It’s something which has been clear to Chelsea fans for some time now, but is only gradually becoming acknowledged by the wider media – the decline of Thiago Silva.
What’s interesting is that because the big games on television tend to be the ones where we play bigger teams and sit deeper, his flaws are less exposed. It’s the games where we’re dropping points against lesser teams in non televised games, the matches where we really push high up that he is exposed.
Jacob Steinberg’s piece in the Guardian today is about exactly this. He claims that there are currently no plans to offer the Brazilian a new contract, something which doesn’t surprise us given the direction of travel in the last 6 months.
“[Chelsea] are not planning to offer the Brazilian an extension when his contract expires at the end of the season, but they do not want to disrespect him. Silva is one of the greatest defenders of his generation and will have a big part to play in the next few months. It is important that he leaves on good terms,” Steinberg wrote.
As Steinberg goes on to point out, the big change may have to wait as Benoit Badiashile now has a groin injury and won’t be able to play tomorrow night. But it’s coming at some point, that much is clear.