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Gary Neville singles out Chelsea star for praise: Why he's so important for Antonio Conte
GARY NEVILLE has lauded the contribution of Chelsea star David Luiz in the first half of the season.
David Luiz - 5 things you need to know
Eyebrows were raised when Luiz rejoined Chelsea last summer for £30million.
However, the Brazil defender has quashed any lingering doubts with his performances this term.
The Blues currently top the Premier League and under Antonio Conte, have conceded just two goals in their past 11 games.
David Luiz has been a mainstay in Chelsea's defence this season
Antonio Conte has presided over a brilliant run in charge of Chelsea
I think he looks a lot better and at this moment in time is a key figure in that spine for Chelsea
Neville, who named his Team of the Season on Sky Sports last night after Liverpool's 1-0 win over Everton, has explained why he rates Luiz so highly.
"In my first interview after they signed him I didn't see him as a fit with Conte," Neville told Sky Sports.
"However, he has been outstanding. I have to say he looks more mature, he's not getting distracted in all the sideshow stuff that he did before on the pitch.
"He looks to me to have a really good focus.
Gary Neville has been impressed with David Luiz
"Last time there were doubts about him, huge doubts.
"I think he looks a lot better and at this moment in time is a key figure in that spine for Chelsea."
Besides Luiz, Thibaut Courtois, Cesar Azpilicueta, Virgil van Dijk, Danny Rose, Adam Lallana, N'Golo Kante, Fernandinho, Eden Hazard, Diego Costa and Zlatan Ibrahimovic made Neville's team of the season.
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