Fernando Torres praises Chelsea’s ‘brilliant’ David Luiz

Fernando Torres has heaped praise on David Luiz after the Brazilian’s telling contribution helped Chelsea reach the Europa League final.

Luiz struck a stoppage-time winner for the Blues in last week’s semi-final first leg in Basel before scoring a magnificent goal to help the west Londoners to a 3-1 win at Stamford Bridge on Thursday.

And Torres, who himself netted his 20th goal of the season on Thursday, has been impressed with Luiz’s impact after the Brazilian was deployed in a midfield role.

“He has been brilliant in these two games,” Torres told Chelsea’s website after the 5-2 aggregate triumph over the Swiss side.

“He scored a great goal at home and also in the first game. Without that it wouldn’t have been the same.

“I’m happy for him that he’s shown he can play in midfield as well as at the back so it’s good for everyone.”

Chelsea will now take on Benfica in the Europa League final in Amsterdam on 15 May – and the Spanish striker is determined to help Chelsea end a turbulent season on a positive note by bringing home the trophy.

“After being knocked out of the Champions League we wanted to play in another European final, we have shown everyone who thought we wouldn’t take it seriously that we are prepared to fight for the competition,” added Torres.

“It’s important for the club, we can become the first team to win the two trophies in a row, we are in the final now so we have one more step to go.”

Chelsea travel to Manchester United on Sunday looking to keep their bid for Champions League qualification on track.