Here are the Chelsea morning headlines for Wednesday, November 25.
Silva among league’s best, says Cole
It was clear that Chelsea had to do something to improve their defence after they conceded 54 league goals last season.
And their decision to bring in veteran Brazilian Thiago Silva on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain is looking like a masterstroke.
Former Blues midfielder Joe Cole has been waxing lyrical about the impact he has made on the Chelsea back line. Cole also believes Silva is the best defender in the Premier League who isn’t called Virgil van Dijk.
"For Rudiger, Zouma, or Christensen next to him, he sets the standards,” he said. "That’s the level you want to get at if you want to class yourself as a world-class centre-half."
Hudson-Odoi shines in France
Callum Hudson-Odoi has mostly been restricted to substitute appearances in the Premier League this season, but has certainly been making the most of his opportunities in Europe.
The 20-year-old started and opened the scoring in the Blues’ 4-0 victory at Krasnodar last month, and he repeated the trick in their 2-1 win over Rennes last night.
Graham Ruthven has taken an in-depth look at Hudson-Odoi’s efforts in France, and was impressed by what he saw.
“Hudson-Odoi has proven himself as a difference maker for the Stamford Bridge club at the highest level of the game,” he wrote.
Mount responds to Fabregas
Hudson-Odoi was able to give Chelsea the lead against Rennes thanks to a fabulous assist by Mason Mount. It certainly caught the eye of former Blues’ midfielder Cesc Fabregas.
"Mason Mount," he tweeted. "Fantastic." The 21-year-old was flattered by the message and replied after the match. "Thanks magician, been watching your assists,” he wrote.
While Rennes later equalised, Chelsea won thanks to a goal from Olivier Giroud. The Frenchman has mostly been a substitute this season, but Frank Lampard assured him he’ll get further opportunities.
“Oli will get his minutes because we have a busy schedule, we play every few days,” he said.
