Chelsea Rumors: Frank Lampard Got More Than He Expected With Thiago Silva

Chelsea FC went through a major manpower overhaul heading toward this season. Big names that included Timo Werner, Hakim Ziyech and Kai Havertz led that list, overshadowing Thiago Silva. The Brazilian's addition raised some eyebrows, but Silva has proven his doubters wrong.

Despite questions in the air over his age, Silva, 36, has made a huge impact on the Blues. This has justified the faith of Frank Lampard in the Brazilian defender, who had a shaky debut with Chelsea.

Silva scored his first goal as a Blues player against Sheffield on Saturday, but his defensive boost is what Lampard is raving about, Sky Sports reported.

"Even his age doesn't feel like a big deal with managing him. When you look at his performances and how he trains it has just been a real positive story so far," Lampard said. "Long may that continue, not just for him but also the influence he has on the team."

Silva is now proving detractors wrong. The purpose of his addition was to address defense problems, and it is only natural that he would need time to blend in. He has the proper experience to back up his talent, and Lampard had no doubt he could bring that same level to Stamford Bridge and more.

"He played in the Champions League final a few weeks before coming here, but his level of performance since he’s been here, without much of a pre-season, the influence, individual performance, the way he is between games, he attacks training so diligently," Lampard said via Goal.

Silva is not the only player making waves for the Blues so far. N’Golo Kante is also rising to the occasion, coming out with a credible performance against Sheffield. He contributed an assist and three tackles in the Blues' 4-1 win.

Though there were rumors that the 29-year-old may leave Chelsea, he remains an important part of Lampard’s rotation. Right now, the Blues are trying to find ways to make sure that he stays healthy so that he can be of use to Chelsea for the rest of the season.

"People always want to talk about that he’s the best defensive midfielder and should be in a deeper role. But he can play in lots of different roles to massive effect and I am pleased he is fit now. We will have to keep managing that to make sure he stays fit because he is massively important,” Lampard said.