Thiago Silva has been nothing short of exceptional since he joined Chelsea on a free transfer from French giants PSG in the summer of 2020.
The Brazilian has been a mainstay in the heart of the Chelsea defence since arriving at Stamford Bridge and has built up an excellent rapport with the fans who always chant his name as he leaves the pitch after every game.
He was a key part of the side that won the Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and Club World Cup.
Despite starting the season in the side, questions have increasingly been asked about the defenders regular inclusion in the starting eleven.
With Chelsea looking towards the future and boasting a number of very talented centre backs including the likes of Levi Colwill, Wesley Fofana, Benoit Badiashile and Axel Disasi fans are keen to see the young talents given a more regular run in the side.
Silva wasn’t helped by his wife “calling for change” after the 4-2 defeat to Wolves at Stamford Bridge and found himself out of the side for the FA Cup replay against Aston Villa with Badiashile partnering Disasi.
The ex PSG man then found himself back in the lineup for the game at Crystal Palace due to Badiashile’s injury but picked up an injury of his own which handed Colwill an opportunity to start against Manchester City.
As against Villa with Badiashile, having a left footed centre back alongside the right sided centre back Disasi allowed Chelsea to push higher up the pitch.
With Silva out of the side the Blues have started to find a better balance in midfield with expensive recruits Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo having less ground to cover when defending as the quicker back four is able to push higher up.
The team still lacks experience but having a 39 year old in the side is creating too many tactical problems in Mauricio Pochettino’s 4-3-2-1 system.
It’s sad and it will be an emotional day when Silva moves on but unfortunately his presence in the side is now holding Chelsea back.
It’s imperative he gets the send off he deserves at the end of the season but the time has come for Silva and Chelsea to part ways.
