Kurt Zouma and Thiago Silva have been absolutely outstanding for Chelsea this season and have almost completely turned around Chelsea’s poor defensive performances from the 19/20 season.
While a major part of the credit must go to Edouard Mendy as well, the two French-speaking center-backs have been very resolute in their showings on the pitch. Chelsea now have the third-best defensive record in the Premier League, and have conceded 14 goals so far, only behind Manchester City and, quite surprisingly, Aston Villa.
While Zouma has been at Chelsea for a few years and has also spent a couple of years out on loan, Thiago Silva only joined the club in the summer and has already established himself ahead of the young and promising names already at the Bridge, despite being 36 years old.
The Brazilian originally signed a 1-year deal with Chelsea when he joined this summer, but there was an option to extend that deal for another year. Thiago Silva is taking things very slow, according to Fabrizio Romano and Francesco Porzio on their “Here We Go” podcast on Patreon.
A decision regarding his future at, or away from Stamford Bridge will be made in March or April.
Kurt Zouma, on the other hand, is a decade younger than his partner at the back and is on the verge of entering his peak years as a footballer. His contract at Chelsea expires in 2023, but the club will be looking to ensure long-term commitment from Zouma in the new year.
The Frenchman has been phenomenal this season and has also scored four goals in the Premier League so far. His contribution not only to the Blues’ defensive solidarity but to the goalscoring exploits as well, has made him a vital part of Frank Lampard’s exciting new Chelsea.
