Of all the signings Chelsea made when Frank Lampard was the permanent manager at Stamford Bridge, one is perhaps clear as the best one.
Thiago Silva enjoyed a really strong four-year spell in West London, before leaving the club in emotional fashion this summer.
Even though it looked as if he was in the twilight of his career, the Brazilian proved to be absolutely essential at the heart of their defence.
Silva broke a Brazilian football record when he was unveiled at his new club, with the attendance being a record for a new signing.
However, Lampard was informed when talking about Silva in an interview recently that the defender is not actually given the praise he deserves in his home country.
Lampard didn’t know of lack of Silva respect in Brazil
He told Football Daily that he believes he deserves the respect for one of the best defenders seen in the modern game.
He said: “I did an interview for Thiago Silva recently. I didn’t realise this – and Thiago’s been one of the best defenders certainly that I’ve worked with, and probably the world’s seen in the last 15,20 years.
“And the interviewer asked me about Thiago and he said ‘back in Brazil, he doesn’t get that great press. For the national team, does he get enough respect?’
“And I answered he’s someone who should get the respect, not that I know the ins and outs of that, but my point is I guess that from the outside we wouldn’t acknowledge that, or understand that.”
Chelsea looking to replace Silva
Chelsea will no doubt be working hard to try and find the best possible replacement for Silva ahead of next season.
They have already got their business underway at the back with the free signing of Tosin Adarabioyo ahead of a number of other top sides.
There is reportedly a lot of confidence in the future of Levi Colwill, with him even being seen as a future captain at Stamford Bridge.
However, it does feel like another addition is required ahead of the new season.