Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has praised defender Thiago Silva following the news that the Brazilian had extended his contract at Stamford Bridge.

A major part of the team who won the Champions League last season, the 37-year-old has shown little sign of slowing down despite his advancing years, starting 14 Premier League games.

Silva, who also played under Tuchel at Paris Saint-Germain, continues to be a cornerstone of the Chelsea defence and the Blues boss moved to praise his enduring quality ahead of his side’s Carabao Cup semi-final meeting with Tottenham on Wednesday.

“He is the Benjamin Button of football,” said Tuchel.

“I know how much work, how much professional attitude is behind that.

“It is a miracle in a way because with this league, this schedule, this intensity of a daily business at the very end of his career, it was a very brave decision for him but I know how much effort he puts in to stay fit.

“Off the pitch, taking care of his recovery, sleep, nutrition, this is simply outstanding and only because of that it is possible.

“We are happy because the new new contract makes him calm, he needs to be calm as he is a very sensitive and emotional person. This makes him also so precious for our team and dressing room, he can feel emotions and different ones form others so can help so much.”