Former Chelsea assistant manager Jody Morris has delivered a glowing verdict on Thiago Silva after the Spurs win that once again proves Marina Granovskaia's transfer masterstroke in bringing the centre-back to Stamford Bridge.
Silva, 37, validated his world-class status once more with his display in Chelsea's battling 2-0 victory over Antonio Conte's Spurs outfit- a victory that put the European Champions on the right track once more in the Premier League after a tough spell in recent weeks.
His know-how to earn a foul from Harry Kane's disallowed goal in the first half coupled with being able to earn his side a two-goal buffer was his headed effort from Mason Mount's free-kick meant a strong showing in football.london's player ratings from proceedings in SW6.
Arguably, securing the player that Thomas Tuchel labelled the 'Benjamin Button of football' down till 2023 at the earliest could prove the most important dealing that Granovskaia has done in January, with all of Antonio Rudiger, Andreas Christensen and Cesar Azpilicueta able to leave the club on a free transfer in the summer as it stands.
"He’s like Benjamin Button. Thiago Button the footballer!" Tuchel said at the start of the year in response to Silva extending his west London stay.
"But I know how much work and professional attitude is behind that. It is a miracle in a way, because he came to this league, with the schedule and the approach and the intensity on a daily basis at the very end of his career, which was very brave.
"I know how much effort he puts in to stay fit, and how much effort he puts in off the pitch at home taking care of his recovery, his sleep and his nutrition. It is simply outstanding and only because of that it’s possible."
He then added: "We are happy because the new contract makes him calm.
"Thiago needs to be calm because he is a sensitive and emotional person. That makes him so precious for our team and our dressing room. He can feel different states of emotions from others, and can help so much with this.
"So he is calm, he has huge targets and he has a big impact. He is available and when he plays, he plays strong and is a big help. Good for him, good for us."
On top of these glowing comments that indicate the importance the former Paris Saint-Germain man has on Tuchel's side, Morris has now added to the hype with his own judgement of the defender who was signed in 2020.
He tweeted on his Twitter account @morriskid when reflecting on Chelsea 2-0 Tottenham: 'How good is Thiago Silva???
'What a player!!!'
Some big decisions will be coming over the next months on the future of Chelsea's defence, with Christensen, Rudiger and Azpilicueta possibly leaving the club.
A number of names have been linked to the club, with the likes of Jules Kounde and Niklas Sule in the frame to replace one of the aforementioned trio in the summer. With the signing of Silva on a free transfer, Granovskaia has issued an example of why she was worthy of the best Sporting Director accolade at the recent Golden Boy awards ceremony.
