Thomas Tuchel praised Chelsea defender Thiago Silva immediately after Saturday’s much-needed victory against Leicester City.
Despite Conor Gallagher’s sending off in the first half, Chelsea ended up securing a 2-1 Premier League victory against Leicester at Stamford Bridge.
Raheem Sterling scored his first two goals for the Blues in the second half to ultimately earn them three precious points. Harvey Barnes did net for the visitors to ensure it was a nervous ending with 10 men, though.
There’s now a trip to Southampton on Tuesday up next for Tuchel’s side in the league.
Thomas Tuchel praised Thiago Silva
Chelsea’s manager did highlight centre-back Silva after the Leicester result, describing him as “one of the best” at defending in his own box.
He helped the hosts keep out Leicester’s late rally with his leadership at the back.
“It suited him (Silva). He likes sitting deep and defending the box – he’s maybe one of the best in the world to defend in the box. We played a back five in the second half to not get caught.” Tuchel said, as quoted by the BBC (5:26pm, 27 August).
With Tuchel deciding to start against Leicester with a back four, Silva lined up as a centre-back pairing next to Trevoh Chalobah.
However, he really shined when restored to his usual position in the heart of a back three when a formation change was needed.
Not slowing down
Silva, 37, is somehow getting even better with age.
The Brazilian defender has been one of the most consistent Chelsea performers in a rocky start to the 2022/23 campaign. For example, he earned huge praise from Alan Smith in the Premier League opener against Everton.
He simply has to be one of the first names on the team sheet.
The only concern is that Chelsea are about to enter a period of playing two games per week, so you can’t expect veteran Silva to play every minute of every match
