Thiago Silva's English 'improving' says Lampard after fears of confusion in Chelsea defence as boss lauds summer signing

CHELSEA boss Frank Lampard has revealed Thiago Silva's English language skills are improving – and his side are now reaping the rewards.

The Brazil legend, 36, has put in a string of flawless performances since enduring a tricky debut in the 3-3 draw with West Brom.

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During the former Paris Saint-Germain's star Premier League bow, the Blues' back-line looked all at sea, with Lampard forced to deny the language barrier would be a problem.

Since that day, Silva has played five times – keeping a clean sheet in every one of those games, most-recently in the 3-0 win over Rennes.

And Chelsea chief Lampard has suggested Silva's improved English language skills have helped both him and the team.

Lampard said: "His English is improving in particular the football side of his English… the important words on or around the pitch.

"His influence has been huge. Without the language, his professionalism has been very clear, it rubs off on the players.

"They respect him and his performances have been very, very good."

Lampard continued by saying he hopes Silva can have the same impact as the likes of Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk and Manchester City legend Vincent Kompany.

In the past few years, it's become even more clear how linked Premier League success is to having a dependable defensive unit.

When asked if Silva can be talked about in the same breath as Van Dijk and Kompany. Lampard claimed: "In terms of the career he's had, of course he's in that bracket…

"He absolutely walks into that bracket of top centre backs.

"Teams who have achieved in recent times have individuals or pairings that set those kinds of standards.

"It's imperative and we know the importance of defending well to try to win trophies, particularly Premier League titles.

"But they do also need support behind them, around them, in front of them.

"When you look at the performances of Thiago in his early games, the impact I keep talking about him having, he can be a big deal for us.

"But we need a lot more than that, of course, we need a lot more, so I don't want to crown him with anything now."

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