Thiago Silva was handed the captain’s armband for Chelsea as he made his Premier League debut against West Brom on Saturday evening.The Brazilian’s experience at the top level made him an interesting signing for the Blues, and Frank Lampard believed this was one of the traits that made the 36-year-old a worthy captain.When asked what Silva brings, Lampard told Sky Sports, per Metro: “Experience, qualities, leadership.“We have Azpi as club captain, he’s not starting today so Thiago takes the armband with his presence.“He’s not speaking the language enough to do it in that sense, but it doesn’t matter with someone like him. He delivers it with actions and presence and how he is with people around him.“He’s been a winner throughout his career and I want to see that with us.”
However, Silva’s Premier League debut got off to a disastrous start as he made a catastrophic mistake to hand West Brom their second goal.The former PSG centre-back slipped while in possession of the ball to gift Callum Robinson his second of the evening.
Ouch. Looks like Silva was paying tribute to Steven Gerrard, there.
Chelsea were 3-0 down after just 28 minutes of the match after Robinson's brace and Kyle Bartley's goal.
It was a terrible start to proceedings from Lampard's side and his expression on the bench summed up his feelings.
That's a man wondering just what his £200m spending spree has got him.
Summer arrivals Kai Havertz and Timo Werner were also in action at The Hawthorns.
But they were ineffective in the opening 45 minutes, with Werner striking the crossbar.
Cesar Azpilicueta was introduced at half-time, with Silva relinquishing the armband.
It might be some time before he gets to wear it again.