“Age is just a number” is a popular saying and Thiago Silva is a valid example of how superhumans could cheat nature and age.

Aged 39 and today becoming the oldest defender to play in the Premier League, Thiago Silva continues to be imperial in a young Chelsea team.

Facing huge criticism for his mistake which led to the concession of a goal in the team’s loss to Newcastle, Silva’s showing today against a rampaging Brighton attack with the team down to 10 men further buttresses his importance to a team lacking in leaders.

A stat line of 10 clearances, 3 recoveries and 1 interception do not even accurately paint the exact picture of how immense Silva was today when the team faced adversity.

A team that has suffered a lot from aerial balls and set-pieces, Thiago’s aerial prowess is a weapon the Blues cannot do without (3/3 aerial duels won today).

Despite how important Thiago’s leadership is to the backline and the team, it is pertinent to know that Silva cannot continue at this level even with his superhuman traits.

So, it remains to be seen how Pochettino decides to solve this problem with younger defensive options like Badiashile and Colwill both fighting for Silva’s preferred LCB role while Disasi and soon to return Fofana look to stake a claim for the RCB role in defence.

Next up for Chelsea is a trip to Old Trafford on Wednesday with Recce James and Cucurella back in contention for a place in the team.