Thiago Silva has had the biggest impact on Chelsea’s defence out of all of their summer signings, according to former Blues midfielder Craig Burley.
The Brazilian left Paris Saint-Germain in June after his contract at the French club expired and was snapped up by Frank Lampard on a free transfer.
Silva helped fire PSG to seven league titles over his eight-year spell at the club and has already displayed his excellent leadership skills at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea’s defence has improved dramatically since the first few games of the season, coinciding with the arrival of goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.
The 28-year-old, who was brought in to replace the faltering Kepa Arrizabalaga, has kept five clean sheets in his first six Chelsea games in all competitions.
When asked which of Chelsea’s new arrivals have had the biggest impact on defence, Burley admitted that while Mendy has impressed, Silva’s presence has inspired confidence in Lampard’s backline.
‘It’s either Thiago Silva or Mendy the goalkeeper,’ Burley told ESPN FC.
‘In his short period there it has to be Thiago Silva, who has looked super composed in the matches that he has played.
‘I think Mendy’s been excellent and going to be the answer particularly after the debable of Kepa.
‘But I think every defence needs a guy who can read the game, is experienced, that can help others around them and basically marshal the back four and give the goalkeeper confidence.’
MORE: Joe Cole believes Chelsea’s strongest defence doesn’t include Cesar Azpilicueta
Follow Metro Sport across our social channels, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
For more stories like this, check our sport page
from Football – Metro https://ift.tt/2TMcOfy
No comments:
Post a Comment