Thiago Silva has exceeded expectations at Chelsea thus far

Chelsea was looking at a host of players ahead of the 2020/21 season to improve Frank Lampard’s previously transfer banned squad. After the early attacking additions of Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner, the focus shifted to improving the defense as the Blues had lost some capabilities in that area during Lampard’s debut campaign. As is the case at Chelsea, the club was linked with many elite players, such as Kalidou Koulibaly and Matthijs de Ligt, amongst others.

The Blues’ perfect defensive addition was someone who could be a leader along the back line for the near future as there was a massive squad overhaul taking place. However, many of the aforementioned names were not looking for a move or their parent club’s demands were ridiculous. Chelsea was forced to look elsewhere as a result. During this period, news started circulating about Paris Saint-Germain not extending its captain, Thiago Silva. This opened up a golden opportunity, one in which Marina Granovskaia would go on to seize. Now well into his second year in SW6—with a third on the way—Silva has been the Blues’ best player this season.

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Thiago Silva has been Chelsea’s most important player this season so far

As far as Chelsea was concerned, Silva represented the ideal candidate at that initial stage. Many displayed a weariness due to his age, but Silva was still at the top of his game. There were also those who worried about how he could adapt to the fast pace of English football after playing so long in the Ligue 1, where his previous side was certain to win almost every match. However, Silva has since proven why Chelsea was right in bringing him to London. He has been the perfect leader for the Blues as he’s played an important role in improving their leaky defense.

The Brazilian’s impeccable reading and awareness of the game means he has been able to transition into English football with ease. Silva’s significant impact became even more visible once Thomas Tuchel replaced Lampard as Chelsea’s manager in January 2021, and in the months to follow. All of these changes also helped his fellow centerbacks, including Antonio Rudiger and Andres Christensen, play arguably the best football of their careers. Silva has helped turn the Blues into one of the most stubborn defenses in world football, guiding them to a Champions League triumph in 2021.

Silva has always mentioned he aims to play in the 2022 World Cup for Brazil. He recently talked about his desire to play into his 40s, like Paolo Maldini. A tremendous amount of hard work and sacrifice is required to be such a top-level athlete. Nevertheless, injuries have been a concern for him. That said, injuries are seemingly unavoidable due to his age. Silva was 16th in terms of total appearances for Chelsea in 2020/21. Still, the club was more than convinced to give him a year extension to his contract. His impact this season has seen the Blues extend him once more.

After a year of adaption, fans have witnessed him elevate his game even more during the current campaign. Injuries became less and currently he is sixth on the appearance list for the club. Credit must be extended to Silva’s family, as well, for their support for the way he has reinvented at this stage of his career in another league. Only elite players can adapt their game as they approach a certain age, but to even achieve that in a different league deserves some applause. The boost his presence itself gives the whole squad and fans is immeasurable. If he can keep up his form, Chelsea can keep on dreaming.

Who do you think has been the Blues’ most important player this season? Let us know your thoughts in the comments or on Twitter!