Chelsea defender backs club to cope with Hazard and Courtois loss

Chelsea have the strength to match their Premier League rivals even if Eden Hazard and Thibaut Courtois inflict a transfer double blow, according to David Luiz.

Uncertainty continues to cloud the Belgium stars less than a week out from the season-opening trip to Huddersfield Town.

Real Madrid have been heavily linked with both players and neither has quashed speculation surrounding their futures.

Maurizio Sarri is due to hold face-to-face talks with goalkeeper Courtois on Monday and, after speaking recently with the pair, is hopeful of “more good than bad” news on their willingness to stay at Stamford Bridge.

Luiz, who played 90 minutes in Sunday’s 2-0 loss to Manchester City in the Community Shield, is adamant last season’s FA Cup winners can keep pace with their competitors even if Courtois and Hazard pursue moves.

“Of course. I think Chelsea has a fantastic squad, with fantastic players,” the Brazilian told reporters.

“I want them to stay, because we have top players with the confidence.

“[But] if they decide to leave, I think we will continue with fantastic players.”

Last season’s FA Cup winners have had more success with convincing Willian to spurn reported interest from Barcelona and Manchester United.

The 29-year-old winger affirmed his commitment to Chelsea on Sunday and the decision came as no surprise to compatriot Luiz.

“He’s a fantastic player and a fantastic friend,” the defender said. “I’ve known Willian since I was eight, so a long time.

“Willian loves Chelsea. He played today after the World Cup, he already showed his quality, so I wanted him to stay.

“Chelsea loves Willian, Willian loves Chelsea, so that’s great.”

Although primarily a centre back, David Luiz can also be deployed as a defensive midfielder, and has drawn praise for his physical strength, work-rate, technique, and range of distribution as a defender, as well as his personality, composure in possession, and confidence on the ball, which enables him to play the ball out from the back or launch an attack with long balls after winning back possession.

A powerful striker of the ball from distance, Luiz has also been known to take and score from long-range free kicks. Although in the past he has been criticised in the media for his inconsistent defensive performances, and for being reckless in his challenges, as well as prone to errors or lapses in concentration, during the 2016–17 season, he showed notable improvements upon his return to Chelsea, when the club’s new manager Antonio Conte decided to deploy him as a ball-playing centre back in a three-man back-line in the team’s 3–4–3 formation. Luiz excelled in the new role, while Conte praised the defender for working to improve his composure and concentration, and singled out Luiz as being “crucial” to the team’s success, also labelling him as one of the best defenders in the world