It has now been confirmed by Chelsea boss Antonio Conte that he may have found the ideal replacement or Brazilian international David Luiz. The report confirms that the Italian coach believes that Nathan Ake can fill in the void, left by the former Paris Saint-Germain defender’s absence, due to any form of injury.
Luiz has once again been an integral part of the first team, since his return to Stamford Bridge and has hit it off well, with the manager and the fans.
His impressive performances for the Blues in the current campaign has already seen him being named part of the PFA Team of the Year as well.
However, the defensive superstar had to go off towards the end of Chelsea’s dominating 3-0 win over Everton at Goodison Park on Sunday, with a problem to his groin.
This had raised certain doubts, as to what would be Conte’s response to the entire situation and which player would step in for the injured star.
However, it was Ake, who was brought back to west London in January from his spell at Bournemouth on loan, that took his place at the centre of the three-man back-line eventually.
Responding to the injury first, Conte stated, “I did not speak with the doctor about his injury but I do not think it is a serious injury for him.”
“I hope in the next game that David Luiz is available to play. Also now in this part of the season it is important sometimes to try to play if you are not 100 per cent with your condition.”
Further, complementing Luiz a bit more for his superb display, he turned his attention away finally and spoke about Ake, the perfect replacement, “He is showing us great commitment in this season. Do not forget his injury in the knee after the game against Manchester City, but I am very pleased for the impact of Ake.”
“He came on and I think he looks a veteran and it is great.”
Conte also added that the defender is still quite young and has been doing a really good job for the team as a whole in the few games that he did fit in.
He also added that it was the reason why he chose to play him in the FA Cup semi-final against Spurs recently too and that paid off well too.
It seems that Conte has everything perfectly placed for a league title win and potentially winning the cup too, as his team faces off against Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal side.
It will be an interesting few weeks from now till the end of the current campaign and hopefully the 22 year old Dutch defender can live up to the expectations of his boss, as the season draws to a close.
If things do work out, it will be a perfect debut season for Conte in England. If there is indeed a need for change or additional signings, the transfer window will surely help with that.
