David Luiz is one of the best defenders in the world

Luiz received criticism during his final season at PSG but Karagounis believes his former team-mate remains one of the best in world football

Giorgos Karagounis believes the criticism of David Luiz wasn’t justified last season and says his former Benfica team-mate is still one of the best defenders in the world.

Karagounis, who was part of the Greece side who won Euro 2004, played with Luiz at Portuguese giants Benfica between 2005 and 2007 and recalls only the ‘best memories’ from his time together with the defender at Estádio da Luz.

Luiz received flak for a series of poor performances at Paris Saint-Germain last term, prompting many to question Chelsea’s decision to sign the 29-year-old. Karagounis however, believes people are being too harsh.

“I think that he is one of the best defenders in the world”,

“He plays with a lot of passion and the criticism last year wasn’t right as PSG won many titles.

"I remember him from Benfica when he was young and have only the best memories - he had the passion and hunger to succeed. He is a great player.”