According to a recent report by Tutto Mercato Web, Premier League giants Chelsea are said to have opened talks with Brazilian international defender Thiago Silva about a potential year-long contract extension. The big defender was brought into the club on a free transfer ahead of the current English top-flight season, from Ligue 1 heavyweights Paris Saint-Germain. Although his first Premier League game didn’t go exactly to plan, since that point, the 36-year-old has been nothing short of a perpetual rock, and this has prompted Chelsea to try and extend Thiago Silva’s contract by a year.
What Was Chelsea’s Defensive Situation Last Season?
One of the biggest issues that the London club faced last season was inconsistency. With the likes of Antonio Rudiger, Kurt Zouma, Andreas Christensen and Fikayo Tomori all getting opportunities over spells in the campaign, none of them was able to cement down a place. This meant that their ability to stop sides from scoring goals was also rather limited. The number of goals that Chelsea shipped last season played a huge part in them finishing in 4th place rather than third, although they were never really helped out by the presence of Kepa Arrizabalaga in goal.
What Makes Thiago Silva A Good Buy For Chelsea?
The Brazilian veteran has been around the highest level of European football for many years now, attaining great success at league level wherever he’s been. Arguably one of the greatest defenders to have graced the sport in the 20th century, there’s no need even to begin questioning the credentials that Silva possesses.
The sheer amount of pedigree and experience he offers is crucial to how Lampard has started to set up his team. While there’s no denying that the defender is on the last legs on his career, it still takes nothing away from the quality that’s able to produce.
One of Silva biggest’s selling points is his ability to build attacks from his role in the heart of the defence. Calm and composed in possession of the ball, he has the vision as well as the skill required to find a good forward pass, or even carry the ball out himself if need be. More importantly for Chelsea though, the former PSG man knows how to defend his area with ease. Not only is he brilliant when dealing with crosses into the box, but his general awareness and ability to read play are unparalleled. Although this one could be his final big contract as a professional, Chelsea should look to make as much use of him as possible.
What Has He Done To Seemingly Fix Chelsea’s Defence?
Chelsea’s defensive record has been the polar opposite of what they produced last time out, and Silva deserves a lot of credit for helping them achieve that. His dominant presence in the back-line has not only eased the pressure on the goalkeeper but has also brought out the best from some of the other defenders in the roster. Kurt Zouma and Antonio Rudiger now both look like solid options, which undoubtedly means that Silva has been a high-quality role model. His experience levels are so high that Lampard didn’t have to hesitate in handing him the armband when one of Cesar Azpilicueta or Jorginho wasn’t on the pitch.
Chelsea To Try And Extend Thiago Silva’s Contract By A Year: Smart Move By Lampard?
The Blues have started the current season in blistering fashion, both offensively and defensively. Although the first couple of weeks didn’t show them in the best light, since that point, things have looked on the up at Stamford Bridge. The likes of Timo Werner and Hakim Ziyech have settled in perfectly, while Ben Chilwell and Edouard Mendy have been crucial at the back as well. In Thiago Silva though, they have found the voice that they had been searching for at the back. Giving him time alongside the Blues’ current defenders would come as a learning experience for the other defenders, and keeping him at the club for another year wouldn’t be a bad move by any stretch.
