Photo: Chelsea FC

The signing of David Luiz on transfer deadline day raised a lot of eyebrows and sparked criticisms from every corner. However, the Brazilian has put his critics to shame with his consistent performance in Chelsea’s defence this season.

Arsenal legend Thierry Henry has admitted that critics tried to crucify Luiz even before he kicked a ball.

And Henry has now revealed to The Sun why he believes the switch always made sense to him.

He said: “One of the stories of the season has been David Luiz’s return to Chelsea. He has well and truly bought into Conte’s plan.

“There were a few eyebrows raised when he re-joined but I wasn’t that surprised. The guy won the Europa League and the Champions League with Chelsea after all.

Yes, he made some mistakes but before he had even kicked a ball on his return people were killing him.

“But, he is more mature now. We all make mistakes as kids. Plus Conte’s clarity of tactics will have helped him too. He is the man in the middle, covering for others. He knows he can’t get on the ball now and try to beat players.

“But there was a lack of respect for him at the start of the season. People dwell on errors not what players do well. At PSG, he knocked Chelsea out of the Champions League! OK, he had a bad game against Barcelona’s Luis Suarez in Europe but that happens.

“And now he is on the verge of a Double. He must be doing something right…I’m so happy for him. He deserves it.”