Chelsea defender Thiago Silva last night set a new World Cup record for the oldest player to ever assist a goal at the tournament.
At 38 years and 74 days old, the Brazil captain broke the record set by Caneroon’s Roger Milla.
The piece of history was just one moment in what was arguably the most dominant half of football seen at this World Cup so far.
The tournament favourites raced into a 4-0 lead in a scintillating 45 minutes that put the rest of the active sides on notice at just how good they are.
Despite only ending up with a 4-1 victory, the performance was loved by Brazilian media.
Silva’s display in particular caught their attention, with him yet again drawing personal praise for a true captain’s performance.
Silva breaks World Cup record
Proving to be one of the best defenders at the tournament at the age of 38 is just more signs of what Chelsea fans already knew – he is a unique and irreplaceable asset for club and country.
When he was rested for the third group match against Cameroon, the Brazilian backline that had been yet to concede in the tournament immediately looked a lot shakier.
When watching him play, Chelsea fans will just be praying that he doesn’t suffer an injury that would see him miss any time when the club season returns.
Despite being well stocked in centre-backs, especially when Wesley Fofana returns to full fitness, the ability of Silva is something the Blues just can’t replace.
With Graham Potter already facing a mammoth task when action returns to Stamford Bridge, he will need his very best players available for the rest of the campaign, a luxury he has not yet been afforded.
Reece James’ return will arguably be as big as Silva being fit, and the sight of him back in training is a massive boost.
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