Thiago Silva is creating a bit of debate among Chelsea fans this season.
He’s still having some great games, but there’s a growing feeling that his level is dropping, and that the team is forced to play deeper when he’s in the team because of his lack of pace.
Given that this is effectively a season of reconstruction anyway, there’s a very good argument that he should be left out of the starting XI more often in order to get the younger centre backs bedding in – and perhaps we will see more of that when they’re fit.
One thing that isn’t being disputed is his utility in the dressing room as a role model and leader. It was very interesting to read his take on what it was like being with a team which is rebuilding after years of playing at the very top.
“It’s a new situation. Despite the fact that, for example at Milan, the team was already put together, I was just jumping on the boat as it set sail. At PSG it was a similar situation to here, because I joined the club in the Qatari owners’ second season. Along with the other players we managed to put together a winning PSG team,” the defender said in a really fascinating interview on the Chelsea website.
“So I joined here, the team was already assembled, and despite some bad results things then started going well, and now I’m in a totally new situation. There are really young players here,” Silva explained.
“I’m the oldest player in the team, and I think the league as a whole, and I think Chelsea have the youngest team in the Premier League. Many of our players weren’t playing in the Premier League before, many came from different leagues, so they had to bed in as well.
“We always went to training with great energy and made a big effort despite the bad results we were getting. We tried to be as positive as possible, because you’ve got no time to question yourself or get down. Every weekend and every game is so demanding, so you’ve got to be ready.
“The atmosphere was never bad. I always felt great at the club, but of course it’s better with more wins. Nobody likes going on the pitch, losing and going home. Personally I hate it! So I hope this season is different to last season. Obviously with all of the comings and goings and the new coach this has created a new situation for us.”
Whatever your thoughts on Silva in the team, we can all read that and see the value he’s bringing to the club overall.
