This is the impenetrable Chelsea defence should they sign Middlesbrough’s Ben Gibson

David Luiz

It was seen by many as a panic-buy after they missed out on their main targets, but Chelsea’s decision to bring David Luiz back to Stamford Bridge has been fully vindicated this term.

The Brazilian international has been outstanding at the heart of Conte’s back three, making 23 successive Premier League starts and in that time being part of a defence which has conceded just 16 goals.

The 29-year-old has never been renowned for his defensive ability, as seen when he captained his country to a 7-1 loss to Germany in World Cup semi-finals in 2014, yet he has improved drastically this season, and is now one of the most dependable centre-backs in the league.

The responsibility of leading the back three has brought the best out of Luiz, who looks like being the main man in that Chelsea defence for a while yet.