Thiago Silva is about to leave a massive void at Chelsea.
The central defender is leaving Chelsea at the end of the season when his contract expires.
Turning 40 in September, he is easily the most experienced player currently in Mauricio Pochettino‘s squad.
Silva is a former Paris Saint-Germain captain and a Brazil international with over 100 caps.
Ultimately, despite not being the Chelsea skipper, he is the leader in the Stamford Bridge dressing room and the club must now find a way to replace his influence.
How Chelsea plan to fill Thiago Silva void
In terms of replacing Silva the player, the likes of Levi Colwill or Benoit Badiashile are capable of stepping into the Brazilian’s left centre-back spot.
Both players are left footed so it is their natural position.
However, in regard to replacing Silva the leader, a report from the Evening Standard claims that Chelsea believe captain Reece James and vice-captain Ben Chilwell can succeed the former PSG man there.
According to the outlet, the England duo have really impressed club officials off the pitch.
Their injury records are obviously a concern, though, with both players spending time on the sidelines this season.
Can Reece James and Ben Chilwell fill Thiago Silva void?
It is going to be difficult. They are good players and as captain and vice-captain, you would expect them to step up and be the leaders in that Chelsea dressing room.
However, James and Chilwell have not been in the game anywhere near as long as Silva has. They have not won as much as Silva has.
Simply put, the two full-backs do not have his kind of experience. But experience, leadership, they are not always easy things to go out and buy, so Chelsea are not in an ideal position here.
Perhaps, then, the Blues should have kept hold of Silva for a bit longer. Having played more than 30 games this season, he is clearly not past it.