Chelsea defender David Luiz is happy to have silenced his critics since returning from PSG.

Luiz has thrived in coach Antonio Conte's 3-4-3 formation and even his fiercest critics, like former England and Manchester United defender Gary Neville, have changed their mind. Indeed, now he's being talked about as the best centre‑back in the League.

"Of course, it's nice to hear this from players who know their football, have played and won a lot," Luiz, who turns 30 tomorrow, told the London Evening Standard. "I'm a positive guy and I always imagine the best for me. I'm also realistic. When I came back I knew I was going to play in the most difficult League in the world."It was difficult for us at the beginning, but now we, not just me, are playing very well. It's good to be in this way.

"Of course, I'm happy, but the season is not over. Football changes from one day to the next, so I keep my feet on the floor, stay grounded. I keep my humility.

"People ask me if this is the best form of my career. I don't remember the past, I'm getting old! But I do think I'm playing very well. I'm older and have more experience. I am more mature and I am happy with this."