Frank
Lampard believes Thiago Silva’s experience and leadership is already proving
invaluable at Chelsea.
Brazil defender Silva joined Chelsea from Paris Saint-Germain on a free
transfer in the summer and he has helped the Blues to six clean sheets in
his opening seven appearances for the club.
Lampard insists his squad will benefit from the professionalism and high
standards Silva has set during his career as the 36-year-old seeks to
overcame a language barrier.
"His English is improving, particularly the football side of his English,
his words on around the pitch," head coach Lampard said. "His influence is
huge. Without the language his professionalism has been very clear. That
rubs off on players, they respect him.
"His performances have been very good. He trains well, prepares well and
it's very obvious with him why he has had the amazing career he has had so
far. It's been great to have him in the squad.
"Players look up to him and how he goes about his daily business and how he
performs.
"It is great for younger players, every player in the squad. It is certainly
a pleasure to coach and manage a player with that much intensity and wanting
to perform at the highest level.
"Even his age doesn't feel like a big deal with managing him. When you look
at his performances and how he trains it has just been a real positive story
so far.
"Long may that continue, not just for him but also the influence he has on
the team."
Kurt Zouma says himself, Thiago Silva and Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy
communicate in French on the pitch1:11
Chelsea boss Frank Lampard says his side's improved concentration has helped
them to a run of clean sheets as they go into their game with Sheffield
United.
Chelsea, who have not conceded in their last five matches in all
competitions, host struggling Sheffield United on Saturday, live on Sky
Sports.
Lampard was critical of his side after a 3-0 defeat against the Blades at
the back-end of last season but credited Silva as being a pivotal reason for
an improvement in how vocal his side now are.
He added: "[Silva] is a player that brings an attitude, a professionalism
that is infectious. The players are growing. At times last year we were a
pretty young team.
"Definitely one of the games that springs out in my mind is Sheffield United
at Bramall Lane where they beat us in every department and that hardly ever
happened last year.
"We just have to improve it with the work that we do as the squad grows.
That is a bit of a process. Nice test tomorrow to see where we go."
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