These stories are samples pulled from external media sources. They do not represent the views or position of Chelsea Football Club.

Carragher names Terry best defender of Premier League era

Thiago Silva picks mentors

Italy has a history of a defensively-focused style of football and even though it has tried to move away from it in recent times, it will always be synonymous with the Catenaccio defending system.

However, while speaking to the media and reported in Football Italia, Thiago Silva cited that Paulo Maldini and Alessandro Nesta helped develop the tactical nous he’s shown since arriving in the Premier League this season.

‘Every country has its way of seeing football,’ the Brazilian said.

‘I grew up a lot in Italy, one of the best schools for defenders and the defensive phase. At the beginning of my career, I was lucky to play next to two professors.

‘I played with Maldini and then I had a chance to play with Nesta, I played with them for two years and in that time, I learned a lot,’ he said.

Now at Chelsea, Frank Lampard will be hoping Thiago Silva will pass on his knowledge that he learned from the great defenders in Italy to pass on to our young core of centre-backs at Cobham.

Having already played a big part so far this season for the Blues, the former PSG defender admitted to having difficulties in the first few games due to the style of play in England.

‘In the Premier League you face teams with very fast players up front, the pace is very high,’ he said.

‘After the first two games, I left the pitch with a headache for the many aerial duels and the speed with which you play. It’s a different league than the other two I played in.’

Deschamps on Zouma selection

Zouma made his sixth appearance for France in a 2-0 loss against Finland last night and head coach Didier Deschamps explained the selection at a press conference and as reported in Beinsport.

‘There’s competition in every position,’ Deschamps said. ‘Zouma has been with us a while, has been called up many times but didn’t play much.’

‘If I pick him, it’s because I think he is better than the others at that position because of what he’s doing at Chelsea.

‘He’s very calm, so he’s here. If you are asking why I picked four central defenders, I have to choose. We have three games in nine days so everyone will play, including Kurt.’