Chelsea Blues’ Clues: How can Frank Lampard fix defense?

The veteran general: Thiago Silva

There was a time when the Chelsea back line was so in sync that the defenders could communicate telepathically; no word, just swift actions. But the current crop of defenders is so far from those glory days that they never communicate with one another, even when their manager calls them out for it.

These players defend as individuals rather than a team, which directly results in individual errors leading to certain goals. There is no communication, no trust and no leadership. There is no point in hustling, pointing and shouting when you do so after the team has conceded goals. Enter Thiago Silva.

The Brazilian veteran is a modern legend of the game, being at the heart of Paris Saint-Germain’s rise to becoming a football elite. He has also won the FIFA Confederations Cup and the Copa America with Brazil, making him one of the most decorated players of his generation.

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His credentials are airtight, but his age brings about plenty of doubters. It is easy to forget that Kurt Zouma, Chelsea’s current best centerback, had his best season alongside a 35-year-old John Terry. Silva, with his years of experience, could act as the “stopper” who sniffs out the danger by making aggressive interceptions while the quicker Zouma would sweep behind to act as the “cover”.

It is a partnership with plenty of potential and one that could well do the job for one season before Lampard decides to sign someone younger. As witnessed in his colossal performance in the recent Champions League final against Robert Lewandowski-led Munich, Silva has still got. He is missing piece to get this back line of the same page and get the basics of defending as a team right.

Expecting a 36-year-old player who has never stepped foot in the Premier League before to transform a laughable back line to a formidable one is completely unrealistic. No one should expect him to do that. But he can make the Blues at least competitive again, which will be a huge upgrade from the hapless back line the world saw last year.