Thiago Silva’s aura is fading at Chelsea as age catches up with him | Jacob Steinberg

Club face tricky balancing act with defender’s time at Stamford Bridge winding down as Mauricio Pochettino looks to future

Perhaps Thiago Silva’s wife, Belle, was on to something when she took to social media during Chelsea’s defeat by Wolves and called for a change. After the team’s grim experience of trying to keep up with Pedro Neto and Matheus Cunha, it cannot be a coincidence that not having a 39-year-old in central defence made it easier for Mauricio Pochettino’s side to produce their best performance of the season when they destroyed Aston Villa last Wednesday.

It could be a sign that the end is arriving sooner than Silva might have anticipated. Chelsea, though, have a tricky balancing act. They are not planning to offer the Brazilian an extension when his contract expires at the end of the season, but they do not want to disrespect him. Silva is one of the greatest defenders of his generation and will have a big part to play in the next few months. It is important that he leaves on good terms. Continue reading...