Chelsea legend Ray Wilkins’ damning verdict on David Luiz: ‘A penalty just waiting to happen’
'He just makes very, very rash decisions and poor decisions as a centre half. I don’t understand why they brought him back'
DAVID LUIZ is "a penalty just waiting to happen" insists Chelsea legend Ray Wilkins.
Wilkins remembers all too well the mayhem Luiz so often drummed up in his first spell at the club between 2011-14.
And now the former England midfielder can't understand why the maverick Brazilian has been re-signed for £34million from Paris St Germain.
New Chelsea boss Antonio Conte insists Luiz, who today posted a playful pose with Willian on Instagram, will play as a centre half and not in midfield. The Italian is also hoping to turn the 29-year-old into "one of the best players in the world".
But Wilkins says: “We are coming up to Christmas and he loves giving presents away. He is a penalty just waiting to happen, especially as a central defender.
“Don’t get me wrong, he is a very talented footballer but he is not a centre half as far as I’m concerned.
“He is a holding midfield player or a midfield player. He just makes very, very rash decisions and poor decisions as a centre-half. I don’t understand why they brought him back into the fold.”
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Chelsea re-signed Luiz on deadline day last week after months of disappointment in the transfer market. Moves for other targets such as Kalidou Koulibaly, Alessio Romagnoli and Leonardo Bonucci fell through, and some fans look upon Luiz as a last resort.
But not Conte, who says: “Every player can improve. David is 29, a fantastic age for him to become one of the best defenders in the the world.
"He has good characteristics to become one of the great players in the world."
Luiz has won 12 major trophies in his club career so already has a wealth of experience.
Chelsea boast a 100 per cent record so far this season but Luiz has not returned to sit on the bench.
Conte has hinted he is prepared top play three at the back with Luiz lining up alongside John Terry and Gary Cahill.
But probably not at Swansea on Sunday as Luiz's second coming is delayed to allow him time to adjust to his former surroundings.