Falcao eyes Thiago Silva battle

Posted Saturday, September 21, 2013 by YAHOO Sport

Monaco striker Radamel Falcao said he is expecting a stern test when he faces Thiago Silva in his side's clash with Paris Saint-Germain on Sunday.

The Colombia star — who joined the club from Atletico Madrid for 60 million euros over the summer — has four goals to his name this season already.

While much of the pre-match talk has surrounded the competition between the 27-year-old and PSG strikers Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Edinson Cavani, Falcao knows his biggest battle will be in overcoming les Parisiens' Brazilian center back.

"There will be respect, as there is respect between all players," he told reporters. "I admire the top players and try to learn from them. I have no problem with that. They certainly have strengths that I would like to have. But I am focusing on facing Thiago Silva, who is one of the best defenders in the world."

The former Porto man has helped his side to the top of Ligue 1 with four wins in its first five games. But Monaco boss Claudio Ranieri stated the striker was still not 100 percent, and Falcao said he is still adjusting to life at his new club.

"I'm still in an adjustment to the Ligue 1 process, the organization of the team. My teammates know their game and this requires time," he said. "I acknowledge that I can give more. I hope very soon to be on top of my condition. I've changed city, country, home, language, teammates and had a daughter recently, and they are important facts.

"I adapt gradually. I feel very good about this group, composed of young players who are the future of the club. I am very happy to be with Monaco and I'm 100 percent dedicated to the club."