Thiago Silva nominated for Premier League Player of the Month

Thiago Silva's stature in the world of football is nothing short of iconic. He ranks among the very best center backs to ever play the game, and at the ripe old age of 36, is still among the very best not only at Chelsea, but in the Premier League.

In fact, Silva was one of eight players nominated yesterday for Premier League Player of the Month for October, and one of only two center backs (Wolves’ Conor Coady the other). The other nominees include Che Adams, Pablo Fornals, Jack Grealish, Son Heung-min, Harry Kane, and Kyle Walker.

You can vote for Thiago Silva here.

It was a no-brainer for Chelsea when Thiago Silva became available on a free transfer after leaving PSG in the summer, especially coming off of a season when we conceded 54 goals in the Premier League alone.

Silva’s age raised a few eyebrows, but 6 clean sheets in 7 starts is the number that’s important. Lampard didn’t hold back in his praise in Friday’s press conference.

“To achieve in the modern day, you have individuals or pairings defensively that set those standards. We know the importance of defending well to try to win trophies and particularly the Premier League title but they need support around them, behind them and in front of them but when you look at the performances of Thiago in the early games, he can be a big deal for us but we need a lot more.

“When he became available [after leaving PSG in the summer] it was something that really excited me and something that the club moved very swiftly on. That was good work and it feels like that now with Thiago and the opening performances showed on the pitch.”

Chelsea's defensive mishaps last season were not only down to individual errors but also due to the lack of belief and organisation that often led to panic situations.

The team needed someone like Silva to install some leadership and focus in the backline and so far, it's worked out exactly that way. His presence on the pitch and the way he carries himself has certainly rubbed off on the others, with Kurt Zouma benefiting the most. The man a decade Silva’s junior has improved in Zouma-sized leaps and bounds, at either end of the pitch, chipping in with three goals, even.

"I have been really impressed with Kurt and his form, what he has given us, also scoring goals from set-pieces and defending set-pieces as well, which is a big part of our game, we knew it was something we could improve last year. In terms of the general game, I think with Thiago he can affect people around him because of his status in the game and how he plays it.

"When you talk about partnerships in a team, in central defensive areas, we can all think back and think of great centre-back partnerships. I think with Thiago he has the ability to not just rub off on Kurt but any player that he is paired within that position, because of his experience and quality. I think he has helped Kurt at this moment."

-Frank Lampard; source: Goal

Let’s hope O Monstro’s monstrous effect continues to work its magic!