Andrey Santos makes claim about Chelsea legend Thiago Silva ahead of Club World Cup semi-final, ‘so important’

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A number of Chelsea players are facing a reunion against a former teammate when they take to the field in the Club World Cup semi-final.

At the grand age of 40, Thiago Silva is set to line up at the heart of defence for Fluminense against the Blues, with a place in the final on the line.

Silva has been brilliant in the Club World Cup so far this summer, being a key part of a defence who have proven very difficult to break down so far.

Chelsea will be looking to achieve this without Liam Delap, who is suspended for the game after picking up two yellow cards already in the competition.

Andrey Santos praises Thiago Silva ahead of Club World Cup semi-final

One of the Blues players who has a close relationship with the defender is his countryman, Andrey Santos. The midfielder spent a pre-season in the United States with the club when Silva was with them.

Any young Brazilian will be looking up to the centre-back for what he has achieved in the game, as well as the longevity he is continuing to show at the top level.

Santos told the Chelsea website that Silva played a key role for him when he first joined Chelsea, however he will have to put that behind him when it comes to the semi-final clash.

He said: “Thiago Silva was so important for me during my first season here. He is so important for Chelsea and Chelsea fans, too. But tomorrow he is my rival, so we have to work hard against him.

“It’s a big game tomorrow against a big team. We have to prepare well because the game is so important for us, a semi-final, so we have to work hard and make sure we are ready.”

Andrey Santos shows his class in first Chelsea start

The midfielder has had to wait patiently for his opportunities to make appearances for Chelsea since returning from his very positive loan spell at Strasbourg.

An injury to Reece James in the warm-up for the quarter-final saw him thrown in for his first start just minutes before the game, however this didn’t show with his performance.

Santos played a starring role for the Blues against Palmeiras, and has definitely put himself in contention to start against Fluminense.

With reports claiming that the youngster wants key opportunities this season, it is important for Enzo Maresca to keep him at the forefront of his mind when it comes to team selection.