Thiago Silva
Thiago Emiliano da Silva, commonly known as Thiago Silva, is a Brazilian professional footballer who plays as a central defender for the Brazil national team.After moving to Europe to join Milan in 2009, Silva established himself as one of the highest rated defenders in the world, winning the Serie A title with the Rossoneri in the 2010–11 season. In July 2012, Paris Saint-Germain signed him for a reported €42 million, making him then the second-most expensive defender in history behind Rio Ferdinand. With PSG, Silva has won four consecutive Ligue 1 championships, five consecutive Coupes de la Ligue and three consecutive Coupe de France. A full international since 2008 and a non-playing member of their team at the 2010 FIFA World Cup, Silva captained Brazil to victory at the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup and fourth place at the World Cup a year later, both on home soil. He was also part of their squads for the two Olympic tournaments – winning a bronze in 2008 and silver four years later – and as many Copa América editions, earning over 70 caps in all.
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Silva has been recognized as a complete defender by his peers and critics. He has been described as a consistent defender, without any flaws, and someone who can lead any defence. A leader from the back, Silva’s play has led him to be compared to legendary Italian defender Franco Baresi. Baresi, regarded as one of the greatest defenders in football history, has gone on record to state that Silva is the defender who most resembles him, and said in June 2012 that Silva was his “heir”. His leadership skills are also apparent through his success in captaining Brazil and Paris Saint-Germain. Silva is heralded as one of the fastest defenders in European football, and has been described as a strong defender with good aerial ability. He combines these physical gifts with a phenomenal tactical intelligence and knowledge of the game, as well as an excellent positional sense. Thanks to his abilities, he excels at reading and anticipating plays and is excellent at closing down opposing players in possession of the ball. Hailed as the best of the new breed of defenders[302] — composed in possession, able to create chances for his team from the back — Silva is a defender who is universally praised, being voted as one of the top two central defenders in Europe for three consecutive years.
