Paulo Ferreira named Chelsea defender Thiago Silva in his standout World Cup 11.
Speaking on Stadium Astro, the former Blue Ferreira included Silva in what he deemed to be the best XI from the tournament.
The experienced Brazilian was brilliant at the heart of his side’s defence, captaining his country with class and authority.
He only conceded twice in the run to the quarter finals, and even got in on the attack at the opposite end.
Silva’s assist for Richarlison’s goal against South Korea in the round of 16 proved you really can teach an old dog new tricks.
Unfortunately for the Chelsea centre-back and his compatriots, they failed to learn their lesson from the previous World Cup.
Brazil departed the competition in the quarter-finals again, having lost to Belgium in 2018.
On this occasion, it was Croatia who dealt the crushing blow upon the South Americans, winning on penalties following a frantic period of extra-time.
Thiago Silva walks through the World Cpup
Despite leaving the event early, Silva still demonstrated his ability to defy his age at the highest sporting level.
“I put Thiago Silva and Pepe (in my XI), two players almost touching 40s and they are still playing at this level. They can look after themselves well, they are still giving everything and playing at the highest level,” said Ferreira whilst discussing his favoured side from Qatar.
Silva will have little room to reflect on what will probably be his last World Cup.
Chelsea’s campaign kicks off again next week with a Premier League home tie against Bournemouth.
Apart from Mateo Kovacic and Hakim Ziyech, Graham Potter nearly has all of his senior squad returned to Cobham ahead of the domestic restart.
Potter will hope to name his strongest team for the contest with the Cherries, even if that means risking the fitness of Silva.
Whilst he makes everything look effortless, the 38-year-old must be feeling the force of such little rest period in the past few months.
Unfortunately for the Brazil skipper, Chelsea simply cannot afford to be without him at this moment.