Olivier Giroud has backed Thiago Silva’s leadership ability to have an immediate impact upon Chelsea’s young side – and believes the club’s summer transfer dealings could catapult them into title contention.
Silva’s arrival from PSG on a free transfer is one of five signings Frank Lampard has made so far this summer, with Timo Werner, Hakim Ziyech, Ben Chilwell and Malang Sarr all brought in.
Bayer Leverkusen star Kai Havertz is set to join in the coming days and Lampard may not be done there, with a goalkeeper also on his wishlist.
While the emphasis has been on youth since Lampard took the Stamford Bridge job a year ago, Silva’s signing should add much needed experience to a backline that was the side’s Achilles heel last season.
In Pictures | Brighton vs Chelsea | 29/08/2020
"He can bring his experience, his background and his leadership,” Giroud said. “I think the coach bought him for that. We have a lot of young players.
"He still has his qualities, of course, even if like me he is getting a little older, but I'm sure he will bring us a lot.
"He is going to discover a new league and I am sure he will adapt very quickly. We have a lot of ambitions this year with the recruitment and I hope we can join the race for the title."
