Chelsea boss Rafa Benitez admits David Luiz's long-term position could be in midfield.

Benitez confirmed the 25-year-old could find himself playing further up the pitch on a more regular basis following yesterday's performance.

He said: "We will analyse it carefully. Maybe, if he can relax, he can play more games in this position because it's easier for him to rest here."

Frank Lampard, who made his 500th Premier League start against Villa and became the Blues' all-time top scorer thanks to his second-half strike, hailed Luiz's talent and thinks he can be a success in both defence and midfield.

Lampard told ChelseaFC.com: "He has the ability to play either position and he has been a fantastic defender at this club.

"People say that central midfield is also a role for him and I think they are right.

"You still have to have discipline and be in the right position and you can't take liberties, and against Villa he showed that he has the discipline and the ability to do that role."