The Three Pros And Two Cons To Chelsea Signing Thiago Silva

Barring any last-minute change of heart, it does seem as though Paris Saint-Germain captain Thiago Silva will be moving to Chelsea this summer.

The Brazilian international is out of contract and will be able to move on a free transfer. Considering manager Frank Lampard’s push for playing younger players it would, however, be a change in policy from the Blues boss.

Silva is in the twilight of his career and has only one or two years left at the top of his game so signing him could well be a risk. So is it a gamble worth taking?

Press the next page as we go through the pros and cons of signing the veteran PSG defender.

PRO – Silva’s Experience Is Invaluable

The Brazilian has accumulated 89 international caps during his career and has over 400 appearances at club level. He is vocal and has the personality to be a commanding presence in the backline.

Spending so many years at the top of the game means Chelsea will be getting a player who has ‘been there and done it’, as well as being able to make an instant impact on improving the club’s porous defence.

CON – His Age Is A Major Concern

Silva turns 36 next month, and with his lack of pace, there are worries whether he’ll be able to adapt to the physicality of the Premier League. We have seen many veteran defenders come to these shores and be overwhelmed by the pace of the game.

You would hope that the Brazilian’s experience would help in that regard, but you are still taking a risk on an old player who is untested in English football.

PRO – Silva Will Improve Players Around Him

Chelsea’s defence is lacking leadership and Lampard’s decision to sign Silva may well be based exclusively on the fact that he needs a leader who can get the best out of his other centre-backs.

The likes of Kurt Zouma, Andreas Christensen and Fikayo Tomori are decent defenders in their own right but they need someone who can guide them through matches. Silva could improve these players, who are craving for someone alongside them who possesses that level of knowledge and guile.

CON – He Isn’t That Strong In The Air

At 6ft, Silva is not the tallest of defenders. This is borne out in the fact he won 62% of his aerial duels in Ligue One last season. It is not a bad number but he isn’t someone who is commanding in the air.

Considering the Blues’ problems from set-pieces, you would have thought that Lampard would sign someone who could address that issue.

PRO – Silva Is A Winner

The Brazilian has won seven Ligue One titles with PSG and one Serie A title with AC Milan. He has also lifted 17 domestic cups, as well as having won the Copa America with Brazil last year.

With Lampard aiming to challenge for the Premier League, having players like Silva, who have won almost everything in the game, could prove to be vital.

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