“He’s got Maldini in him”- Chelsea urged to hand defender a new contract after display vs Liverpool

Pundit Tony Cascarino with high praise for Chelsea defender Thiago Silva

Speaking on Talksport Breakfast Show, quoted by Football.London, pundit and former Chelsea striker Tony Cascarino was in awe of the performance of Thiago Silva at the back against Liverpool. He even urged the Blues to offer him a new deal, with his current one expiring in the summer.

The Brazil international was exceptional at the back against Liverpool at Anfield. He was one of the main reasons why Chelsea kept the Reds at an arm’s length throughout the game.

At the age of 38, Silva keeps on producing performances of the highest level. His leadership and reading of the game are second to none. His experience is also helping new signing and youngster Benoit Badiashile to settle into the team as a centre-back.

Silva’s contract is expiring in the summer (Transfermarkt). There are no reports of him negotiating an extension. Talking about his exceptional performance and warning Chelsea about his contract situation, here’s Cascarino (h/t Football.London):

“Thiago Silva’s performance was just extraordinary at the back. I just laugh at someone who is 38, gets in a one-on-one with Nunez, who is lightning quick and, ok, might catch half-a-yard but he doesn’t get away from Thiago Silva, which is extraordinary. Just brilliant defending.

“He was outstanding again for Chelsea, Thiago Silva. He’s got [Paolo] Maldini in him. [He could] play until 40 quite comfortably. If Chelsea didn’t offer a contract to him at the end of the season there will be plenty that would, without a doubt. I would if I was in a management position. I would be saying, ‘I will take him for a year, absolutely’.”

Not only for Chelsea, we saw during the World Cup how good Silva has been on the international stage. The former Paris-Saint Germain captain does not seem to slow down and as pointed out by Cascarino, could last another season or two before showing his age.

The Blues have signed Kalidou Koulibaly, Badiashile and Wesley Fofana in the two transfer windows of this season so far to bolster their central defensive department. Out of them, Koulibaly hasn’t settled down and looked shaky, Fofana has had bad luck with injuries and Badiashile has just come in and played two good games.

So, it does make sense to offer Silva another year of the contract and convince him to stay here. He still has the game to do better in his position compared to what we have. Moreover, the Brazilian’s leadership skills and experience are immense.

More Chelsea News:

• Marc Cucurella praises Mykhailo Mudryk for his impactful Chelsea debut
• Chelsea set to step up pursuit of Inter Milan defender Denzel Dumfries
• Graham Potter has made his remark on Mykhaylo Mudryk debut against Liverpool

Let’s make sure the 38-year-old stays at Stamford Bridge for another season. If not a regular starter, he will be a crucial figure in the dressing room and the training ground for the many youngsters that are joining the team.