Luiz earns Lampard praise

Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard has praised David Luiz following his man-of-the-match performance against Aston Villa on Sunday.

The Brazilian, who is normally deployed at centre-back for club and country, found himself positioned in midfield as interim manager Rafael Benitez looked to tinker with the side that lost out in the Club World Cup final
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, a competition that also saw the 25-year-old played in the middle.

It was a move which ultimately benefited the Blues and Lampard believes Luiz has the ability to play in both defence and midfield when called upon.

He has the ability to play either position and he’s been a fantastic central defender,” Lampard told the club’s official website.

“People say that central midfield is also a role for him and I think they are right.

“You still have to have discipline and be in the right position, and you can’t take liberties, and against Villa he showed he has the discipline and the ability to do that role.”

Luiz scored the second goal of the game with a stunning free kick and Lampard was not surprised to see the Brazilian score in that manner.

“You don’t see the hours put in on the training pitch to work on that technique,” Lampard said.

“David has done it and now you are seeing the rewards because every time we get a free kick in that area you fancy him to get it on target.”