“He doesn’t trust his goal keeper so ran towards the net”, Internet reacts as Thiago Silva showed off his defensive awareness vs Salzburg

Chelsea defeated RB Salzburg in their group-stage fixture in the Champions League. Graham Potter’s side won 2-1 as Mateo Kovacic and Kai Havetz both smashed stellar goals. Kovacic shot one in the final to catch Salzburg’s keeper Kohn off guard and the German midfielder curled the winner in the 64th minute.

The Blues backline did a fine job despite not keeping a clean sheet. Chelsea manager Potter had very little time to adjust to his squad and implement his tactics accordingly. also, he has Reece James and Wesley Fofana sidelined till World Cup starts. He relied on veteran Thiago Silva and Trevor Chalobah.

Chalobah paired well with the Brazilian maestro who showed clinical defensive ability yesterday. Silva anticipated a lofted chip over the Blues keeper Kepa Arizzabalaga. He saw Kepa rush towards the attacker and immediately started his run towards the goal line. The 38-year-old put on a display of his awareness on the pitch as he was able to keep the ball away from Chelsea’s net.

Even though Kepa was beaten, Silva held his nerve to fend away the attack. Graham Potter can blindly trust the defender in the starting line-up. However, the match schedule puts the Englishman in a tough spot. He does not have much to choose from as he needs to rest his squad as well.

Ex-France International Frank Leboeuf depicts that Thiago Silva has been the player of the season for Chelsea. Hence, Potter needs to utilize him efficiently and restore Chelsea’s winning run in the Premier League. Chelsea’s win over Salzburg ensures them a spot in the round of 16 in the Champions League. Their last group stage match is up against Dinamo Zagreb on 2nd November.

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