First of all, it’s important to mention that we probably would not see any centerback like Thiago Silva anytime soon. That said, Silva will be with Chelsea for at least another year, but it would be naïve and careless not to begin to look for replacements. Silva turns 38-years-old one month after next season begins. This will make him the oldest outfielder in the Premier League, and as good as the Brazilian veteran has been, CFC will have to replace him at some point. It is likely that it would be impossible to replace him considering all he brings to the side, however, Chelsea can get some players that are superb in their own right, and at least bring some of what Silva brings to a side.
Last month we discussed Robin Le Normand, Brendan Chardonnet, and Hiroki Ito as possible replacements for Antonio Rudiger. This time we would be discussing possible replacements for former Paris Saint Germain captain Silva. Brazil’s trustworthy legend is an intelligent player and reads the game excellently. His passing is second to none amongst centerbacks in the Premier League and his calmness in possession helps Chelsea bring the ball out of the defense. Silva has led Chelsea in the volume of passes and long balls throughout his time at Chelsea. A replacement for Thiago Silva would need to embody most of these attributes, including the leadership he brings. Thiago Silva is not fast, but he more than makes up for it with impeccable positioning. Here are some centerbacks that could replace Silva in the coming years:
Chelsea could target Nayef Aguerd (Stade Rennais) Morocco
Aguerd joined Rennes in August 2020. He has been with Ligue 1 club Stade Rennais or Rennes, for two seasons and has made the most appearances at centerback for the club since he joined (66). Aguerd’s reading of the game is clearly top-notch. He had a very good run with Rennes last season, helping them to a fourth-place finish while controlling the fourth-highest average possession in the league.