Chelsea brought David Luiz back to Stamford Bridge from Paris Saint-Germain last summer.
Luiz has returned a more mature figure, however, with the centre-back’s performances playing a key role in Chelsea rising to the top of the Premier League this season.
The 29-year-old disappointed during Chelsea’s 2-0 defeat away to Manchester United on Sunday afternoon, but former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher, speaking on Sky Sports, believes that there was a reason for Luiz’s struggles at Old Trafford.
“I think he’s been outstanding this season. I’ve been a massive fan of his. I’m going to give him the benefit of the doubt that he looked like he was injured or he may have been sick the night before.
“Something just wasn’t right with David Luiz from minute one. I think I said two or three months ago he could be in line for Player of the Year.
“We all ridiculed the signing when he first came in and I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt that maybe he’s been carrying a knock. Something wasn’t right but that was not what we expect from David Luiz this season.”
Luiz has played over 2500 minutes of Premier League football for Chelsea this season, scoring one goal in the process. He has been a revelation since returning to England, although Sunday’s performance would have been concerning to the club’s supporters.
The gap from leaders Chelsea to second-place Tottenham Hotspur is now just four points with six games to play, and the Blues will need Luiz back to top form if they are to land the Premier League title this season.