Chelsea defender Thiago Silva is certainly not short of admirers in the game after the fantastic contribution he has made in the game at the highest level.

The latest player who has made their respect clear is Crystal Palace youngster Matheus Franca, who took to Instagram to praise the veteran defender after playing against him the other night.

In another world, the two Brazilians could well be playing on the same team right now. Chelsea were strongly linked with a move for the attacking midfielder over the summer.

He was reportedly really excited over a move for to Stamford Bridge, however the Blues went down a different path as far as their additions go.

They ended up signing Cole Palmer in that position, who has gone on to arguably be the player of the season at Stamford Bridge.

When they beat Crystal Palace at home on Wednesday, Blues fans got their first look at Franca off the bench for an opposing team, as they chased their way back into the game.

Franca calls Silva his idol

Chelsea had been laboured for the majority of the evening, however a nice cameo and winning goal from Noni Madueke helped the Blues to all three points.

After the game, Silva took to social media to send an encouraging message to his countryman.

Franca has now responded, referring to the defender as an idol.

He said: “Thank you very much idol, a pleasure playing against you.”

Silva was required off the bench in the week, where Mauricio Pochettino will have certainly been looking to give him a rest in the busy fixture spell.

However, his composure was required to settle things down at the back, and although Malo Gusto put in a man of the match performance from both sides of defence, the performance could certainly have been better across the board.