‘One of the greatest’: Paul Merson thinks Frank Lampard Chelsea signing is one of the best of all time
Paul Merson has claimed to Sky Sports that Thiago Silva is one of the greatest of all time.
The defender has continued what has been a sensational career since joining Chelsea, despite being in the twilight of his time at the top.
Frank Lampard signed him in the first window where he could spend money, but it was the free transfer of the now 38-year-old that has been the highlight of that well-documented spending spree.
The backline at Stamford Bridge looks a shadow of what it can be when the Brazil international is missing, with him obviously needing the occasional break with the mounting fixture list.
Silva’s ability to read the game is unrivalled, and is certainly something some of the younger defedners at the club can learn from.
Thiago Silva one of the best ever
This is shown by reports that those at the club feel he deserves a new contract, partly to be the ideal role model to Wesley Fofana.
Merson has claimed he can also be beneficial to new signing Benoit Badiashile.
He said: “They look solid at the back, too, with two clean sheets on the trot. Benoit Badiashile’s looked outstanding – and he’s playing with one of the greatest of all time with Thiago Silva. He’s still one of the best now and he’s 38.
“Even all of his headers are knocked down to people. I can’t talk highly enough of him. If we talk about Virgil van Dijk as a Rolls Royce, then Silva’s a vintage Rolls Royce.”
Badiashile’s ability to slot into the backline seamlessly has been a real bonus for Graham Potter, taking pressure off having to play Kalidou Koulibaly every week.
Despite the Senegal international’s experience, he has struggled to star this season, and has looked like a run out of the team would be best for all.
