Paris Saint-Germain coach Laurent Blanc has claimed that David Luiz "needs time" before he finds his best form.
The Brazil international was signed for £50m from Chelsea in the summer, and Blanc thinks that the former Blues centre-back may take a while before he fully adjusts to life with the Ligue 1 champions.
"He needs time, like some other players," Blanc told reporters: "He arrived after a big disappointment in the World Cup. He had almost no pre-season preparation when he came here. He plays games with no preparation through friendly games. He came and played directly.
"Maybe it was better to wait before including him in the lineup. But with Thiago Silva's injury, we couldn't. But I think he is doing very well, because he brings his impact.
"He is reassuring even if he takes some risks sometimes. But he is reassuring. I think he's a great defender, and he is becoming more and more important to this team."
Blanc's side host Barcelona in the Champions League on Tuesday.
Paul Gorst
