Thiago Silva is the only current member of the Chelsea squad to be named in Sky Sports’ statistical-driven Premier League team of the term so far.
Silva shining
Silva has enjoyed another superb season at the heart of Thomas Tuchel’s defence.
Despite turning 37 last September, the timeless defender simply shows no signs of slowing down any time soon.
His reading of the game tops virtually anyone with a younger mind, allowing him to be one step ahead of the opposing forwards.
Even if speed may have deserted him somewhat, the centre-back’s intelligence allows him to outpace his opposite number.
He has also proved a real menace from set-pieces, scoring three times in the top flight, twice against Tottenham Hotspur.
A man of his age should not be so strong aerially, but this is no ordinary man at all.
It is therefore no surprise that Silva makes the XI, alongside Liverpool’s own golden guardian Virgil van Dijk.
Chelsea’s golden boys
Next to this sturdy partnership is Trent Alexander-Arnold and Manchester City’s Joao Cancelo.
Sky Sports say that Chelsea duo Reece James and Antonio Rudiger just missed out on selection.
Another of Tuchel’s group who made the reserve list was Mason Mount.
The 23-year-old has once again been one of the Blues’ most consistent performers in a campaign full of inconsistencies.
With seven goals and six assists in 21 league appearances, the England international is clearly leading the way in terms of contributions for the European champions.
Mount’s place in the midfield instead goes to a fellow Cobham academy graduate, Conor Gallagher.
Gallagher has successfully swapped Stamford Bridge for Selhurst Park following his loan move across the capital last summer.
Arguably Patrick Vieira’s most valuable asset, the Epsom-born talent belongs amongst the best signings of 2021/22.
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