Thiago Silva showed off his defensive awareness against Salzburg, his footballing IQ is through the roof

Thiago Silva showed off his incredible defensive awareness in Chelsea's win over RB Salzburg on Tuesday.

The Blues clinched a spot in the Champions League last-16 after beating Salzburg 2-1 - thanks to goals from Mateo Kovacic and Kai Havertz, who curled home a stunning strike.

Despite not keeping a clean sheet, Chelsea's defenders starred at the back.

Trevoh Chalobah delivered a stellar performance alongside Silva, who produced a moment of defensive magic in the second-half.

A ball was lofted into Chelsea's box with Kepa Arrizabalaga rushing off his line.

Instead of attacking the ball, the veteran Brazilian defender placed himself behind Arrizabalaga.

The Chelsea keeper was beaten to the ball, but the 38-year-old was on hand to clean up after brilliantly anticipating the move.

Needless to say, fans online loved Silva showing off his unmatched footballing IQ.

One Twitter user wrote: "I think he is best defender of his era(2008-date). From AC Milan to PSG to Chelsea. His level has never drop. A true great."

A second tweeted: "Young defenders should really watch Thiago highlights bc he's the one they should learn from."

A third added: "I have watched this so many times... How did he predict? Baffling."

Another commented: "He defines the art of defending."

Silva has been immense for Chelsea since joining the Stamford Bridge club in 2020.

But he's out of contract in the summer, with Graham Potter claiming the decision is in his own hands.

"The decision is Thiago's," said Graham Potter, earlier this month.

"All I can do is help him enjoy his football here, and the rest is for him and the club to think about."

He added: "I've been here three or four weeks and I see his qualities. He is an incredible person and player.

"The performance levels he can reach and the amount of respect he has in the game is incredible."