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Football London
Football London
Sport
Aaron Reid

Thomas Tuchel and Chelsea may have already found Thiago Silva's long-term successor

Swansea City advanced to the Championship play-off final after defeating Barnsley 2-1 on aggregate in the semi-finals - and Chelsea loanee Marc Guehi was again a key man for the Swans.

Guehi was awarded the man of the match in both semi-final fixtures as he helped his side to a 1-0 midweek win before he was instrumental in a 1-1 draw on Saturday night.

The 20-year-old Chelsea defender has had an incredible season for the Welsh side as he was crucial in helping the Swans to the third-best defensive record in the Championship, keeping 20 league clean sheets this season.

The Swansea number five has played 46 games in all competitions this season, minutes that will be crucial in helping him develop into a top-class defender.

Guehi's performances have transcended his age at times in the year as he plays more like a centre-half in his prime with undeniable confidence in his game.

The Ivorian born defender averaged a whopping 1.6 interceptions, 1.7 tackles and 2.7 clearances per game this campaign, which is indicative of his irrefutable talent.

During Saturday night's 1-1 draw with Barnsley, Guehi was a wall at the heart of the Swansea defence, winning nine out of 11 duels, making three tackles and a further seven clearances throughout his man of the match display.

The young sensation has been involved in the Chelsea youth set-up since he was just six years old and has been highly rated in his journey throughout the ranks.

Guehi has also been capped for England at Under-17, Under-18, Under-19, Under-20 and Under-21 level, even scoring in the final of the Under-17 World Cup as England defeated Spain to lift the trophy.

With Fikayo Tomori potentially making a permanent move to AC Milan, Thomas Tuchel will be keeping an eye on Guehi's progression as he looks to build his squad for next season.

Indeed, Chelsea will be looking for a long-term successor to Thiago Silva, who is now 36, and Guehi could just be the man to fit the bill.

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