Sportskeeda's list of 50 best players playing currently: 40-31

#38 Thiago Silva

Thiago Silva’s story has every element of a traditional rags-to-riches tale. His life was nearly taken before it begun, given that his parents contemplated abortion and the desolate circumstances he was born into, supplies reason for why they may have considered such an action.

From a dilapidated shantytown in the heart of Rio de Janeiro Brazil to living the high life in Paris, Thiago Silva’s raw, instinctive quality as a centre-half has been one of the few consistent aspects of his life so far. The second most expensive defender of all-time snapped up by PSG for €42 million in 2012; Silva has won four consecutive Ligue 1 titles in the French capital, as well as three successive Coupe de la Ligue crowns.

The 32-year-old adds both bulk and finesse to PSG's and Brazil’s backlines, appearing not only competent in possession but also very strong when it comes to aerial duels.

In Ligue 1 last season he maintained an average pass completion of 95%, superior to that of Andres Iniesta, fellow ball-playing defender Gerard Piqué and teammate Marco Verratti’s.