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How Antonio Conte Has Made Chelsea’s Three-Man Backline Look Impenetrable With This Latest Signing

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No team across Europe’s elite divisions has gone 5 league games without conceding a goal this season, and more importantly, keep the clean sheets in grand style by running riot at the other end of the pitch except Chelsea.

Not only have the Blues prevented Hull, Leicester City, Manchester United, Southampton and Everton from getting on the score sheet when they clashed, they put in a total of 16 goals at the back of the net against these 5, and that all-round brilliance has been attributed to mainly due to a change in formation.

Conte had tried his hands on the 4-2-4, 4-3-3 and 4-2-3-1 formations since the season started before switching to a 3-4-3 plan D, and to say that the change in tactics has paid off will be understating the fact.

Having carefully selected his first picks for every position following deep scrutiny, the Italian manager has played every player available at his disposal to their various strengths, with everyone of the starting XI looking out for one other as a result of their respective distinctive roles.

The trio of Azpilicueta, Luiz and Cahill have formed a defensive wall in front of Thibaut Courtois. Kante and Matic take hold of the midfield in offensive and defensive roles which they interchange, and they are flanked by Alonso and Moses on the wings.

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Up front, the trio of Hazard, Costa and Pedro continue to unleash untold mayhem and hardship on opposition defences and have had a hand in the majority of Chelsea’s goals as of recent.

As a result of the setup, the way with which Chelsea’s backline has subsequently become impenetrable has deservedly attracted and earned plaudits from almost every quarters, with many quick to recognize Brazilian central back, David Luiz, as a key and major contributor behind such achievement.

Luiz’s presence in the starting lineup brings more than just an assurance to the defence, and it also gives constant life and vigour to the airtight system, and it’s safe to say he is the foundation of Conte’s rearguard.

Playing at the heart of the 3-man defence, the 29-year-old is the glue holding Chelsea’s backline together, and the importance of the crucial role he plays cannot be overemphasised.

Not only are his defensive responsibilities the highest whenever the team is at the receiving end of an attack, he is also charged with bringing the ball from the back and quickly tracking back to his position if a launch into the opposition’s final third has been abruptly cut off.

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Luiz has played every single minute of the league since he made a return to the fold in summer, and has been responsible for 8 won tackles and 9 aerial duels, 10 interceptions, 33 clearances and 6 blocks in his 7 Premier League appearances.

While many underrate his defensive abilities, given how comfortable he is on the ball and the confidence he exudes bursting forward, it can’t be denied that Luiz combines a perfect combination of high offensive and defensive qualities that make him tick all the boxes for the crucial role he occupies.

He has completed all 3 of his attempted take ons, created 3 chances, and recorded 50% shot accuracy. No Chelsea player has averaged more defensive actions per game (7) than him thus far, and his 88% average pass accuracy and 24 meters pass length further highlight his sublime attacking contributions from the back.

David Luiz is what makes Chelsea thick and tick at the back, and it shouldn’t be wondered why Conte sanctioned his £34million deadline day transfer. He is the reason why Chelsea have become rock-solid with a 3-man defence, and if his form continues, anything is possible for the Blues this term.