PSG vs Chelsea: David Luiz admits 'Chelsea are better without me this season'

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Andrew Feinberg

White House Correspondent

Ahead of their meeting in the last-16 of the Champions League, Paris Saint-Germain defender David Luiz has admitted his former club Chelsea have improved this season.

The Brazilian arrived in France in the summer having been sold by the Blues for £50million - just weeks before he put in one of the worst individual performances in World Cup history in the 7-1 semi-final humiliation against Germany.

The 27-year-old will face his former club at the Parc des Princes next Tuesday and said that the additions of Cesc Fabregas and Diego Costa have improved the club this season.

"Chelsea are better this season," Luiz told radio station RMC. "Above all, they are better balanced following the arrival of Fabregas. He's perhaps the player they were missing: he balances the midfield, makes the team play well and knows how to hold on to the ball from time-to-time.

"With the arrival of Diego Costa - a warrior forward who always wants to score and challenge defenders - and the continuity provided by Mourinho in the dugout, it's logical Chelsea are stronger this season."

The Blues are currently top of the Premier League with a seven-point advantage over nearest rivals Manchester City.

Last season Luiz scored an own-goal in Paris in a 3-1 PSG win but Demba Ba scored a late winner to send Chelsea through on away goals.

PSG's elimination last year was tough, because it came down to away goals. We'll have to play to our strengths: going forward, playing to win. I have faith in my team. We know Chelsea are an experienced team that has already won the Champions League. They are used to this, and they knocked out PSG last year.

"But we mustn't think about that too much. We have to show and up our level, and play to all our strengths on the pitch."