Thiago Silva backed to solve Chelsea’s defensive problems

Thiago Silva should make ‘a huge difference’ in Chelsea’s defense once he is up and running, says Pat Nevin.

Silva’s career may be gradually winding down at the age of 36, but there is still plenty left in the tank as far as he is concerned.

The Brazil international is rated as one of the best center-backs of the last decade. His pace, aerial ability, and, perhaps most importantly of all, leadership skills make him stand out. Add his vast experience of succeeding at the highest level to the mix, signing him on a free transfer was a no-brainer.

The former Paris Saint-Germain skipper’s arrival was a welcome addition for Chelsea, who have invested heavily in attacking talent this summer but are still short regarding adequate defensive cover.

While nobody can contest the additions of superstar attackers like Timo Werner, for example, Chelsea ideally should have brought in a new goalkeeper to compete with the error-prone Kepa Arrizabalaga.

Andreas Christensen has never really set the world alight either in central defense, with his red card arguably costing Chelsea big against Liverpool in last weekend’s 2-0 defeat.

But Silva’s arrival in west London has left Nevin hopeful the Blues finally have a leader who can solve their leaky defense.

“The best and most experienced center-backs talk their teammates through games,” the former Chelsea winger told the club’s website.

“If the younger partner has the audacity to step out of position or is caught ball watching, they get barked at to get back into the zone within seconds.

“A similar positional problem occurred against Arsenal in the FA Cup final. Once again I am convinced someone with Thiago Silva’s knowledge would not have allowed that problem to go unnoticed for long.

“I would love to see the Brazilian legend in anger in a Chelsea kit very soon. It will make a huge difference.”