Liverpool legend Ian Rush has admitted that Chelsea defender Thiago Silva has 'impressed' him this season and could be key if Chelsea are to win the Carabao Cup final this weekend.
Silva, 37, seems to be improving with age, so it is no wonder the Blues board were quick to secure his services for the 2022/23 season, with the importance of his leadership to the European and world champions' success clearly evident since he signed on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain in 2020.
Since that switch across the channel, Chelsea's defence has become rock solid and Tuchel's lieutenant has played a big part in this change from the often unpredictable rear-guard that was evident during Frank Lampard's reign.
A Champions League title, coupled with success in the UEFA Super Cup and Club World Cup, has been the return that the central defender has earned since agreeing a Premier League move.
He will certainly not be willing to let his 'dream' in west London end anytime soon, with more potential silverware success on the horizon, with the Carabao Cup final his next opportunity to impress.
"I feel like I’m living a dream here at Chelsea. I wasn’t expecting something like that," he said in the aftermath of the most recent Lille win.
The former Paris Saint-Germain mainstay has already earned praise from Gary Lineker this week but Liverpool icon Rush has been the latest to jump on the bandwagon, despite admitting that he thinks the Brazilian is 'getting on a bit now.'
A lot of the talk before the game has been centred around who Thomas Tuchel will choose to play up front out of Kai Havertz and Romelu Lukaku but the Welshmen believes that regardless of who is chosen up top, the current European and World Champions could win the contest due to the sole influence and 'presence' that their No. 6 possesses in abundance.
Who are the teams you love to hate? Which teams do you have a soft spot for? Take part in our League of Love & Hate survey
Rush explained in an interview with gambling.com: "Thiago Silva will be a big presence at the back for Chelsea.
"I know he’s getting on a bit now but he’s really impressed me this season – he’s been excellent – and his experience will count a lot for Chelsea.
"The top talents will shine through on Sunday and we could see one of the younger players come of age."
