‘He is that intelligent’: Pat Nevin explains why £110k-a-week Chelsea player is so vital on the pitch

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Pat Nevin has explained that Thiago Silva is so vital on the pitch for Chelsea because of his intelligence to build partnerships with all teammates.

For certain, Silva has exceed all expectations for his performances in Chelsea colours.

The £110,000-a-week defender is now in his third season at Stamford Bridge, with Graham Potter now the third Blues manager he’s played under.

Despite the fact he turns 38 later this week, Silva is still a crucial player in the XI. He started and played 90 minutes during Potter’s first game in charge as head coach before the international break.

Thiago Silva intelligence

Nevin has given a glowing verdict on the intelligence of the Brazil international:

Nevin told the club’s website: “Over the years there have been plenty of centre-back partnerships, and these days triumvirates, that have developed that almost telepathic level of understanding. Thiago Silva had it with Toni Rudiger even if they were totally different types of defenders.

“Thiago can do that with anyone right enough. He is that intelligent and that good, but these partnerships have to be built all over the pitch and they have to be worked on.”

Silva has recently spoke very highly of centre-backs Wesley Fofana and Kalidou Koulibaly, who both joined Chelsea in the summer. It’s going to be great watching the pair learn from him and build partnerships.

Man-management

There’s no doubt it’s going to be increasingly important how Potter uses Silva as he gets older.

The South American centre-back usually still looks Chelsea’s best defender when he plays, but there’s going to be times he needs rest. It’s something former boss Thomas Tuchel got fairly good with overseeing.

With nine games to play in October, it seems inevitable there will be some Chelsea rotation.

Potter needs to pick and choose when to use Silva, with a Champions League double header against AC Milan a good place to start.

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