RAFA Benitez reckons David Luiz is one of the best players in the Premier League.

Chelsea's interim boss has leapt to the defence of the Brazilian after he was accused of play-acting to get Manchester United defender Rafael sent-off at the weekend.

But Benitez has hit back at the critics and believes the Samba star doesn't get the recognition he deserves.

"I'm aware David Luiz is one of the best players in the Premier League by miles,” he said. “Miles away from a lot of players, one of the best no doubt.

"I think, talking about that [incident], we are not talking about Chelsea between United, much better than United in three games, two in Old Trafford. I think we did really well, the substitution of Fernando [Torres] was an offensive player on the pitch.

“Mind games, nobody was talking about mind games after the game and then we start talking about this, I don't agree with that.

"I think David Luiz was laughing because the fans abusing him. After [that] was [the] red card, so was very clear the timing.

"But, if we continue to talk about this, rather than trying to eradicate the bad tackles we see every week, I think we are giving importance to something that is not as important as other things.

“Still, I don't like this situation. But we are talking about one of the best players in the Premier League.

"Again, I say I prefer to talk about football, tactics or the other things that are normal."

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