When signing a player like Thiago Silva, especially in the manner that Chelsea did, it’s easy to get overly excited and forget about the practical factors of such a signing. While the Brazil international has started expertly at Stamford Bridge, he isn’t getting any younger.
Silva loves the game more than any player in his position but he’ll feel the time to hang his boots is soon. Chelsea could get another season of top-level performances from him, but not much more than that.
Which is why it’s good that some of the younger players are learning from his experience. Thomas Tuchel is very much a long-term plan as he is known to build for the future. Therefore, having a mentor like Silva in his side has proven all the more worthwhile.
Chelsea may have found their Thiago Silva replacement
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When speaking of replacements, I don’t mean to always look externally. Sometimes this is necessary, but with Chelsea it isn’t. They have a plethora of defensive options available to them, many of them ready to start right now.
Andreas Christensen, while he’s had his critics, is only showing signs of improvement. He is a solid choice in the centre back role as he oftentimes uses his height and physicality to his advantage.
That said, it’s good to see that Thomas Tuchel is noticing this and is focusing much work around the 24-year-old defender. As he reaches his peak, the Blues want to do all they can to keep ahold of him. So much so that according to the Telegraph, they are preparing to offer him a long-term contract.
This, to me, speaks volumes. It says that Tuchel is willing to offer him plenty of game time and that he sees him as pivotal to the defence, particularly once Silva retires. Therefore, I don’t see why Christensen wouldn’t want to sign a deal.
Do you think Chelsea should offer Christensen a new contract?