There were clear ideological differences between Antonio Conte and David Luiz last year.
Luiz only played 10 times in the league last year under the Italian, despite having an excellent season during Conte’s first year, winning the Premier League title at the end of it.
Conte seemingly thought Luiz’s obvious defensive frailties were a bridge too far and the Brazilian spent a lot of time warming Chelsea’s bench as a result.
However, the appointment of Maurizio Sarri – a manger who insists his defenders must be good with the ball at their feet – may have breathed new life into Luiz’s Chelsea career.
Luiz performed admirably in Chelsea’s 3-0 win at Huddersfield on Saturday, coping well with long-balls that went his way.
And, with Sarri admitting that Luiz has a big future at Chelsea (as reported by the Sun) which of their centre-backs looks set to miss out?
It looks like Sarri favours Antonio Rudiger to be Luiz’s defensive partner, despite the German’s poor form last season.
Gary Cahill and Andreas Christensen look like they will have to settle for a spot on the bench following Sarri’s admission.
Even though Christensen had a stellar season last year, Sarri appears to value Luiz’s capabilities on the ball more than the Dane’s defensive skill.
And Cahill – despite his service for the club – has proved over the last 18 months that he has too many mistakes in his game, settling for fourth in the pecking order.
Ethan Ampadu – contrary to my calls for him to be given a chance – may have to seek a loan move away from Stamford Bridge to get game time in the short term.
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