‘One of the greatest’: Mateo Kovacic says Chelsea are so lucky to have one player in their squad

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Mateo Kovacic thanked Thiago Silva for having such a positive impact on Chelsea.

Speaking after the 1-0 win against Al Hilal in the Club World Cup yesterday, Kovacic gave the brilliant Brazilian quite the appraisal.

Platinum Silva

Silva has sparkled pretty much ever since he arrived at Stamford Bridge from Paris Saint-Germain in the summer of 2020.

Aside from a relatively slow and sometimes shaky start under Frank Lampard, things have gone pretty smoothly for the age-defying defender.

Smooth is probably the perfect word to describe the 37-year-old.

Every action on the pitch is performed with the utmost precision, often achieved effortlessly.

Chelsea’s defence as a whole have become far more composed with the centre-back in their ranks.

He has also added the experience of a serial winner to the squad, a characteristic that’s become evident again over the last few days.

Do it for Thiago

Thomas Tuchel’s men are currently one game away from clinching the Club World Cup following Wednesday’s narrow triumph.

This is a competition the Blues must be desperate to win, considering it remains one of the only items of silverware that’s so far evaded their grasp.

The importance of winning the tournament will be reiterated by Silva himself.

Claiming Club World Cup glory holds a significant place in the heart of South American players; just look at David Luiz’s reaction after Chelsea lost the 2012 addition.

With the current Brazilian in the ranks, the European champions have every chance of completing the grand slam trophy set.

“I think with Thiago, there isn’t much to tell. Thiago is one of the greatest defenders of his generation. He has won almost everything,” said Kovacic.

“He brought so much experience to Chelsea. We are glad and happy to have such a great player and such a great personality in our dressing room.”

Silva will have the chance to lift the continental prize when Chelsea take on Palmeiras this Saturday.

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