Brazilian defender Thiago Silva may not have even officially signed for Chelsea yet, but coach Frank Lampard is believed to have already asked the 35-year-old to assume the role of club captain upon his arrival at Stamford Bridge.
Silva looks destined to join the Blues on a free transfer, having waved goodbye to Paris Saint-Germain after eight years in the French capital.
The Brazil international became les Parisens' longest-serving captain during his spell in Ligue 1, and it appears that Chelsea boss Lampard is keen to put his leadership skills to good use. Brazilian outlet Globo reports, via Get French Football News, that the English coach has 'asked' Silva to accept the position of club captain in West London, which would oust current skipper Cesar Azpilicueta from the role.
The Spaniard was handed the honour of becoming the captain at the start of the 2019/20 season, following the departure of previous leader Gary Cahill. The versatile defender has been a mainstay in the Chelsea side this season, featuring in 36 league games for the Blues under Lampard.
However, it seems the former Derby County manager is prepared to mix up the club's hierarchy, hoping that Silva's incredible wealth of experience and demanding leadership skills will plug the gaps in their leaky defence.
Chelsea shipped a whopping 54 goals in the league last year, giving them the worst backline of all the top ten teams in the division. The only saving grace was their ability in the opponents' final third, bagging 69 goals, which proved enough to confirm their qualification for next season's Champions League.
Blues supporters may be expecting a title push this campaign, given the heavy spending and plethora of attacking talents which have been recruited over the summer. The magnifying glass will be pointed directly at Lampard's rearguard however, which could well define how successful a season they will endure at Stamford Bridge.
Source : 90min