Silva standard: the modern centre-back

In the modern game, fashionable formations change the roles and responsibilities of various positions beyond the traditional.

Goalkeepers, for example, are now judged as much – if not more – on their ability with the ball at their feet as they are on their shot-stoppings qualities and command of their area. 

Full-backs are now expected to be as adept in the opposition’s half as their own and, in some teams, are creator-in-chief.

In reality, these demands should be in addition to the core responsibilities of the positions. But, more frequently, defensive attributes are cast aside for a desire to have creative ball players across the park. 

Yet players in all positions will need to react to defensive transitions, win challenges and compete for the ball. And one player who certainly proves the ‘art of defending’ hasn’t totally been lost in the modern game is Thiago Silva.

Of the appearances he has made for Chelsea so far this season, you could probably count on one hand the number of times the Brazilian has not been in the running for player of the match. In fact, that’s probably true for his entire Chelsea career. 

Let’s not forget, he was signed – at the age of 35 - predominantly as cover. Yet, last season he made 48 appearances in all competitions and, in November, captained Brazil at the World Cup. And he shows no signs of slowing down.

This is in no small part due to his reading of the game. You will rarely see Thiago Silva break into a sprint. His anticipation and proactive movement means he is often two steps ahead of any centre forward.

Reading cues and triggers – players’ hip movements, amount of pressure on the ball, body shape, runs off the ball and so on – is key to making play predictable and dominating out-of-possession, and is something that certainly contributes to Thiago Silva belying his 38 years.

"Thiago Silva’s movement means he is often two steps ahead of forwards..."

While all of this does come with his many years of experience at the top level, it is something that can still be developed on the training field with players of various ages.

How many times do you hear commentators saying ‘Thiago Silva in the way again’? He certainly has a useful knack of being in the right place at the right time to clear – though he is no slouch when he needs to put in a last-ditch tackle, either.

But, being 2023, there’s no hiding from the fact that top-level, modern defenders also need to be competent in possession, building out from the back and starting attacks. And that’s another string to Silva’s ample bow.

The veteran’s ability on the ball shouldn’t be overlooked – as proven by the deft touch and incredible vision he showed to provide an assist to Richarlison in Brazil’s World Cup knockout win over South Korea.