Thiago Silva chooses his toughest rivals and names a former Real Madrid player and another Barça player

At 36, Thiago Silva has seen and experienced a lot of football. From Fluminese to Chelsea, passing through Milan and PSG, where he played his best years, the Rio international has had to face some of the best players of the last two decades, and, now, he has compiled a list of some of the that have most impressed you. Among those chosen, of course, Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi, but also others with whom he has shared a dressing room and who he considers have marked him in his way of understanding football.

“I highlight Di María for his technical qualities and for his left foot, which is incredible, but also for Mbappé for his speed and his ability with the ball”, He assures in an interview for the official Chelsea website. “Fimino because of the incredible class he has, he is such an intelligent footballer with his movements that he misleads the defenders a lot. There we can speak, for example, of Romario because of his intelligence within the area, he is the best I have seen in that parcel of the field, and of Hadrian, what as Drogba had incredible physical strength and a very powerful left foot”.

However, and in terms of more current players, Thiago highlights one of the most brilliant personalities in modern football. “Fourth, I would say that Ibrahimovic is that kind of guy who inspired me and many other guys to do what they do.. He was already a black belt before he even found himself in football. I admire him a lot. I have had the opportunity to play with and against him and without a doubt he is the fourth best on my list ”.

Finally, and saving the best for last, the Brazilian center-back also mentioned Neymar, Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, three essential on any list of the last decade. “I stand out for Neymar for his class, his intelligence and his magic. He is a player who impresses me with his technical qualities and his ability to create football from scratch. I like Cristiano's professionalism, his dedication and his passion for football. He is a guy who I admire very much for his commitment and for all that he has achieved. And to Messi well, because he has an incredible quality and a divine gift, besides of course being a great professional. For me, without a doubt, it is the best”.