Thiago Silva has been a role model everywhere he has gone during his storied career, and his time at Chelsea was no different.
Trevoh Chalobah has become one of Enzo Maresca’s most trusted defenders this season.
He has started 15 of 16 games for the Blues in the Premier League, forming a solid partnership with Wesley Fofana when he’s available.
Jamie Carragher thinks Chalobah has improved so much, and the doubts around his future at Stamford Bridge have been answered.
Following a brilliant start to the season, Chalobah was recently asked about Silva’s influence on his game.
Chelsea need to make room before they can sign another centre-back. Who are you getting rid of?
Levi Colwill is definitely untouchable ❌
Chelsea’s list of first-team centre-backs
Levi Colwill
Wesley Fofana
Trevoh Chalobah
Benoit Badiashile
Tosin Adarabioyo
Josh Acheampong
Trevoh Chalobah of Chelsea celebrates scoring his team's goal with teammate Wesley Fofana
Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images
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What Trevoh Chalobah learned from Thiago Silva at Chelsea
Chelsea were in quite a volatile place when Silva joined the fray, but he was a constant source of stability and a huge reason for their 2021 Champions League triumph.
Chalobah was doing an interview with Stadium Astro, where he was asked about the impact the Brazilian had on him on and off the field.
He answered: “I would say on the pitch, the reading of the game, I think that’s what he had in abundance.
“I think just anticipation, because what people don’t know is that it’s a skill also to anticipate where the ball’s going to land or where the man’s going to be and it’s not easy, but to know that as a defender it makes your life so much easier.
Trevoh Chalobah and Thiago Silva
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
“In terms of off the field, recovery. Obviously the age he is now, he said from what he was doing, just recovering. Doing the right stuff. Eating right, sleeping right, being in the best shape for you to then perform in games.”
Chalobah looks more mature since returning from Crystal Palace, and by his own admission, Silva’s advice has helped him as a player and as a professional.
Thiago Silva eyeing return to Europe ahead of the World Cup
Silva has been playing for Fluminense for the past couple of seasons since leaving Chelsea.
Now 41, he still has hopes to compete at the World Cup. With that in mind, he has entered free agency with the intention of moving back to Europe.
Silva has aged gracefully and still possesses all the intangibles that have made him an all-time great central defender.
Some were fielding the idea of a return to Stamford Bridge. Silva has expressed interest in managing Chelsea, but playing in the Premier League at his age might be a bridge too far.
Chelsea focusing on youth until the summer 👉️
What do you make of BlueCo's recruitment?
After Deinner Ordoñez, Chelsea will sign Mohamed Zongo (one of the main sensations of the last U17 World Cup).
They are building a SUPERTEAM of WONDERKIDS 🔵✨
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Though Chalobah would no doubt enjoy playing with one of his role models again, a switch to Italy or France, for example, seems more realistic.
Wherever he ends up, hopefully Silva can play his way into contention for Brazil. How great would it be to see him on the biggest stage one last time.
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