In their defense, the EA Sports teams were perhaps simply in anticipation. In September, Thiago Silva was indignant when he saw the drop in his rating in the EA FC simulation game (he went from 86 to 84), criticizing the game developers for not watching his matches with Chelsea. But two months later, the Brazilian would probably be less shocked, at a time when his club performances are far from exuding the serenity that had often accompanied him during his career. Starting this Saturday during the Blues’ rout against Newcastle (4-1), the 39-year-old defender finished the match on the ropes.
Guilty of a big restart error on the Magpies’ third goal, the former Parisian pushed his team a little further, at a time when they least needed it (Chelsea were trailing 2-1 before the goal of Joelinton). Aware of his great share of responsibility for the outcome of this meeting, Thiago Silva beat his guilt on social networks: “I am devastated. It was not a good day for us. I would like to apologize to everyone for the defeat, especially to my teammates who believe in me and support me every day. I take full responsibility for it. Let’s gather our strength and come back stronger”he wrote on his X account.
He is no longer Chelsea’s asset
Renowned for his sense of anticipation and his communicative serenity which made him one of the best defenders of the last decade, Thiago Silva today shows obvious shortness of breath. At 39, the former Brazilian international seems to be on the slippery slope, and his repeated blunders point to this. Against Manchester City two weeks ago (4-4), he had already gone through several gaps, notably on Rodri’s goal where he was too late, or on that of Manuel Akanji, totally forgotten in his back.
During Chelsea’s defeat against West Ham in August (3-1), he also delivered his worst individual performance of the season, which cost him dearly in the British press. Less sovereign defensively, less impactful in the duel, the Brazilian is no stranger to the defensive reluctance of the Blues, who have already conceded 20 goals in just 13 Premier League days this season. And while his contract will expire next June, the idea of a free departure to Fluminense, his training club where Marcelo plays today, should inevitably be put back on the table.
