Former Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole has explained why he's changed his mind on summer signing Thiago Silva.
The 36-year-old was one of seven first-team acquisitions made by the Blues ahead of the 2020/21 season as Frank Lampard addressed his side's weak defence that conceded 54 goals in the Premier League last term.
Thiago Silva - along with Malang Sarr (currently on loan at Porto) - didn't cost Chelsea a single penny as he arrived at Stamford Bridge on a free transfer after his contract at Paris Saint-Germain expired.
Although, his impact so far has been priceless with the Blues showing considerable improvement at the back when he's played.
And Cole, who was speaking ahead of Chelsea's clash with Rennes, admitted to questioning the move at the time because of the defender's age and the demands of the Premier League.
But now he can't praise the transfer enough.
In fact, not only has Cole changed his mind about Thiago Silva but he also believes the Brazil international is best defender in the Premier League - aside from Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk.
"Unbelievable. Out of all the signings, when he came in, I knew he’s been one of the great defenders of our generation, but at 36 - you worry," Cole admitted. "Traditionally, players of that age coming into the Premier League, it’s very difficult.
"The Premier League is a different beast now.
"I don’t think they make centre-halves like him now, apart from van Dijk, he’s the best in the league, maybe there’s an argument for it.
"For Rudiger, Zouma, or Christensen next to him, he sets the standards.
"That’s the level you want to get at if you want to class yourself as a world-class centre-half."
Fellow BT Sport pundit Peter Crouch shared those exact same concerns following Thiago Silva's rather disastrous debut in the 3-3 draw against West Brom, and he too has changed his mind.
"At the age of 36, a lot of the time, you go to Serie A or La Liga, which is perhaps slightly easier for that age," Crouch said.
"I thought when he gave the ball away in his first game, I did worry, but since then he’s been impeccable."
After being rested for Chelsea's 2-0 win over Newcastle United last weekend, Thiago Silva returned to the starting line-up against Rennes on Tuesday evening.
However, for the first time in the Champions League this season the Blues conceded a goal as Serhou Guirassy cancelled out Callum Hudson-Odoi's opener with a towering header in the 85th minute to equalise for the Ligue 1 outfit.
Although, there was still time for some late drama as substitute Olivier Giroud scored the winner to book Chelsea's place in the last-16 and ensure Thiago Silva's return to France was a successful one.
