The Blues have a taxing schedule this season (Getty Images)
Kurt Zouma and Thiago Silva have been at the heart of the Chelsea defence that has seen an upswing in fortunes in recent weeks.
The duo has started together in three of our last four games, and the one game they didn’t, we went on to concede thrice. A clean sheet has been a rarity of sorts for Chelsea under Lampard, but Zouma and Silva have now ensured three on the trot when partnered together.
Speaking to the press in Russia (h/t Football.london), Zouma has opened up on the work behind the scenes that has helped bring about this transformation.
The Frenchman believes all the hard work done in training is paying off now on the field. Chelsea have incorporated Silva, Ben Chilwell and Edouard Mendy to their first choice rearguard.
Given the influx of new players, it was bound to take time for players to gel together. It appears to now be taking shape. Zouma also attributes the improvement in communication as a key factor to success as a group.
At the centre of it all is Silva. The Brazilian veteran was in his heyday one of the best defenders in world football. Having that experience to lead the backline is a great attribute to the club.
“As soon as he came in he was part of the group, already talking to the player. It’s great for us. He brings calm and all of his experience.”
Having turned 36 last month, Silva has made up for his lack of pace with brilliant reading of the game. He showcased at the end of last season that he is still capable of stopping a juggernaut such as Robert Lewandowski despite his advanced age.
Procuring a player of such guile and quality for free is a brilliant piece of business by the club. As things stand, he has not given us a chance to question that decision.
While Silva has indeed brought a semblance of organization to the backline, other players too have stepped up.
Zouma looks much more confident alongside the Brazilian while Mendy has put the goalkeeping debate to rest. A solid backline is one that works together and Chelsea appear to be closing in on just that.
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