
According to The Guardian, Chelsea are not planning to offer Brazilian defender Thiago Silva an extension when his contract expires at the end of the season, but do not want to disrespect him.
Regarded as one of the most accomplished defenders of his era, Silva is expected to significantly contribute in the upcoming months. It’s crucial for his departure from the club to be handled with the respect it deserves, ensuring he exits on positive terms.
Despite Silva’s prowess, there’s a rationale for Chelsea to start transitioning towards younger defenders. The effectiveness of deploying younger, swifter center-backs was showcased when BenoĆ®t Badiashile, aged 22, and Axel Disasi, aged 25, successfully contained Ollie Watkins in Chelsea’s FA Cup victory against Villa.
This change, initiated by Pochettino, brought enhanced balance and mobility to Chelsea’s defense at Villa Park, especially noticeable after the team had allowed eight goals in the two preceding matches.
The performance offered a glimpse of Chelsea embodying Mauricio Pochettino’s tactical philosophy. They showcased an aggressive approach in contests for possession and effectively played through Aston Villa’s lines. Their strategic positioning allowed for tight coverage of spaces, minimizing the distance between defense and midfield. The attacking sequences were notably coherent, displaying impressive patterns of play.
Setting emotions aside, there are indications that Silva’s advancing age is beginning to show. While he still excels in defensive scenarios that require less mobility, his vulnerability becomes apparent when facing fast-paced attacks.