EPL: Martin Keown shuns Hazard, identifies player key to Chelsea’s success this season

Former Arsenal defender, Martin Keown, has identified Chelsea defender, David Luiz ahead of forward, Eden Hazard and other stars, as the player who holds the key to the Blues’ success this season.

Luiz fell out with with former Chelsea boss, Antonio Conte last season, after his side’s 3-0 defeat to Roma in the Champions League in October.

The 31-year-old was dropped from Chelsea’s starting XI by Conte.

The Brazilian has, however, become a regular starter under new manager, Maurizio Sarri this term, and Keown believes Luiz’s creativity will play a key role for the West London club to be successful this campaign.

“Luiz holds the key to Chelsea being successful this season,” Keown told Daily Mail.

“He has already improved a great deal but there is still work to do.

“He was at fault for the goal which put United 2-1 ahead when he flew out of the defensive line to challenge Juan Mata. When you come out of the line, you have to win the ball. If you miss it, you are out of the game.

“Luiz got his angle of approach all wrong and over-committed. He has to know when to come across into the channels and when it is better to stay put.

“But Luiz brings so much to this team with his creativity and willingness to put his head on the line.”

The former Arsenal defender added, “Never have I seen a player head a football with such anger as David Luiz when he set up Chelsea’s equaliser against Manchester United.

“It was as if the Brazilian had been fired out of a cannon.

“This is a player who was allowed to leave Stamford Bridge by Jose Mourinho. By flinging himself at Cesar Azpilicueta’s cross in the dying seconds, Luiz seemed determined not to be beaten by his former manager and it was from the rebound that his side scored.”