#9 David Luiz
The occasionally enigmatic Brazilian has been far from the free spirit that had Chelsea fans screaming for both joy and terror in his first run with the team.
Thriving in the libero spot in Conte’s system, his range of passing, ability to handle one on ones, and willingness to build from the back have been very important in Chelsea’s success the first half of this season. His pace at the back was something they were sorely missing at the start of the year and Luiz looks to be a fixture in the side in the coming years as the faces around him are set to change.
His heroics were on full display in the lucky escape at the Etihad at the start of December. Though he should have been sent off in the same game, his last ditch tackles and blocks kept Chelsea in the game before they were able to counter their way to victory. It remains to be seen if he can remain a calming presence as the last man when the pressure continues to mount.
(Video Courtesy: CFC Videos Youtube Channel)