silva lining

Thiago Silva. Hail the best defensive prospect to enter Europe. And to which better club other than AC Milan. Seems like a match made in heaven. Istanbul shook when Milan's defense set foot on Turkish soil. Only 3 goals conceded previous to the final - a glimpse of the bags of quality this Italian side carried 3 seasons ago. Defense has always been synonymous with AC Milan. The names that have formed the defenses for this great club are breathtaking - Costacurta, Nesta, Maldini, Stam, Cafu, Baresi, Tassotti, Galli, Zambrotta. Silva will soon be an addition to this hall of fame. Recently though, the club has made a joke of the word - defense. When I look at Milan's currently line of defenders, I shudder. Not with respect, but with despise.

Coming from the Selecao, this 24 year old impressive centre back is becoming a first team regular with the Brazil national team. Trust me, this is quite an achievement. With the massive Brazilian names plying their trade in Europe, for this youngster to cement a highly demanded position in the main team is more than just commendable. He is Fluminese's number 3. Call it destiny or prophesy, but he will be replacing Milan's number 3, Paolo Maldini. Although the number 3 jersey of Maldini will be treasured to honor the 3rd generation of the Maldinis, Silva will surely step into the shoes of the greatest defender the world has ever seen. Will he handle the pressure? Oh yes he will. With the great number of Brazilians in the squad, he will blend in smoothly. He has 6 months to integrate with the others, a duration similar to Pato's before he made his debut for the club. The after effects of Pato's transfer, prove my point.

I have watched enough videos and read enough articles to believe that Silva will soon become a world class center back. Considering we have beaten off competition from the some of Europe's finest sides in Inter, Chelsea and Villareal to sign this colossal centre half, only convinces me further of the quality that is in store for the Rossoneri. The lad scores goals that would make any attacker proud, he is a massive threat from set pieces, his strength is hard to contend with in challenges, his sense of timing when he goes in for a tackle is impeccable and he is lightening quick. This is more you can ask from a central defender. What more, he is young, and we need the young blood to rejuvenate the aging backline. Take a sneak peek at the defender, by using the URL pasted at the end of the article. Oh yes, please forgive the theatrics in the video.

10m euros were paid to acquire Thiago. At 2.5m euros a year, Silva has signed a 4 year contract. He wont be able to play till the start of the new season, as Milan have exhausted their non EU slots for the season already. Poor purchases in the summer have more or less been compensated for by this signing. Due must go to Leonardo for this discovery. Another jewel of a find, by the man who brought in Pato, Kaka alongside others into the most decorated club on the planet. Silva is expected to create a formidable partnership with a Frenchman in the heart of defense next season, a partnership that could go down as the best in the world. So, we await thee, Phillipe Mexes.

http://in.youtube.com/watch?v=Rcuqp3tVkOw&feature=related