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‘You can see his focus’: Tuchel noticed in small Burnley changing room just how focused Chelsea player was

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Thomas Tuchel has said he could see up close and personal today in Burnley’s small changing room just how focused Chelsea defender Thiago Silva gets before a game.

Blues manager Tuchel, who’s worked with Silva at both Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea, watched his side record an impressive result on Saturday at Burnley.

Despite a goalless first half, Chelsea scored four times in the second period to win by a convincing 4-0 scoreline.

Kai Havertz (two), Reece James and Christian Pulisic were all on the scoresheet during a rampant 45 minutes in the second half.

Tuchel said in his post-match interview how impressed he was yet again by 37-year-old defender Silva, who was commanding in the heart of the back three like usual.

He claimed the centre-back’s the ultimate professional that had a real focus in him today.

“He’s so professional. The dressing rooms are not so big here, which is not a problem, but when you’re in there so close with the team you can see his focus and how professional he prepares for every game. That’s why he can perform like this,” Tuchel said.

“In a match where you have so many long balls and so many second balls, and where you rely so heavily on the quality of your first touch if you win a duel in the air, it makes a huge difference and that’s what he does.

“It’s very impressive but I can tell you he works very hard and on top of it he’s a fantastic person and a big character in the dressing room.”

Burnley v Chelsea - Premier League
Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images

Silva the perfect teammate for Chelsea players

Silva, who produced a remarkable goal-line clearance against Burnley, is everything you want from a teammate.

It’s no surprise to hear the Brazilian has a razor sharp focus in the dressing room because he’s still operating at the highest level even at his age.

For certain, everyone in the squad will learn something from Silva.

The young players adapting their game can see what the ultimate professional looks like, while others will still be learning his tricks.

Silva’s outstanding CV of winning trophies comes largely down to his sheer work rate.

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