Chelsea great Gianfranco Zola says Thiago Silva's leadership must not be underestimated.

Speaking to TalkSport, the Italian took time to praise the veteran for his instant impact at Stamford Bridge.

"I think one of the successes of this Chelsea team has been that Thomas Tuchel has been able to mix young players with more experienced players," he said. "I believe this is a very good mix.

"You have to have both because they push each other."

Zola believes Thiago Silva, who arrived from Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer, has shown his leadership qualities to inspire the squad to compete at a high level.

"Thiago Silva, I don't know him personally," he added. "But I can see the way he behaves on the pitch and the way he plays.

"He must be very important for the young ones, in terms of being an example and showing ways to conduct yourself on the pitch."