Graham Potter was full of praise for Chelsea’s Thiago Silva in his pre-match press conference.
The Blues are preparing for the big matchup against AC Milan, with a place in the Champions League round of 16 within touching distance if they get the win.
They will be hoping for more what they produced last week at Stamford Bridge, where they dismantled the Serie A champions 3-0.
One player who was essential for the Blues in their toughest moments was Silva, who produced a typical assured and dominant display at the back as they picked up their first clean sheet under Potter.
The former Brighton manager has now raved about the Brazilian, with his importance now being clear to the third different man in charge at the club.
Potter loves Silva
He said: “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.
“The decision is Thiago’s. All I can do is help him enjoy his football here, and the rest is for him and the club to think about.”
Silva’s contract currently expires at the end of his season, with him approaching his 39th birthday by the time the next season gets underway.
There have so far been no indications of age catching up to the defender, with him being the most important member of the backline whenever he features.
He was awarded a rest for last weekend’s victory over Wolves. The defender was suffering with a cold and Potter held enough faith in the remaining options to give him a game off.
However, he will almost certainly be back in the starting side for tomorrow’s massive game, with a loss being devastating for their hopes of advancing in the competition.