Chelsea defender Thiago Silva has made a big impact in the Blues’ defence since signing in the summer.
The experienced Brazilian has helped to transform a defence that had previously looked very shaky under the management of Frank Lampard, with the ex-Paris Saint-Germain centre-back being named on the Premier League’s eight-man shortlist for the October Player of the Month award.
His latest outing for his new side saw him help Chelsea to earn a 3-0 win over French side Rennes in the Champions League on Wednesday evening.
The defender has plenty of experience playing against the Champions League newcomers, with the midweek win being the centre-back’s 13th career appearance against Rennes.
Speaking after keeping another clean sheet under Lampard, the Brazilian revealed what he said to his teammates ahead of the victory.
“Rennes are a good team, I told that to my teammates in the dressing room before the game,” Silva told Chelsea’s club website.
“I have played a lot against this team. Two seasons ago they beat Paris in the final of the French Cup, I was injured but I saw a team who played very well with the ball.
"They are very well organised and have a coach who likes technical football.”
Chelsea take on Sheffield United on Saturday, with Thiago Silva expected to start against the Blades.
One player who will definitely miss the game, however, is Christian Pulisic, who has not recovered from a hamstring problem.
Pulisic missed the Rennes clash and Lampard has now ruled the USA international out of the game on Saturday against Chris Wilder's side.
"[Pulisic] Not fit to play, still suffering with his hamstring," Lampard told reporters in his pre-match press conference.
"He's not training at the moment. Kepa [Arrizabalaga] is recovered. Slight bit of pain but in the squad tomorrow."
On Pulisic, Lampard added: "He trained at a low level in midweek and wasn't comfortable. We have to keep looking for the right solution."
