Thiago Silva has seemingly already taken new Chelsea signing Benoit Badiashile under his wing.
Silva and the France international have only become acquainted properly in the last few weeks, following the latter’s move from Monaco at the start of the month.
But their relationship was accelerated on the weekend.
Graham Potter awarded Benoit his Chelsea debut at Stamford Bridge against Crystal Palace on Sunday.
Potter decided to displace the regular centre-back pairing of Silva and Kalidou Koulibaly by introducing the younger member of the pack.
Koulibaly dropped to the bench, with Benoit stepping in to stand next to the experienced Brazilian.
Ultimately, this decision paid off.
Thiago Silva and Benoit Badiashile began their Chelsea partnership
Chelsea managed to secure a clean sheet and crucially all three points in a 1-0 victory over Palace.
Whilst Patrick Vieira’s men still managed to carve open several chances, Potter’s latest defensive combination ultimately got the job done.
He was full of praise for the debutant after the win, who will have learned some valuable lessons during his first taste of Premier League action.
Not to mention learning huge amounts playing next to Silva.
Even before the match, Benoit was taking tips from his senior teammate.
Chelsea’s club cameras captured Silva speaking to the Frenchman in the tunnel ahead of the contest.
They probably weren’t just chatting about the weather; Silva appeared to be giving instructions, or going through tactics, with the defender.
Despite hailing from opposite ends of the globe, their shared ability to speak French will have certainly benefited Benoit.