Martin Keown remarked on the timeless Thiago Silva as he took to the World Cup stage last night.
Keown oozed over the Chelsea defender during his commentary duties for the BBC yesterday.
The former Arsenal centre-back was a grateful spectator as Silva skippered Brazil to a 2-0 victory over Serbia.
Richarlison’s brace was enough to earn the tournament’s most successful side their first win in Qatar.
Tite’s team in yellow are certainly one of the competition’s favourites, and they set down their marker with performance full of promise.
Brazil’s attacking options are arguably the most dangerous at the World Cup, with starters supported sufficiently by those from the bench.
A front four of Richarlison, Neymar, Vinicius Jnr and Raphinha began the match against Serbia.
Arsenal duo Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus, plus Real Madrid’s Rodrygo and Manchester United’s summer signing Antony came on in the second half.
A pure nightmare for defences, and all manner of different threats.
Yet, Brazil’s backbone is just as important as their bright and brilliant forwards.
Silva shines for Brazil
Casemiro offered cover to the defence, one that was martialled by the evanescent Silva.
At 38, the Chelsea star became his country’s oldest ever player at the World Cup.
You wouldn’t guess it by the way he strolled through the fixture, unnerved by the pressure upon his nation.
“Well it’s remarkable the age he is at right now, to be performing as he is. We see him every week in the Premier League, he just keeps going and going,” said Keown.
Has there been a better example of a footballer improving with age?
Cristiano Ronaldo perhaps? Lionel Messi to an extent.
But Silva is the shining example for those entering the twilight of their careers.
A wonderfully studious brain, along with superb personal care, has ensured the Brazil skipper is still at the top of his game.