Chelsea’s defensive players are facing some criticism at the moment, and Gabriel Magalhaes believes one of those the club let leave is the best he’s ever seen.
Liam Rosenior has struggled to settle on a defensive partnership, with the likes of Trevoh Chalobah and Wesley Fofana not impressing.
Even the young promising players like Mamadou Sarr and Josh Acheampong have had tough moments, with no experienced head to turn to in these times.
QUARTER-FINAL 1: Liam Rosenior vs Frank Lampard
Gabriel names Chelsea legend Thiago Silva as the best defender he has ever seen
Chelsea have not been able to replace this figure since Thiago Silva left the club. Chelsea’s oldest outfield player now is Tosin Adarabioyo at 28 years of age.
Silva wasn’t just useful for his experience though. Fellow Brazilian Gabriel told the Arsenal TikTok that Silva is the best defender he has ever seen.
Chelsea FC v AFC Bournemouth - Premier League
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He also chose the former Chelsea man as the player with the best mentality he has seen, something which will certainly resonate with Blues supporters.
Silva ended up playing 155 games for the club, a figure many wouldn’t have expected after he was signed on a free back in 2021.
The impact he left in that time was incredible. John Terry has frequently waxed lyrical about him, even stating that Silva would get in Chelsea’s legendary 2004/05 defence.
Thiago Silva wanted Chelsea return this season
It is no surprise that even though he is now into his forties, there were reports linking the veteran to a return to Stamford Bridge before he decided to join Porto midway through this season.
Silva was actually keen on a return, although his age profile certainly does not fit in with what the club are currently looking to do when it comes to transfers.
This has led to the club having very little experience in their ranks, something that fellow former Blue Lewis Hall hinted could be an issue for Chelsea amidst their woes.
Supporters will continue to cry for more experience, but if they weren’t willing to sanction a return for a club legend, there doesn’t look much chance of it changing anytime soon.
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