David Luiz returned to Chelsea from Paris St Germain in a £30 million deal on transfer deadline day, but many have questioned the need to sign the Brazilian centre back.
Only a couple of years ago, PSG secured the player for a whopping £50 million – which is still a world record fee for a defender – from the blues. During his time at Chelsea,Luiz was seen as being highly erratic and unpredictable by most of the pundits. Greece legendGiorgos Karagounissays that he would not agree with the criticism of the defender as he feels that Luiz has been one of the best in his position.
Karagounis is best known for his time with the national team, and he was part of the Greek team that won the title at Euro 2004 in shocking circumstances. He has also played in English football with the likes of Fulham. However, he got his taste of Luiz when the duo were playing together at Benfica for two years between 2005 and 2007. After having seen enough of the Brazilian defender,Karagounis suggests that Chelsea’s decision to bring back the player is completely justified as he remains as one of the top defenders in the world.
Luiz has been playing in a back three formation under Antonio Conte to huge success early on.“I think that he is one of the best defenders in the world.He plays with a lot of passion and the criticism last year wasn’t right as PSG won many titles.I remember him from Benfica when he was young and have only the best memories – he had the passion and hunger to succeed. He is a great player,” said Karagounis. During his first spell, Luiz was responsible for handing Chelsea in the Champions League title with some impressive performances.