Jamie Redknapp has heaped praise on David Luiz following his brilliant form for Chelsea of late.

There was plenty of criticism directed at the West London club when they paid £34million to re-sign the Brazilian from PSG.

It was seen as a panic buy and after some shaky early performances, the knives were out, but Luiz has turned it all around as the Blues have won their past four Premier League matches without conceding a goal under Antonio Conte's 3-4-3 formation.

"There is a hunger about this Chelsea team," said Redknapp on Sky Sports.

"The manager has brought that in and the players are buying into it.

"Every single player on that pitch is working hard and there's a desire about them again. Conte has got them so well drilled. Everybody knows their job when they have the ball and it suits them defensively as well.

"Luiz looks - I'm scared to say it - like a serious defender.

"You've got him buying into it as well, and that was a problem for Chelsea for many years. But when he's like that, he looks the real deal."