Why Axel Disasi’s form makes it very difficult for Thiago Silva to get back into the Chelsea side | OneFootball

Axel Disasi’s man of the match performance against Manchester City on Saturday evening had Chelsea fans singing the 25 year olds praises.

The Frenchman made three blocks, 16 clearances, recovered the ball five times and was dribbled past just once under the lights at The Etihad.

His reaction to making tackles and blocks had fans comparing him to cult hero Antonio Rudiger.

The former Monaco man was signed in the summer amidst a backdrop of criticism with many questioning whether he was a necessary signing but the centre back is now winning those initial doubters over having been an ever present this season starting 23 out of a possible 25 Premier League games.

With usual defensive partner Thiago Silva absent against City Disasi had the added responsibility of leading the backline alongside talented youngster Levi Colwill and he thrived in that role whilst also delivering his best performance in a Chelsea shirt.

Missing the game through an injury picked up in the 3-1 win against Crystal Palace Disasi’s performance couldn’t have come at a worse time for the Brazilian.

Many Chelsea fans have been questioning Silva’s involvement as a regular starter and at 39 years of age whilst his footballing brain still works his legs are letting him down and he is too often being targeted by teams with balls in behind.

Playing Silva means the defence sits deeper and the gap between the midfield and the centre backs is far greater leaving a lot more space for opposing teams to exploit and his inclusion is forcing too many tactical reshuffles for the team.

Mauricio Pochettino is left with a big decision to make with Silva but it comes as no surprise that two of Chelsea’s best defensive performances away at Aston Villa and Manchester City were without him.

Time catches up with everyone and for Silva it is no different.