Hear that Jose? Benitez insists Chelsea outcast Luiz is world class... you just have to manage him properly

Former Chelsea 'interim' manager Rafa Benitez has hailed David Luiz as 'one of the best central defenders in the world', despite Jose Mourinho's decision to omit him from the squad that faced Fulham on Saturday.

In the latest episode of the antagonistic relationship between Benitez and Mourinho, the Spaniard also claims Luiz is a world class talent as long as he is 'managed properly'.
The new Napoli manager had a difficult time during his temporary spell at Stamford Bridge where most supporters refused to accept him, even after he achieved success by winning the Europa League.

Benchmark: Jose Mourinho omitted David Luiz from the squad entirely at the weekend

Sign of the times: Chelsea fans never took Benitez to their hearts despite his relative success atthe club

Different strokes: Jose Mourinho (left) and Rafa Benitez (right) have never quite seen eye to eye

Of all the players he worked with at the club, Benitez has the fondest memories of the Brazilian who appears to have angered Mourinho with his more cavalier approach to the game, especially after his performance in the 1-0 defeat by Everton.
'He’s one of the best central defenders in the world,’ says  Benitez. 

‘I was coaching him and I can tell you he’s one of the best in the world, because he has everything. You just have to manage him properly - and then he is one of the best in the world.

Hair raising: Benitez led Chelsea to unexpected success in the Europa League where he hailed David Luiz

‘I could explain exactly what I wanted and tactically he is very clever. He needs just the people who can give him the ideas and the instructions of what to do and then he will do them, because he is very clever.’

'I don't see too many better in the air. I don't see too many better or quicker or faster than him. I don't see too many technically better. Tactically, he is much better than the rest of players around him.'

The former Liverpool boss obviously holds the Brazilian in high esteem, but his comments also serve as a swipe against a manager he has exchanged many a veiled insult with over the years.

Egg on his face: Mourinho's Chelsea slumped to defeat against Basle - a team beaten by Benitez at Stamford Bridge

Most recently, the self styled Special One seemed to belittle Benitez's Europa League triumph by claiming winning the competition would be a 'disappointment'.

'I don't want to win the Europa League. I don't want my players to feel the Europa League is our competition,' he said on the eve of the Blues' return to the Champions League.

However, Benitez had the last laugh as Chelsea fell to an unexpected home defeat against Basel (a team beaten by Benitez's side during last season's Europa League run) while the Spaniard's Napoli side tasted victory against last season's Champions League finalists Borussia Dortmund.