Thiago Silva

"He is very strong at defending, both on the ground and in the air. He is a complete player and has no faults. He is a modern defender because he is as strong defensively as many others, but has something more than the rest. When he has the ball, he knows what to do."

"Silva is complete, without any fault. He's the modern defender because he is so good defensively amongst many other things."

"He is already in the category of Baresi, Sammer and anyone else you want to name. Ultimately what he wins will decide where he ranks, but his qualities make him stronger than all of them."

"He is incredibly quick with his play. He is almost unbeatable in one-on-one situations. He has so many qualities that he can play in midfield, free in front of the defence. He would be incredible [there], but he will not do that because he wants to stay in his position."

"He has the quickness, he has the ability on the ball. Thiago Silva is an incredible player and extremely intelligent."