David Luiz is the best centre-half currently in the Premier League, according to Chelsea icon Frank Lampard.
The 29-year-old had a three-year spell at Stamford Bridge between 2011 and 2014 before joining French giants Paris Saint-Germain for £50million.
Luiz had a reputation for not being the most reliable defender in his first stint at Chelsea, and eyebrows were raised when Antonio Conte’s outfit brought him back for £34m in the last summer transfer window.
However, the Brazil international has been a stand-out and consistent performer for the Blues this season, helping Chelsea move 10 points clear at the summit of the Premier League ladder.
Chelsea and England legend Lampard believes Luiz is the best player in his specific role in the country at the minute.
“He’s matured – he was a very good player before [he left for PSG],” Lampard acknowledged.
“The criticism at that point was that he can make a mistake. Since he came back, he’s shown real discipline and control on the ball.
“His defensive work has been brilliant – he’s certainly improved and grown up as a man.
“He’s probably the best centre-half in the league right now.”
Luiz put in another good shift on Monday night as Chelsea secured a 2-1 victory over West Ham United at the London Stadium.
The Blues took the lead thanks to goals from Eden Hazard and Diego Costa, before Manuel Lanzini brought the Hammers back into the game in injury-time.
By Drew Darbyshire (@DarbySports)
