Why Europa League is good for Morata – David Luiz

Chelsea defender, David Luiz has said that the Europa League could provide the perfect platform for Alvaro Morata to kick-start his career in Chelsea this season.

Morata has scored just two Premier League goals since April and his position as Maurizio Sarri’s first choice striker is in jeopardy following Olivier Giroud’s outstanding performance in last weekend’s 4-1 win over Cardiff.

The Spain international’s form dropped halfway through last season following a niggling back injury, and he angered Chelsea fans earlier this summer when he openly admitted he would return to Real Madrid at some point in his career.

Luiz, who will be rested for tonight’s match against PAOK Salonika, believes the striker needs to keep calm if he is to rediscover his goal-scoring skills.

“It is a good competition for Alvaro to make an impact, like it will be for everybody,” the Brazil defender told Standard Sport.

“Forwards live for goals. Playing in the Europa League obviously means more games for us and, therefore, more opportunities for him [Morata] and Giroud to score.

“I am going to be happy for both Alvaro and Olivier if they find the back of the net. Sometimes they are frustrated if they don’t score, but I tell them.

“Keep calm, you played a great game. But it’s good for a striker to have this feeling when they’re not scoring. They have to think this way.”