Edinson Cavani is 'essential' to PSG, claims Thiago Silva after his brace helps Neymar-less side beat Nice

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Thiago Silva has praised PSG striker Edinson Cavani after his brace helped the Ligue 1 leaders beat Nice.

The visit of the riviera club could have been a tricky test for Silva's side but they emerged victorious after a 3-0 win, despite the absence of world record signing Neymar.

Cavani wrote his name on the scoresheet twice within the first 31 minutes, following his dramatic equaliser against Marseille last week.

Edinson Cavani scored twice as PSG managed to beat Nice 3-0 on Friday evening

The Uruguayan followed his impact against Marseille last weekend with another telling display

And after defender Dante scored an own goal, giving PSG a comfortable victory, Silva was keen to praise his Uruguayan team-mate. 

'Cavani is essential to our team, he produces a lot of efforts,' Silva said. 

'He scored two very important goals, especially the first half as it changed the game completely. It was very important for the team.

'I think that a player like him should keep going like this because he is helping a lot.' 

Captain Thiago Silva said the striker was 'essential' for PSG as they look to win Ligue 1

Silva was also impressed with his team's display despite the absence of Neymar, who was suspended for the clash at the Parc des Princes. 

He continued: 'We deserve the win tonight and we have to keep on like this because the group is very strong. Neymar hasn't played but [Angel] Di Maria played and he had a great game.'

PSG host Anderlecht in the Champions League group stages on Tuesday evening.