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European Champions Chelsea have assembled a truly remarkable squad of players under head coach Thomas Tuchel. The trademark of the German's reign so far has been an almost impeccable defensive solidarity, exemplified by veteran center back Thiago Silva.
Fans who were disappointed at young Fikayo Tomori getting overlooked and sold to AC Milan saw the 37-year-old Silva as nothing more than a stopgap measure. However, the Brazilian has slowly begun to win over the Chelsea faithful.
One of the greatest center backs of his generation, Brazil's captain signed with the Blues last year after a prolonged spell at Paris Saint-Germain and AC Milan. His calmness, positional brilliance and footballing IQ have already made him a Chelsea fan favorite.
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Despite his contract extension up to 2022, Chelsea will be keeping an eye out for replacements should Silva hang up his boots after the current season. With that in mind, here's a look at five players Chelsea could consider to replace Thiago Silva:
#5 Niklas Sule
Bayern Munich center back Niklas Sule has been strongly linked with Chelsea. A key player for Bayern and Germany, the six-feet-five-inch tall Sule's physicality and ability to step up and play the pressing game make him a premier center back.
Once a center forward in his youth, Sule has transitioned smoothly into his role as center back. He relishes the time and space on the ball to launch Bayern's direct and brutal attacking play.
When he was 21 years old, Chelsea had reportedly tried to sign him from Hoffenheim before Bayern's intervention. This time around, the Blues will have to make a substantial offer to entice him away from the Bavarians. The possibility of him linking up with compatriots Timo Werner, Kai Havertz and Antonio Rudiger while being managed by a German coach is certainly an enticing one.
#4 Jose Maria Gimenez
26-year-old Jose Maria Gimenez has inherited Diego Godin's role at the foundation of the Atletico Madrid backline, which Diego Simeone, against all odds, continues to reinvent. Fresh from a La Liga title-winning campaign, Giminez has played most of his professional career at Atletico. He offers a balance of experience and potential to get even better.
The Uruguayan has plenty of experience on the international stage, with continental pedigree. He's won the Europa League, UEFA Super Cup and Spanish Super Cup during his days at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium.
As a leader of a well-drilled backline, Gimenez would make an ideal captain for Chelsea to build their team around. Unfortunately for the club, his latest contract extension amidst great interest sees him tied to Atletico Madrid until 2025, barring the arrival of a mammoth bid.
#3 Marquinhos
27-year-old Paris Saint Germain captain Marquinhos has long been linked with Chelsea. Entering the final years of his PSG contract, which runs until 2024, the Brazilian has matured into one of the world's finest defenders. His comfort on the ball, quickness and ability to play in holding midfield make Marquinhos the perfect tactical fit. Not to mention getting to play under a coach who has previously expressed great admiration for his ability.
Thiago Silva has served as a mentor for Marquinhos, both in club and national colors. He could further serve to entice his signature at Stamford Bridge next season, should he hang up his boots and transition into a coaching career.
#2 Declan Rice
Declan Rice has long been on Chelsea's radar, with former manager Frank Lampard pushing heavily to bring the once Chelsea star home. The England and West Ham defensive midfielder's impeccably tidy and disciplined displays have established him among the top midfielders in the Premier League.
The England international is versatile and could comfortably slot in at center back, especially as the "spare man" in the backline, combined with a freedom to create. Given his history with the club and close personal relationship with Mason Mount, a reunion sounds plausible, unless Rice's Euro 2020 heroics have outpriced his services.
#1 Andreas Christensen
An unconventional option for Chelsea's usual big money transfers, Andreas Christensen has certainly looked the part. Some might say the Danish international has already overtaken Thiago Silva in the pecking order to establish himself as the first-choice center back in the three-at-the-back system.
With the impending arrival of Jules Kounde and the welcome emergence of Trevoh Chalobah, Chelsea's back three seem sufficiently covered, with Andreas Christensen at the heart of defense.
The giant center back has developed a refinement, maturity and calmness to his game that's resulted in the Blues' resolute defense. As a Chelsea youth product, he had to reach the first team the hard way, with experience in Germany and the Netherlands. But Christensen now looks set to be a fundamental part of the team for the first half of this decade at a minimum.
