Chelsea re-signed David Luiz for what he brings to the dressing room as much as his ability on the field, according to Antonio Conte.

Many criticised the Blues for lacking leaders who stood up to be counted when the going got tough under Jose Mourinho last season.

John Terry, always one to wear his heart on his sleeve, was granted a new one-year contract by Conte but more characters were needed to restore stability to the squad.

Luiz was often mocked for his defending during his first spell at Stamford Bridge before he was sold for a world-record fee to Paris Saint-Germain.

While Chelsea didn’t miss the defensive errors, the Brazilian’s infectious personality around the training ground was never really replaced.

But rather than find an alternative, the west Londoners have simply gone back to the man who helped deliver the club’s only Champions League triumph in 2012.

Conte said: “It’s important to have in the squad players with a good personality. Also, I want personality on the pitch. I’m very happy when I have a player with a great personality.

“This changing room is a good changing room. Every player has their own personality. Many players often don’t show the personality but they have great personality.

David Luiz's Chelsea career so far in pictures:

“Sometimes they didn’t need to talk but sometimes I prefer the fight. This changing room has many great personalities.

“I’m working with him six days but my first impression is important because he’s a positive guy. He’s always smiling and it’s good but when we start to work we work.

“For me he’s a positive guy and now we have many personalities.”

Conte believes Luiz can develop into a world-class defender, fitting of the remarkable transfer fees he has been signed for, if he gets his head down and works on his game.

The Chelsea coach has worked with some of the best centre-back in the world having bossed Andrea Barzagli, Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci during his time in Italy.

It is some statement from Conte to mention Luiz in the same breath as those players and the Blues manager says that even that trio were questioned earlier in their careers.

Star trio: Conte worked with quality defenders at Juventus

He added: “It’s important to remember when I started in Juventus with Chiellini, Bonucci, Barzagli, the defence of Juventus conceded a lot of goals.

“Before my arrival, many people told me these defenders were no good but then I started to work with them and I found a great commitment.

“Through the work I think that now we are talking about three great defenders in the world. But if you remember in my first year in Juventus it wasn’t so.

“The quality [of Luiz] is in the middle of Barzagali and Bonucci. He has good technique and personality like Bonucci because he likes to play football. I also find the good physical potential like Barzagli.

“You have to work in the pitch to improve. You put your sweat with your players.”

Luiz, along with fellow deadline day signing Marcos Alonso, are likely to sit out Sunday’s trip to Swansea as they continue to learn Conte’s football philosophy.

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