A View From The Bridge

Gary Neville in awe of “unbelievable” Chelsea star after his team’s World Cup qualification

Gary Neville impressed by Chelsea star Thiago Silva in Brazil’s World Cup win

Speaking to ITV as quoted by Metro, Manchester United legend Gary Neville was left awed by the performance put in by Chelsea star Thiago Silva in his nation’s 1-0 win over Switzerland which saw them qualify for the round of 16 of the World Cup with a game to spare.

The ageless Silva had a masterclass in defence leading the Brazil backline with so much command and keeping the pacy and tricky Breel Embolo in check. It sometimes is ridiculous to think how consistent the Blues defender is at 38 years of age.

It is especially impressive when you consider how high a line Brazil like to play in defence. Generally, teams that like to push up tend to have a pacy centre-back who can cover the space left behind and Thiago Silva is anything but a pacy player.

However, what the Brazilian lacks in speed, he makes up for with exceptional defensive awareness and positioning. Thiago Silva is a master at cutting out attacks at source and now playing in his fourth World Cup, Silva seems as sharp as ever.

The 38-year-old has played the full 90 minutes in both of Brazil’s games this World Cup and has a 93% passing accuracy playing out from the back. He has also completed 67% of his long passes which is really useful considering how often Tite’s side switch the play from side to side.

Two clean sheets in two games is a great record at the World Cup and one of the main reasons for this is the Chelsea veteran. Along with Marquinhos, Brazil have one of the most enviable defensive partnerships among all the teams in the event and have Eder Militao to call up in case of an eventuality.

Thiago Silva is rock solid for Brazil (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)

Speaking about the Chelsea star, Neville could not believe how well Silva was playing at his age and was baffled at his consistency.

“They push up the pitch unbelievably. I don’t know how Thiago Silva at his age is still pushing up that pitch.  think back at my career, to get in front of your forward all the time, to try and win it, is one of the hardest that you try and do – he’s still doing that late into his thirties – it’s unbelievable”

Silva has a contract with Chelsea until 2023 (Transfermarkt) although going by how he is performing, it will definitely not be a surprise to see him play one if not two more seasons at the Bridge. The Blues will have no qualms about extending his contract if the player agrees to it.

Having already secured qualification to the next round in the World Cup, it will not be a surprise to see Silva being given a rest in their final group game against Cameroon. Although knowing the Chelsea defender, he will want to continue playing.

More Chelsea News:

Silva continues to be rock solid for Brazil and will be key to their chances for success in this World Cup. Let’s see how he plays when the Selecao face tougher challenges on their way to potential glory.

Pranav Kannan

I'm Pranav Kannan, a data scientist by day, football enthusiast by night. My journey with the beautiful game began with the mesmerizing play of Lionel Messi, whose unparalleled skill turned me into a lifelong Barcelona fan and sparked my passion for football. Writing about football has been a refreshing cocktail of joy, and probably the most intoxicating yet, much like experiencing the 6-1 comeback live. Through my work, I hope to connect with readers who share a similar excitement and love for the game and offer a fresh perspective.

Recent Posts

Fan Power: How Chelsea Fans Could Stop Stamford Bridge Move

Ask any matchday Chelsea fan who the CPO are, and they’ll tell you that it stands for the Chelsea Pitch…

2 weeks ago

Chelsea and Arsenal in pursuit of €427,308 per week striker

Chelsea and Arsenal are reportedly planning to make a signing move for the Juventus Center forward in winter.

2 weeks ago

Former Arsenal star raves about Chelsea’s midfield maestro

Cole Palmer is taking the headlines for the performances he has been putting in since moving to Chelsea in the…

4 weeks ago

Chelsea alarmed by unfolding situation with 17-year-old signing

Chelsea have received an alarming news on their signing Kendry Paez who is likely to join the club next year.

1 month ago

Chelsea ready to move for Brazilian defender with €70 million. release clause

According to a Brazilian news outlet UOL, Chelsea are trying to sign the young Brazilian JP Chermont from Santos.

1 month ago

“We need him”- Maresca ready to reintegrate out of favour Chelsea star

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has cleared the club's stand on the left-back Ben Chilwell who stands on the brink of…

1 month ago