Terry : end of days?

[Kojo 4,676]

John Terry gave our defence, for the last 11 years, a strong leader. Before him Desailly did this job, very effectively. In fact John often credits Marcel for that experience and education, not only did he teach him to be a defensive leader, but a captain.

The same should be happening now. But who's ready to step-up? Now you all see why we're going for Gary Cahill (who might not be the right choice - but the principle of why he's a target is obvious). Ivanovic at CB is a big no for me because he's a better RB. Alex is being forgotten and tbh, I see him being sold this Jan to Juventus or whoever's interested no.w

Gary Cahill is a big risk, but he's quite cheap isn't he?, mayaswell go for it, he's not worldclass Cahill but he's a good defender.

[The Big Drog 1,110]

Just on the high line thing. I realise the circumstances are different but Barcelona play with a high line with the even older Puyol at the heart of their defence so....

[termninja 5,290]

Just on the high line thing. I realise the circumstances are different but Barcelona play with a high line with the even older Puyol at the heart of their defence so....

Yeah and Pique ain't the fastest either, but Barca haven't switched suddenly to that style of play, it is how they play for quite some time. Another thing is that they keep the ball much longer then the opposition which is usually tired when they win it back in order to attack them dangerously and another thing I would like to point out is that they have young, fast and technically gifted players used to the system.

[The Big Drog 1,110]

Yeah and Pique ain't the fastest either, but Barca haven't switched suddenly to that style of play, it is how they play for quite some time. Another thing is that they keep the ball much longer then the opposition which is usually tired when they win it back in order to attack them dangerously and another thing I would like to point out is that they have young, fast and technically gifted players used to the system.

Ye that is entirely correct, I'm just saying its not unheard of for an old, slow player to play as part of a successful high line defence, even though the circumstances between Terry and Puyol are quite different.

[termninja 5,290]

Ye that is entirely correct, I'm just saying its not unheard of for an old, slow player to play as part of a successful high line defence, even though the circumstances between Terry and Puyol are quite different.

Yeah...put any of our defenders and they will do well at Barca

[warnie_666 1,081]

Just on the high line thing. I realise the circumstances are different but Barcelona play with a high line with the even older Puyol at the heart of their defence so....

Yes because, the Spanish league isnt as pacy at the English League. England's game for years has been reliant on pace and power and you see the same characteristics in the way the teams play in the Premier League. La Liga on the other hand is slow. They rely more on possession than pace and power. If you see the way teams play in the la liga, their build up is usually very slow. Alot of horizontal passes and then one killer vertical pass. In England, you cannot play that football as teams wont let you pass around for that long not to mention you will see 2 layers of defence by the time you reach the opposition half. Neither can you play an expansnvie style of football. You will get slaughtered like us or like Manchester United untill few weeks back. Hence slow defenders in Pique and Puyol can cope up in that league but they would struggle in England.

[Wilson 358]

I wouldn't say he's past it. He's not as good as he used to be, but that happens to 90% of players as they age. Also with the bad press he's getting, I believe that has affected him hugely. I think he needs a short break, give Alex a chance for the mean time.

[coolhead23 1,147]

Well if you have noticed it, Terry's performance have been on a decline since last few seasons and it is just matter of time that the writing was on the wall because he still plays most of the games. And players like Terry, Lampard, Drogba infact even Cole have reached a point where they need to be treated wisely because they have acquired Legendary status at the club (i m sure no would see them go away and play for someone else). Play them couple of matches rest of the other few, this would help us get our youth into the system and in this way everyone are happy. We have never been able to make this transition at Chelsea and thats one of the major reasons why we are where we are.

[Melanicus 5,208]

I don't think he's past, but AVB's tactic doesn't suit him... He's still good, athough we should still buy Cahill in January!

[Endrit 39]

Are you f**king kidding me?

[ZanSnake 1,211]

Knowing Terry, he's gonna score in the next game !

[BlueLion. 21,491]

If he wasn't such a good leader he'd be on the bench. Well past his sell-by date as a defender now.

[Badboy 1,526]

Just on the high line thing. I realise the circumstances are different but Barcelona play with a high line with the even older Puyol at the heart of their defence so....

lol we don't keep the ball as much as Barcelona, you can play a high line if you have the technical players to actually keep the ball high up the pitch meaning you are putting them under huge amounts of pressure.

[DYC. 7,542]

Just on the high line thing. I realise the circumstances are different but Barcelona play with a high line with the even older Puyol at the heart of their defence so....

The thing is, even though Puyol's slow now, he's still a lot faster than Terry (Terry's lack of pace is really shocking). But playing a high line isn't even just about speed, it's mainly about reading the attacks of the opposition and about anticipation. Puyol is a lot better than Terry in this which is why he can handle a high line (that and other circumstances like you already mentioned). The likes of Terry, Ivanovic and Alex are penalty box defenders, they're just not the right type.

[Corazón De León 58]

I think he should get dropped/benched for a few games so he wakes up and starts playing good again! (Worked with Lamps!) and Ash needs some rest too. I still think JT is an amazing defender but the racism allegations are getting to him. I'm sure the old JT will return soon...