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The Brazilian defender returned to the London club this summer and has settled well in manager Antonio Conte’s 3-4-3 formation.

And Pearce – a mercurial defender himself – was full of praise for the 29-year-old.

Speaking on talkSPORT’S Full Time Phone In, he said: “David Luiz has been probably the outstanding defender in England this year.

“I said many times before I would give him the Chelsea captaincy.

(Image: GETTY) (Image: GETTY)

“He’s aggressive in his defending, he’s quick and he reads things.”

The 54-year-old went then commented on Manchester City’s out-of-form defender John Stones.

City fell to a shock 4-2 defeat away at Leicester and many criticised the English youngster’s performance.

Pearce added: “John Stones is still learning the game.

“He has to learn internally in his own head but at the moment he’s making mistakes too consistently.”

Chelsea will look to regain their place at the top of the Premier League when they take on West Brom tomorrow.

And former player Michael Owen believes star man Diego Costa will help inspire Chelsea to their ninth consecutive win.