this time with two defensive partners either side of him to step out and challenge. He has the awareness to move across and cover the position so we are not exposed. He also knows that when that ball is being played into the box he can step forward and challenge as he has demonstrated superbly against the likes of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Alvaro Negredo last Sunday.

Speaking of Luiz and his performances in our last six games Gary Neville has spoken of Luiz and said:

"The three at the back suits David Luiz perfectly. 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.” - Source - The Sun.

The one thing that has impressed me more than anything is that you look at David Luiz in these past few weeks and he is talking to people, he is telling people where to be, encouraging people and being the leader of our defence that we have lacked without John Terry being there!

For years we have all wondered what we are going to do when JT leaves the club, how on earth we could ever replace the man that has been the inspirational captain that has led the club through the most successful period in our history. Who could organise, talk and inspire those around him as well as he does?

It seems that David Luiz could become that person and although you may seem surprised, just watch him in games, just watch how he demonstrates all the traits needed to be the man.

David Luiz - Thriving at the heart of our defence!