These stories are samples pulled from external media sources. They do not represent the views or position of Chelsea Football Club.

Terry a fan of Thiago Silva

John Terry has identified Thiago Silva as one player he would’ve wanted to play with during his career.

The former Chelsea captain has seen the Brazilian’s leadership qualities and likened him to other iconic centre-backs to play in the Premier League.

‘It’s so good to have him in and around the football club because the likes of Kurt Zouma, Fikayo Tomori, Andreas Christensen – to have that kind of experienced player, to see what Thiago has done in the game, to learn from him on a daily basis, ’ Terry told the Sports Gazette.

The Aston Villa assistant coach compared Thiago Silva’s role with our young centre-backs to what Marcel Desailly was to him.

‘When I first came through, I had Desailly to guide me through and talk to me – just that communication level is going to serve them so well.

‘I hope every defender there is talking to Thiago and learning as much as they can from him.’

Neville backs Chelsea for title

Gary Neville sees Chelsea as potential title challengers after their good start in the Premier League this season.

The Blues are two points from the leaders with nine games played and Neville believes they have a good chance to be top in May.

‘Is this the season where Jose Mourinho and Frank Lampard being up against each other in a title race?’ Neville said on The Gary Neville Podcast.

‘We thought Chelsea might be interesting at the start of the season as they have a young, exciting squad – it looks like Frank Lampard is starting to get it right.’

Our next Premier League fixture is against Tottenham on the weekend and Neville is looking forward to seeing how the improved teams will fair against each other.

‘He was still searching for his best team in the first few matches to try and fit everyone in. Certain players weren’t fit but now they are and he’s starting to work it out.

‘They look pretty strong.’

Former England manager praises Ziyech

Since joining Chelsea, Hakim Ziyech has continued to show the trickery that former England manager Steve McClaren saw in the Eredivisie from the Moroccan.

With two goals and three assists in seven appearances, McClaren has labelled Ziyech as the ‘left-footed De Bruyne’.

‘They’ve got a great scouting system in Holland, at Twente, the four years I was there, we brought many players through from different countries,’ McClaren said on TalkSport.

‘Diamonds they were, really rough diamonds, street players but Holland was perfect for them and Ziyech is just that.

‘He has the confidence, bordering on arrogance. He is a maverick, street player; he is different, and needs nurturing in a different way.’

The 27-year-old sustained an injury at the beginning of the season but since his return, he’s proved to be a different attacking threat for Frank Lampard. His chemistry with Reece James has also made the Blues dangerous on the right-hand side.

‘He can see things; from the stands, you can see things and he can see them from the field. He is incredible.

‘When he’s been playing for Chelsea there have been moments of pure magic.’