Thomas Tuchel may have been unhappy to see Chelsea fail to sign Sevilla defender Jules Kounde, but it appears that the Blues boss already has the perfect answer to that collapsed move.
Kounde was linked with the Premier League side for much of the summer, but Chelsea failed to agree a fee with Sevilla.
Kounde was Tuchel’s main target to boost his defensive options, but finished the summer window without adding a centre-back.
That left him to choose from Thiago Silva, Adreas Christensen, Antonio Rudiger and Trevoh Chalobah, with Cesar Azpilicueta, Malang Sarr and Reece James also options.
Despite not getting his main target, it has been an ominous start for the Blues defensively, conceding just one goal so far this term.
A major part of that impressive backline performance has been Silva, who started in the centre of Chelsea’s back three against Tottenham on Sunday.
Though Spurs attempted to target his lack of pace by playing quick balls to Heung-Min Son, Silva put in a dominant display.
The Brazilian was many observers’ man of the match having won five of his six defensive dues, made six clearances and enjoyed a pass success ration of 85 per cent.
The 36-year-old’s impressive afternoon ensured Spurs allowed just two shots after the break and held Tottenham to an Expected Goals ratio of a tiny 0.06.
Spurs aimed a bombardment at him, but Silva still won four of his aerial duels, losing none, made seven recoveries and three interceptions.
Former Tottenham and Liverpool star Danny Murphy certainly believes that Silva has given the Blues an edge in defence.
“Chelsea looked like the real deal. Adaptability in football is key and great players and managers adapt. They’ve got both,” Murphy told talkSPORT.
“They look like a real outfit don’t they. The quality on the bench as well is nothing short of remarkable.
“I have to say, the back three of Chelsea, defensively. I mean people think Thiago Silva’s nearing the end.
“Well, don’t worry about him. Physically perfect, wisdom, knows when to step in front, knows when to drop off.”
Silva has started the last three Premier League games in succession for the Blues, helping them to keep two clean sheets in that time.
Tuchel’s side have won two of those matches 3-0, suggesting that Silva’s presence gives Chelsea a solid base to build from.
Of course, with Silva having entered the final year of his contract, Chelsea may return to Kounde in January or even next summer.
But until then, Silva’s performances suggest that Chelsea and Tuchel will not be missing the failed addition of Kounde much.