Brazilian defender Thiago Silva turned 37 years old back in September but he remains at the top of his game. He is proving to be a very important player for Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel at the West London club this season.
Silva moved to Chelsea in the summer of 2020 when his contract expired at PSG. The experienced central defender arrived having played over 400 games in European football. It was a one-year deal with the option of a second year. That option was snapped up by the English club.
The Brazil international has consistently been one of Chelsea’s best players this season. He has operated in the middle of his side’s back three, with Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger alongside him.
His side will be looking to continue their excellent start when they travel to Leicester next up in the Premier League. They are the favourites in the Leicester v Chelsea betting for the game at the King Power Stadium. In the EPL betting tips, Chelsea have been a popular team this season as they have transferred their excellent form from last year into the new campaign under Tuchel.
Chelsea’s Defensive Record
Through the opening 11 Premier League games this season, no team has conceded less goals than Chelsea in the domestic league. The Blues have let in only four goals through that period, an impressive achievement.
Chelsea have had seven clean sheets in those 11 games and Silva has played his hand in ensuring his side fail to concede in those games. He has thrown his body around to deflect shots, put himself in great positions on the field and has timed his challenges perfectly, particularly inside the 18-yard box.
Silva remains an important figure for Brazil too as he showed when he captained his side to a success over Colombia to book their spot at the tournament next year, so he is showing no signs of slowing down. Interestingly, he has recorded more clearances than other Chelsea player in the Premier League so far this season.
Title A Possibility For Silva And Blues
Chelsea ended last season with victory over Manchester City in the Champions League final and the European champions are in with a great chance of winning the Premier League in the 2021/22 campaign.
They went into the international break with a three-point lead at the top of the standings, with Manchester City, West Ham and Liverpool behind them in second, third and fourth place respectively. It should be a fantastic battle between those clubs for the title this season.
Silva won the domestic league seven times in France with PSG. He was also part of AC Milan’s Serie A winning team in the 2010-2011 season. Victory at the end of the latest campaign would ensure he joins an elusive club of players who have won league titles in three different top European countries.
Chelsea are also one of the strong contenders for the Champions League again. The defending champions are on course to reach the last 16 of the tournament following an excellent start to the competition.
Silva’s future beyond this season is unclear at this stage, but with more excellent performances in the latest campaign, it would be no surprise to see him extend his stay at Stamford Bridge.