UEFA Champions League English

Gary Lineker insists Thiago Silva is ‘ridiculously good’ as Chelsea set new Champions League clean sheet record

Gary Lineker has gone on social media to compliment veteran Chelsea defender Thiago Silva as being ‘ridiculously good’ after his superb performance in the Blues’ 2-0 win over Lille in the Champions League.

The Blues were guided to victory over the French side in the first-leg of the last-16 tie by Kai Havertz and Christian Pulisic who both scored while Thomas Tuchels’s side did well to keep a clean sheet in the match with the 37-year-old Silva being dominant throughout as he effectively shut down menacing attacks from Jonathan David and Jonathan Bamba at Stamford Bridge.

The vastly experienced Brazilian international also play a key part in making history as the Blues are now the first English team in history to win five consecutive home matches without conceding a goal in Europe and a multitude of fans on social media inundated Silva with praises, with former Tottenham striker Lineker also joining the retinue.

The Match of the Day presenter said: “How good is Thiago Silva? I’ll answer that myself – ridiculously good.

“A wonderful defender who’s defying Father Time.”

Silva has been spot-on in impeccable form for Chelsea since arriving on a free transfer from PSG in the summer of 2020 and –appears to be showing no signs of slowing down despite his age – has missed only four Premier League matches this campaign.

The stalwart defender has already savored the honor of having helped the west London outfit win the Champions League last season as well as the Club World Cup this term.

Jody Morris, who was assistant manager to Frank Lampard at Chelsea when Silva signed for the club, was also full of praise for his former defender, telling BBC Radio 5 Live:

“Extremely solid, especially in the second half. They totally controlled the game and Thiago Silva was unbelievable – it does not seem like he is getting older one bit.”