Thiago Silva definitely captured the hearts of Chelsea supporters during four successful seasons with them, and he’s still got a close bond with plenty of players in the squad.
In 155 appearances for the Blues, Thiago Silva won three pieces of silverware, including the club’s second ever Champions League. Remarkably, the 40-year-old central defender is still playing in his homeland, Brazil, after joining Fluminense back in May.
It’s great to see the legendary centre-back still keeping a close eye on what’s happening at Stamford Bridge.
Silva celebrated Reece James’ recent injury return for Chelsea, which has given the squad a real lift. With the experience and leadership of Silva no longer in the dressing room, James is an individual that needs to set the example for younger teammates.
- READ MORE: Thiago Silva gives wordless reaction to Chelsea’s win over Newcastle United at the weekend
Thiago Silva predicted big things for Chelsea youngster Andrey Santos
Chelsea-owned youngster Andrey Santos, 20, should hope to be the next Brazilian to make a huge impact in west London. For now, he’s currently spending the season on loan with Ligue 1 club Strasbourg.
It’s very fascinating to reflect on what was said about him only a few months ago.
Speaking back in May, Silva claimed Chelsea’s Santos has a “wonderful future” ahead of him.
The young Brazilian midfielder is yet to make his first-team debut in Chelsea colours and has had to leave the club on loan for his development. It looks like Silva may have been spot on with his prediction, though.
Andrey Santos is starting to live up to the hype
Signed back in 2023, Santos is one of several young stars for the future that the Blues owners invested in, with a strategy that has divided plenty. Like Silva, Chelsea believed Santos could be ‘something special’ further down the line.
Well, we’re now seeing that the box-to-box central midfielder is shining during his loan for Strasbourg, who currently sit 9th in France’s top division.
The Chelsea loanee has become a mainstay in the Strasbourg starting line-up this campaign.
| Appearances | Starts | Goals | Assists |
| 8 | 8 | 5 | 1 |
Strasbourg manager Liam Rosenior has spoken glowingly about working with Santos, so we’re already growing excited about the kind of player he’ll be when he returns from his loan spell next summer.
When defensive icon Silva tips you for a big career, it’s quite some pressure on your shoulders. We’re enjoying watching the Chelsea-owned talent improve this year as he grows into a well-rounded midfielder.
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