Don Hutchison: Golden Oldie Thiago Silva can still cut it on the continent
Published July 9, 2025 at 11:36 pm
Written by Joey Peeps
The 40-year-old veteran CB has inspired unfancied Fluminense into the last four of the FIFA Club World Cup.
Former West Ham and Scotland midfielder Don Hutchison believes that veteran centre back Thiago Silva has still go the ability to play on the continent after producing a number of starring performances at the FIFA Club World Cup for Brazilian giants Fluminense.
What did Hutch say about Thiago Silva?
Speaking in a recent interview, Hutchison, who has commentated on several fixtures at the FIFA showcase for DAZN, has been impressed by the displays of the legendary defender who left Stamford Bridge in 2024.
When asked if Thiago could still deliver top tier performances in Europe in his veteran years, Hutchison said: “He absolutely could, even at 40. Thiago Silva still looks amazing now. He’s been helped, because his manager knows he can’t play every minute of every game, and that two games a week isn’t something he can do regularly. It’s a credit to the player too, because he’s smart. He doesn’t let his ego demand he plays every game. Even now, he’s got the quality to play at the top level.”
Chelsea to play former star
Thiago Silva will come face-to-face with his old club when Chelsea and Fluminense meet in the semi-final of the Club World Cup this evening, and Hutch thinks that the former AC Milan and PSG man still hasn’t been replaced at Stamford Bridge.
“I always think with Chelsea that they’re buying these youngsters, who look amazing on paper, and it sets them up well for the future. But they need to find the next Thiago Silva. That is, someone in their early or mid-thirties, who can lead players alongside him. Like he did, like Frank Leboeuf did,” said Hutchison.
Serial-winner Silva will certainly have a little bit of extra motivation when the two teams meet this evening for a place in Sunday’s FIFA Club World Cup final.
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Yes he’s a f*cking legend and would still be first choice for Chelsea now. Could see Ancelotti picking him for Brazil in the World Cup squad – what a player – Chelsea did not fully appreciate they had an all time great and hall of fame player in their team but they do now.
Yes he’s a f*cking legend and would still be first choice for Chelsea now. Could see Ancelotti picking him for Brazil in the World Cup squad – what a player – Chelsea did not fully appreciate they had an all time great and hall of fame player in their team but they do now.