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Thiago Silva's Highlights Vs West Ham Show He's Still One Of The Best In The World At 36

Thiago Silva's Highlights Vs West Ham Show He's Still One Of The Best In The World At 36

Thiago Silva is out here proving that age is just a number.

Josh Lawless

Josh Lawless

Thiago Silva arrived to English football much later than perhaps many had hoped but the Brazilian has made a very smooth transition to the Premier League.

There were some doubts about whether the 36-year-old would still be able to do the business in such a demanding division given his age.

But the former Paris Saint-Germain and AC Milan defender has proved his worth with a series of commanding yet composed defensive displays.

Image: PA
Image: PA

The latest was in the 3-0 over West Ham last night at Stamford Bridge. Silva opened the scoring with a bullet header from a Mason Mount corner and churned in a world-class performance at the heart of the Blues backline.

Comfortable on the ball, a calming presence and dominant in the air, he's been the perfect addition to a Chelsea defence that was shipping goals left, right and centre last term.

The experience and leadership which he has brought to the table has been invaluable. He, along with goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, have been key factors in the much-improved number of clean sheets the Blues are registering.

West Ham didn't have a single shot on target in the whole game on Monday evening, with powerhouse striker Sebastien Haller dealt with easily by Silva.

Manager Frank Lampard waxed lyrical about him post-match, saying that he was nowhere near Silva's level at the same sage.

"I remember playing in the Premier League at 36 and I could not play like he's been playing, week in, week out," Lampard told Sky Sports .

"I was in and out of the team and I could feel it at that stage of my career.

"I knew he was a top player, and has been a top player for a long time, but the pressures of the Premier League when you have never played in it. So he has exceeded it (expectations). But I should not have been surprised as I am working with him.

"The preparation, the reading of the game, the desire to win headers and to compete against anyone he is playing against."

Lampard also believes Silva has all the qualities to move into coaching when he eventually hangs up his boots in the near future.

"He is studious and will be a manager or whatever he wants to be afterwards," the Chelsea boss added.

"He has been a great addition on and off the pitch."

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Topics: Football News, Chelsea, Football, Thiago Silva, Premier League, West Ham United, West Ham