“He’s one of the best player i admire” – Noni Madueke names the best player he’s ever played with at Chelsea and it’s not Cole Palmer

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Noni Madueke Reflects on His Greatest Teammate: Thiago Silva

In his two years at Chelsea, Noni Madueke has shared the pitch and dressing room with some truly exceptional talents. Recently, the 22-year-old winger revealed who he considers the best teammate he’s ever played alongside, and his choice has sparked plenty of interest among Chelsea fans.

A Young Talent Making Waves at Stamford Bridge

Madueke has become a vital component of Chelsea’s dynamic and youthful squad. During a transformative era for the club, he has shown flashes of brilliance in attack. This season, he’s already contributed six goals and four assists in 20 appearances across all competitions, highlighting his growth under Enzo Maresca’s management.

Despite his strong performances, pundit Micah Richards has pointed out an area for improvement, suggesting Madueke could elevate his game by staying more composed in front of goal.

Honoring a Defensive Legend: Thiago Silva

When asked to name the best player he’s ever played with, Madueke singled out Thiago Silva, the legendary Brazilian defender. His choice may surprise some, especially given the contributions of Cole Palmer, who has notched an incredible 36 goals in 64 games for Chelsea. However, Madueke emphasized the immense influence Silva had on him.

Speaking to Amazon Prime Video Sport, Madueke said:
“The best player I’ve played with, I’d probably have to give it to Thiago Silva. The guy’s unbelievable. I used to go against him in training sometimes and think, ‘This man’s double my age, yet he can still take the ball off me.’”

Madueke admired Silva’s technical skills, leadership, and encouragement during their time together:
“He was always perfect with me—constantly encouraging and supportive. His ability and leadership were incredible. Even at the latter stages of his career, he was performing at a world-class level. Truly, a great player and an even greater person to have around.”

Thiago Silva’s Legacy at Chelsea

Although Silva joined Chelsea during the twilight of his career, his four seasons at Stamford Bridge were impactful. The veteran defender provided defensive solidity, invaluable experience, and an inspiring presence. Most notably, he was pivotal in Chelsea’s Champions League triumph, cementing his place as a Blues legend.

Even at 40, Silva continues to defy age, playing professionally in Brazil with Fluminense. His departure in the summer of 2024 left Chelsea with not just a defensive gap but also a leadership void.

Filling the Void: Chelsea’s Next Leaders

Replacing Silva’s influence on and off the pitch has been a challenge. In terms of defensive duties, Levi Colwill and Wesley Fofana have stepped up as the first-choice centre-back pairing, showing maturity and skill beyond their years. However, leadership is harder to replace.

Tosin Adarabioyo, at 27, is beginning to assume that role, earning praise for his mentorship of Chelsea’s younger players. Samuel Rak-Sakyi has even described Tosin as a “real leader” who’s been instrumental in helping the club’s youth integrate into the senior team.

Thiago Silva’s time at Chelsea may have ended, but his influence remains. Players like Madueke continue to draw inspiration from the Brazilian icon, while emerging leaders like Tosin ensure Silva’s legacy of leadership endures at Stamford Bridge.