David Luiz's leadership skills have softened the blow of John Terry's impending Chelsea exit, according to Garth Crooks.
Terry has led Chelsea with distinction throughout a trophy-laden era ushered in by Roman Abramovich's purchase of the west London club.
But the veteran defender is set to call time on his Stamford Bridge career this summer, having fallen out of favour under Antonio Conte.
Terry is adamant he will continue playing elsewhere and the 37-year-old's departure is expected to leave a sizeable hole in the Blues' dressing room.
However, Crooks is adamant Chelsea will scarcely feel the loss of their current skipper due to Luiz's presence after seeing the Brazilian produce an impressive display in Saturday's FA Cup semi-final against Tottenham.
"John Terry might be planning his exit strategy but what do Chelsea care?
They have a new leader on the pitch and his name is David Luiz," Crooks told the BBC.
"He got the run around last week against Marcus Rashford at Old Trafford, but not so against Spurs.
"In the absence of captain Gary Cahill, this was a sensational performance by the Brazil international.
"Luiz's performance can only be matched by the decision-making of boss Antonio Conte," he added.
Conte left out both Eden Hazard and Diego Costa at Wembley but is expected to return the duo to his starting line-up for Tuesday's clash with Southampton.
Meanwhile, Nathan Ake was picked ahead of Terry at the weekend and the Dutchman's progress suggests he could ease the club's need to enter the transfer market for defensive reinforcements.
