The Future of Chelsea’s Defence

The inevitable fear of all Chelsea fans is slowly nearing closer, it’s slow because of time but in football itÂ’s right around the corner. No one is Wolverine, no one can stop themselves from ageing no matter how much anti wrinkle cream they use, the body still grows old.

But if thereÂ’s one man Blues fans would love to be the famous X-Men star, is none other than Captain, Leader, Legend; John Terry.

After just turning 34 last week, time is against the central defender. Terry is still considered one of the best centre backs in the country, if not the best and Jose Mourinho will stand by that claim despite the players age.

It is without doubt, John Terry has been the core of ChelseaÂ’s successful defence. With him on the pitch the back line look more organised, level headed and in control. Allowing his leadership to pass on through the attacking side of our play. He is a typical old school centre half; strong in the tackle, life on the line defending, good in the air, calm in possession and top drawer decision making. Although lacking in the pace department, always has, he makes up for it in his ability to read the game and stay a couple steps in front of the opposition striker.

But Blues fans know they must one day say goodbye to our long standing Hero, at least on the pitch anyway as I firmly believe he will be sat alongside Jose Mourinho once he hangs up his boots. A product of the Academy Terry could never be replaced and finding a suitable candidate for the job is going to be The Special OneÂ’s biggest challenge.

So we take a look at our current options.

As a club, Stamford Bridge officials are fighting desperately hard to stay within UefaÂ’s Financial Fair Play regulations. Rumours circulating about a possibility Chelsea making bids for Raphael Varane and Mats Hummels would jeopardise the FFP ruling unless players are sold. It could happen but I believe the pair will be left alone by Chelsea although I think should Varane become available, his services and future could support ChelseaÂ’s ambition of dominance across Europe.
So with the possibility of no transfer attempts, we must look at our Academy, the same place John Terry came from.

In my opinion Mourinho’s long term replacement for JT is already a regular on Chelsea’s bench, Kurt Zouma. Yes, he was purchased last season from French side St. Etienne. But at 20 years of age he was more of an investment, Mourinho saw his potential and couldn’t pass the opportunity. Who would not, he’s big, strong, quick and from what we have seen this season, very comfortable on the ball. He’s slowly getting his “foot on the pitch” so to speak, coming on when we’re comfortable and starting cup games including his solid performance against Sporting Lisbon in the final group game of the champions league.

But will he have that leadership quality? Who knows. He needs to understand the way John Terry works and thinks on the pitch. Working along side him in training will provide good experience but itÂ’s the truth when people say there is nothing better than Match experience. He needs to play alongside JT a lot more. Jose rests Terry when he can, despite his International Retirement, choosing Gary Cahill instead to play alongside the young Frenchman.

Zouma has a lot to learn, one main worry is his temperament mixed with his decision making. Last season Zouma was banned for 10 games after a reckless challenge on SochauxÂ’s Thomas Guerbert, who was left with a broken leg. But that said, with a busy December Mourinho will be looking to the young Zouma with his squad rotation, gaining him valuable experience in the build up to next season.

Out on loan currently is Tomas Kalas. Last season away to Liverpool, Mourinho chose to pick a makeshift back line in which Kalas featured, surprising fans across the country with a spectacular defensive display, holding Uruguayan hit man Luis Suarez at bay. That performance showed ChelseaÂ’s Academy and itÂ’s potential to be up there with the best. If Kalas has a successful season out on loan at FC Koln he might well earn a place in ChelseaÂ’s squad next year.

tomas-kalas

Nathan Ake featured regularly for the Blues during pre-season and remains part of MourinhoÂ’s plans but due to his size I canÂ’t see him being a future centre back. Jose looks to be building him up as a central defensive midfielder, maybe looking at him to replace John Obi Mikel to provide cover for Matic and Fabregas. The youngster could also make a promising left back.

Unfortunately Felipe Luis was brought in to replace Ashley Cole, therefore becoming our regular left back in the near future. Pushing Cesar Azpilicueta to his favoured right back position, although Branislav Ivanovic has been in fine form this season creating competition at the fullback posts.

With many other candidates from the academy earning their stance as future stars of the Blues, itÂ’s still a big concern of what will happen when JT goes. Rest assured I firmly believe Kurt Zouma can do a job for the Blues in the future and if Varane is a possibility, our strong options at centre back can give the Chelsea fans a sense of ease in the stands in the coming seasons.

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