Former Chelsea defender William Gallas has praised experienced defender Thiago Silva, amid ongoing rumours the Brazilian could still leave the club this summer.
Silva, 37, joined the Blues from PSG in August 2020 and helped the side claim only their second ever Champions League success last season.
Despite this, the defender is yet to sign a new deal with the club, with the potential for a mass exodus of defenders from Stamford Bridge this summer.
Silva, along with Andreas Christensen, Cesar Azpilicueta and Antonio Rudiger, are all out of contract in June 2022 and fears are beginning to creep in as to what lies ahead for the quartet of defensive stars.
With rumours in recent weeks linking the club to a host of defensive options, including Matthijs de Ligt and Presnel Kimpembe, Gallas has praised Silva ahead of the upcoming January transfer window.
Speaking exclusively to Genting Casino, Gallas identified Chelsea's Silva as one of the league's leading defensive generals.
''I will speak about Thiago Silva because, he always finds the edge," said Gallas.
''I think what he does for Chelsea, it’s magnificent. As you know, to play in the Premier League it’s not easy. It’s very physical. And Thiago Silva is 37 years old. He is the boss of that defence."
The former Spurs and Arsenal centre-back also paid homage to the calming nature he believes the former PSG man brings to the Blues back line, highlighting the vital impact he has due to his vast experience.
"He’s mature, he’s got experience. So that’s why players like Rüdiger and Chalobah, when they play next to Thiago Silva, they feel secure," added Gallas.
''Thiago Silva, with his experience, he takes all the pressure on his shoulder. So that’s why Chalobah, Rüdiger, Christensen play so well. Thiago Silva is maybe one of the best defenders in the Premier League."
