Lampard admits veteran defender Thiago Silva has ‘exceeded’ his expectations since arriving at Chelsea

Frank Lampard admits veteran defender Thiago Silva has ‘exceeded’ his expectations since arriving at Chelsea during the summer.

Silva starred as Chelsea moved to fifth in the Premier League with a 3-0 win over West Ham on Monday night, heading home his second goal of the season to open the scoring at Stamford Bridge.

The Brazilian was excellent throughout and continued his impressive start with the west London side since signing from Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer, making six clearances and winning 10 aerial duels – the most of any Chelsea player.

Despite his pedigree at the highest level, Silva’s arrival was viewed as somewhat of a gamble given his advancing years and Lampard admits even he has been surprised by the 36-year-old’s impact.

“I remember playing in the Premier League at 36 and couldn’t play like he is playing week in week out,” Lampard said.

“I was in and out of the team and could feel it at that stage in my career.

“I know he’s been a great player for a long time, but the pressures of the Premier League when you’ve played in France for so long, no disrespect. But he’s exceeded (my expectations) probably, but really I shouldn’t have been surprised.

“I can see the quality, the preparation, the desire to win headers and he is very studious about the game. He has been a great addition on and off the pitch.”

Chelsea next return to Premier League action with Boxing Day trip to face struggling Arsenal at the Emirates, before meeting Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge two days later.

Read – Lampard insists Moyes is doing ‘the job of a top manager’ at West Ham