MX23RW : Tuesday, December 24 17:13:33| >> :120:13217:13217:

Rafael Benitez: 'David Luiz midfield role is easier'

Benitez: 'Luiz midfield role is easier'
© PA Photos
Chelsea manager Rafael Benitez insists that it is "easier" for David Luiz to play in midfield, rather than in defence.

Chelsea manager Rafael Benitez has admitted that he thinks David Luiz is suited to playing further up the pitch.

The Brazilian defender has featured in the centre of Chelsea's midfield in recent games due to injuries and suspensions and Benitez believes that it gives Luiz more margin for error than when he is playing in defence.

Benitez told reporters: "I encourage him to try things. I would be really worried if a player is not trying things in the final third. He's a player who likes to play and wants to help and win. He likes to be seen, to take a risk where it's necessary.

"At centre-back, you make one mistake and everyone sees. In midfield, it's easier. He likes to play and enjoys keeping the ball, passing the ball and going forward. It's easier for him than centre-back. If he adjusts those things at centre-back, he will be even better."

Despite the admission from Benitez, Luiz is likely to begin Chelsea's match with Aston Villa in his familiar role of central defence.

ID:60542: cacheID:60542:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:1530:
Written by
Darren Plant
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Chelsea striker Fernando Torres celebrates a goal against Nordsjaelland on December 5, 2012
Read Next:
Team News: Lampard, Torres start for Chelsea
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool16123137162139
2Chelsea17105237191835
3Arsenal1796234161833
4Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest179442319431
5Bournemouth178452721628
6Aston Villa178452626028
7Manchester CityMan City178362925427
8Newcastle UnitedNewcastle177552721626
9Fulham176742422225
10Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton176742726125
11Tottenham HotspurSpurs1772839251423
12Brentford177283232023
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd176472122-122
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham175572230-820
15Everton163761421-716
16Crystal Palace173771826-816
17Leicester CityLeicester173592137-1614
18Wolverhampton WanderersWolves1733112740-1312
19Ipswich TownIpswich172691632-1612
20Southampton1713131136-256


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!