Opinion

Chelsea’s pre-season tour shows that they are already missing ‘fantastic’ player they just let leave

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After last night’s defeat to Real Madrid, the Chelsea players are now set to return from the United States after their pre-season tour.

There is just one friendly left against Inter Milan at Stamford Bridge for the players to prove to Enzo Maresca that they should be named in the starting side for the Premier League opener against Manchester City.

The Blues shipped plenty of goals in their friendlies across the pond, and a number of questions have cropped up over who would currently find themselves in the best side right now.

With those doubts, some supporters will likely looking back at a player they have just let leave the club and wondering if that decision was made too soon.

Thiago Silva departed Chelsea this summer when his contract came to an end, bringing to an end a seriously impressive four-year tenure at Stamford Bridge.

Fluminense v Bahia - Brasileirao 2024
Photo by Wagner Meier/Getty Images

Chelsea missing Thiago Silva

He was described last season as ‘fantastic’ by Mauricio Pochettino, who played him more than he was likely expecting to have to.

The Brazilian has already gone about turning around the fortunes of Fluminense, with him clearly still performing at the highest level despite his age.

His experience was always something that the younger players at the club could also rely on, with him being the perfect role model to the likes of Levi Colwill.

Tosin Adarabioyo bringing leadership to Chelsea

The Blues have begun to try and replace Silva this summer, starting with the free signing of Tosin Adarabioyo.

The former Fulham defender’s leadership skills have been highlighted as a real strength already, however it remains to be seen if he can replicate some of his brilliance on the pitch too.

Wesley Fofana has also taken part in the entire pre-season campaign after not playing a minute last season due to injury.

It looks as if his minutes are being managed, and a return to Premier League action may not occur until he is back to full match fitness again.