Forget Ibrahimovic, Cavani, even Verratti or Matuidi. PSG's best and most important player is Thiago Silva. Damn straight. If PSG want to have a chance of winning the Champions League, they will need their attacking weapons, but they cannot win it under any circumstance without the Brazilian defensive maestro at the back.
As PSG commence on their quest to become the champions of Europe, which is their goal each season because winning anything domestically is irrelevant, Thiago Silva will be needed to be at his best at the back. Despite what people say about the standard in the French league, from seeing him play, Silva has to be one of the best central defenders in the world. I am certain that Germany would not have scored seven G's if Silva played in that semi-final instead of the Brazilian sideshow Bob.
The thing with PSG, especially under Blanc, is they're not a very attacking team. Blanc prefers a more balanced approach, not committing too many players forward. Also, when you take into account both Ibrahimovic and Cavani who are not the most proficient goalscorers, PSG find themselves winning matches by the one goal margin. That means their defense needs to be on point, so that they can see out games and not concede late equalizers.
Thiago Silva has to be given credit for a lot of PSG's success. When they have needed to hold onto a lead, whilst David Luiz is prancing about and forgetting what positioning means, Thiago is covering for him making last ditch lunging tackles or reading the game to perfection. Or if PSG are under pressure as they were in the very tense Marseille game, Silva keeps his composure and does all the important defensive work to keep his team in the game.
For the Champions League, where PSG will be facing the very best of Europe, Thiago Silva will be called upon even more. Better attackers and more invention than what he has to deal with in Ligue 1, and it all starts tonight with him having to keep Costa quiet.
Chelsea will make everything go through him and Willian, which is where their creative lifeforce comes from. Silva will need to stand up to the volatile Costa, and ensure he doesn't make any sneaky runs or find any space to get his shot off. If Silva is not at his very best, Chelsea can knock them out. Forget about their position in the league, under Hiddink they are a new and dangerous team coming off a big victory and will be looking to get an away goal.
I repeat, PSG need Thiago Silva if they are to have any chance of winning this trophy.
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