Conte compares Chelsea new-boy Luiz to Bonucci and Barzagli

The debate as to whether David Luiz is better deployed at the back or in midfield will rage on but Chelsea boss Antonio Conte has compared his new acquisition to a pair of Italian defenders.

Conte coached both Leonardo Bonucci and Andrea Barzagli during his time in charge of Juventus as well as the Italian national team and claims Luiz exhibits qualities that are a combination of the duo.

The Brazilian rejoined the Blues over the summer following two years with Paris Saint-Germain.

And although Luiz has been much-maligned in the past for his defensive deficiencies, Conte is convinced he can soon fix any faults the 29-year-old has.

(Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)

“It is important to remember that when I started at Juventus with Bonucci and Chiellini and Barzagli, the defence of Juventus conceded a lot of goals,” said Conte.

“I remember before I arrived many people told me they are not good these defenders or they are good these defenders.

“I started to work with them and found a great commitment from these players and then through the work I think now we are talking about three great defenders in the world. But I remember when we started, it wasn’t so.

“I think David Luiz’s qualities are somewhere in the middle between Bonucci and Barzagli.

“He is good technically and has good personality like Bonucci, and he likes to play football like Bonucci likes to play football, and also I find the good physical potential like Barzagli.”