Captain. Leader. Legend.
There isn’t a better way to describe John Terry at Chelsea. Last season, along with Gary Cahill, Terry led our back line to the Premier League and League Cup double, in a season that Mourinho described as Terry’s “best ever”. However, Terry will be turning 35 this season, and will soon start to experience the detrimental effects of aging.
A major reason behind Chelsea’s success in the past decade has been John Terry’s defensive ability combined with his leadership and ability to score goals from the back. As John Terry leaves or retires, Chelsea will need to make sure they find a replacement that can lead the club to success. In no particular order, here are the top 5 players to replace John Terry over the next couple years:
1. Kurt Zouma, 20
With already one season at Chelsea under his belt, Kurt Zouma seems like the most likely replacement for John Terry. Zouma played very well last season, improving heavily from pre-season. In the 26 games that Zouma was part of (some were late substitutions), Chelsea only lost one of them.
Additionally, Zouma proved he could handle the big stage, putting the likes of Aguero, Kane, and Coutinho is his pocket. Mourinho was full of praise for Kurt, saying he was one of the top two best young defenders. Desailly, a Chelsea legend, was full of praise as well:
I just want him to be at peace and to work hard on his agility and technique and he can be far better than me, because I was not like this at his age.
2. Raphael Varane, 22
Another favourite of Mourinho’s, Varane has proven himself on the big stage for four seasons now. Mourinho believes that Varane is alongside Zouma as the best young defender in the world, but he would require Chelsea to break the bank a little to pry him away from Real Madrid.
Varane and Mourinho’s relationship might be a deciding factor in whether he leaves Madrid or not, as Jose had personally taken Varane under his wing to develop him.
The French Football Federation should write me a letter of thanks because they have two of the best young defenders in the world.
“As young defenders, can you imagine what Zouma and Varane will represent in football in the next couple of years? I’m sure Didier [Deschamps] is very happy.”
3. John Stones, 21
After a breakout season at Everton, John Stones has shown to be one of the top defensive prospects in Europe. Stones is English and would add to Chelsea’s homegrown quota, as well as continuing their history of having a strong, English spine.
Stones can also play at right back, which could be very helpful for Chelsea’s squad depth.
4. Andreas Christensen, 19
Like Zouma, Christensen is already a Chelsea player. Christensen has excelled in the youth ranks for years, making a reported ₤20,000 per week, very high for a non-first team player. The young Danish full international has loads of potential, and can also play as a right back or defensive midfielder.
There have been concerns over his size and athleticism, but Christensen is known for his composure and calmness in possession and when defending.
5. Thomas Kalas, 22
Kalas has already made 4 appearances for Chelsea, all coming in the 13/14 season. The Czech defender had a not-so successful loan spell at Koln last season, but improved after a switch to Middlebrough. Equally adept at right back, Kalas also offers mobility and depth.
Kalas has been rumoured to be heading out on loan to Middlesbrough again this season, where he will turn 23, meaning he must show maturity and talent that can prove he is ready for Chelsea.
Who would you prefer, let us know in the comments below!
