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Thiago started in the middle of a back three alongside Kurt Zouma and Cesar Azpilicueta against Manchester United at Old Trafford on Saturday and he produced a solid display to help keep a clean sheet.

Thiago Silva has brought a calmness to the Chelsea defence, and former Chelsea star Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, has revealed that Lampard signed Silva so he can bring confidence to the Chelsea defence.

Speaking on Sky Sports, Hasselbaink said after the game against Manchester United: “Thiago played really well today. He was very relaxed on the ball. He won his headers, organised, never really got in trouble, always in the right positions.

“That’s why he’s been brought, to lead, to do these kinds of things like these blocks headers away and give confidence to the people around him.”

Meanwhile, BBC Sport pundit Garth Crooks included Silva in his team of the week for his performance against Manchester United.

Crooks said of the 36-year-old: “Chelsea have not had a player at the back like this for some time. Defenders don’t come more accomplished than Silva.

“The former Brazil international has brought a desperately needed calm to the Blues defensive line up. His positional sense and reading of the game are his specialities.

“Had it not been for Silva, his former Paris St-Germain team-mate Edinson Cavani would have almost certainly found himself on the scoresheet.

“At 36, Silva looks like he’s never been in a pub in his life. What a pity for Chelsea he’s not a few years younger.”