Changing of the Guard

Father time waits for no one, so when it catches up to a legend and brings the curtain down on an illustrious career it’s a sad day. Fans reminisce about the good times and performances the player gave them during his time at the club. However football is like life, one career ends and another begins to bring a new excitement to the club and its fans. AC Milan is a club that is going through this transition at the back right now. Alessandro Nesta, like many other Italians of his generation is a legend, but this season could be swan song. However, the man that will play alongside Nesta is the man that they want to replace the great Roman with. Thiago Silva, 22 is Brazilian not Italian but defends in the Italian style with a touch of the South American style.

AC Milan fans have been very lucky in terms of defenders that have worn the famous Rossoneri. During the early 90’s they had Franco Baresi, Paolo Maldini, and Alessandro Costacurta patrolling the back line. They were so good that Marcel Desailly had to play as a midfielder to make the starting line-up. What I am trying to say is that with every legendary defender that hung his boots up, another world class defender has taken his spot. Baresi was replaced by Costacurta and Maldini, they were replaced with Nesta, and now Thiago Silva is stepping up to replace his world class team mate.

The Roman born defender has seen and conquered all, like his ancestors during the Roman Empire. Nesta came up through the ranks at Lazio, the club he supported as a boy. After making his debut in 1993, he has gone on to win countless trophies both individually and from a team’s perspective. It is not your average trophy cabinet. Winning three Serie A titles, two Champions League competitions, and the World Cup in 2006 is a collection only very few have. England gave football to the world, but Italy gave us the art of defending. A stereotypical Italian defender is one that has the look of a model, doesn't  possess blinding speed but they are already two steps ahead of the attacker, so why do you need pace? On set pieces they are so tight, it is like they are sharing the same pair of shorts with the opponent. On Nesta’s first birthday I am sure that his father gave him the book ‘The basics of Catenaccio’, which has all the tricks of the trades when it comes to defending. Holding players shirts so they cannot jump, stamp on a strikers foot before a corner is taken, and most importantly work on that look of innocence. The Roman had all the tricks to go along with the talent that he nurtured over the years with Lazio, AC Milan, and Italy. To replace such a man is an immense task, almost as immense as the one that he had replacing two legends in that Milan defense. Thiago Silva will not have to replace Nesta this season but that time will come sooner rather than later, so he better be ready.

Silva, was born in a country that is famous for attacking football and flair. Kids want to be like Ronaldo, Neymar, or Ronaldinho, not Thiago Silva. The next generation of Brazilian footballers however, have a different look than previous generations that came before them. They are seeing an influx of defensive minded players, whether it’s in midfield or at the back. Names like David Luiz, the Da Silva twins, Dani Alves, along with Thiago Silva are Brazilian defenders that are creating a name for themselves. Not for their flair or moments of brilliance but for their defensive skills. Thiago Emiliano da Silva joined AC Milan in 2009 from Brazilian giants, Fluminense. He is over 6ft tall, strong, comfortable on the ball, and unlike Nesta, outrageously athletic. Training alongside Nesta and Maldini every day has taken the Brazilian’s game to another level.  How could it not? He was learning from the best in the business. He was always good on the ball, naturally being from Brazil but his defending was not up to par.  Carlo Ancelotti, the ex Milan and Chelsea manager, recently described fellow Brazilian David Luiz’s defensive displays as “too positive”.  The £21 million defender believes he can win every ball that comes his way. When it works it’s great but if it doesn't it usually spells trouble. I would also brand Silva as “too positive” but unlike David Luiz, Silva has tried to become more patient and has really improved his performances, especially in big games.

Nesta and Silva lined up together in the opening game of the Serie A season Friday night, but will this be Nesta’s last season? You can never be sure with Italians, but if it is his swan song, then it's goodbye to a legend and the coming out party for the other.