🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Gary Cahill

[bababoom 4,478]

I believe JT goes a bit unnoticed due to Cahill's improvement. Our skipper is still the heart of our defense, if it weren't for his organising on the defensive end I highly doubt Cahill and the rest of your back 4 would do as well as they're doing atm.

JT does get noticed though, he's been praised so much in the media, most people want him back in the NT for the World cup.

I guarantee one bad performance people will blame Cahill.

[kellzfresh 7,229]

Article on cahill

As Cahill attacks the man Terry uses his exceptional football brain to position himself astutely for any second ball or to deal with a threat from deep. This transformation from the aggressor to an almost Carvalho-esque role is letting Terry play at a level we have not seen for years.

If Terry¡¯s return to form has been a welcome surprise then Gary Cahill¡¯s ascension must also be noted. He is quite frankly playing magnificently at the moment. Mourinho appears to have taken his entire game onto a level that I certainly did not feel was there previously. Cahill has always been a brilliant instinctual defender ¨C he may well be the best centre back in world football at blocking shots inside his area. Nevertheless, there were questions concerning his positional sense and defending against top quality opposition.

Cahill¡¯s development under Mourinho has been weekly and exponential. He looks far more comfortable as the aggressor in a centre back partnership and this in turn has allowed him to use his instinctive ability more frequently.

Jos¨¦ has seemingly encouraged him to become more proactive in his work. Cahill is contesting, challenging and forcing the issue whenever he engages the ball or the forward he is marking. Contrast this to when he would sit slightly back and allow his striker to turn and drive at him. The difference in the way he defends the Benteke goal last season, the Ag¨¹ero goal earlier this season and how he is playing currently is tangible. He is a microcosm of Chelsea¡¯s development under Mourinho and long may it continue. The combination of his passion grit and Mourinho¡¯s technical refinement is making him a significantly better

player.

[Mufassir08 2,400]

Honestly, I think Iva was our second best CB last season after Luiz who had an incredible season. I think he was miles better than JT and Cahill last season. I've always liked him much more at CB.

I agree.

[Blue Armour 4,442]

Its obviously Cahill's partnership with JT, that's causing pundits to ask for the latter to come out of international retirement. Hope JT takes Carragher's advice and just focuses on prolonging his club career.

[robsblubot 3,595]

He's not our best defender. Not probably either.

What people seem to forget is to compare our defensive midfield NOW and before this january transfer window and 6 months back. This has a HUGE impact on our defense.

Im not taking anything away from Cahill, but I dont like when people go out and "HES OUR NEXT TERRY", "OUR BEST DEFENDER OMG". He's good, period. But meanwhile our defense overall and DM has become alot better.

Don't waste your time. Around here, strikers score and defenders defend. Holding mids defend and pass sideways, and AMs attack. God forbid if they leave their predetermined position and try to do something different.

When we were conceding 3 goals per game with JT and Cahill in defense, it must have been because they had a cold or something - obviously nothing to do with the rest of the team like you imply.

Also, Barcelona are weird and Bayern speak German.

[Tomo 21,751]

God this new JT thing is annoying, for a start he is 28, in four years he will be the age JT is now.

Also despite his improvements i still don't rate him higher than the current JT, let alone the prime version.

He has improved a lot these last 2 months, but these JT comparisons make me cringe.

[The only place to be 11,313]

What people seem to forget is to compare our defensive midfield NOW and before this january transfer window and 6 months back. This has a HUGE impact on our defense.

Cahill's been playing consistently well for about 3 months now and thats with a variety of different DMs in front of him and Terry. Maybe they deserve credit for the improvement in our midfield, but the personnel hasn't been radically different.

Don't waste your time. Around here, strikers score and defenders defend. Holding mids defend and pass sideways, and AMs attack. God forbid if they leave their predetermined position and try to do something different.

When we were conceding 3 goals per game with JT and Cahill in defense, it must have been because they had a cold or something - obviously nothing to do with the rest of the team like you imply.

Also, Barcelona are weird and Bayern speak German.

What are you trying to imply?

[didierforever 7,349]

Don't waste your time. Around here, strikers score and defenders defend. Holding mids defend and pass sideways, and AMs attack. God forbid if they leave their predetermined position and try to do something different.

When we were conceding 3 goals per game with JT and Cahill in defense, it must have been because they had a cold or something - obviously nothing to do with the rest of the team like you imply.

Also, Barcelona are weird and Bayern speak German.

we are chelsea. if u want your defnders to play out of defence and try funny stuff with the ball then go and support carca or bayern, cos here at chelsea, our defenders have been told to do "no nonsense defending". we dont want to be bayern, we dont want to be barca, we are building are own indentity. got a problem with that???? got a problem with defenders doing what they are supposed to do then go and support some other team.

for the last 2 months, GC has been our best defender. DL cant even get into our defnce and thats a fact too. DEAL WITH IT!!!

[robsblubot 3,595]

Cahill's been playing consistently well for about 3 months now and thats with a variety of different DMs in front of him and Terry. Maybe they deserve credit for the improvement in our midfield, but the personnel hasn't been radically different.

What are you trying to imply?

That if you torture numbers long enough, they will admit to anything.

That causality is exaggerated and overemphasized (or even wrong); yes, I've done it before, but always try not to read too much into it.

In a more practical terms, if we start Bolton's midfield and attack in front of Terry and Cahill we will go bottom of the table in no time. And Cahill would look very much like the Bolton player he once was. The difference is that Terry would also turn into a Bolton player in no time (prob retire ASAP to stop the suffering).

When I read these forums, it's as is we were discussing an individual sport. Or perhaps doubles, since apparently Terry and Cahill are evidently a magic pairing. There is obviously some proud nationalism going around; though I've learned to keep my own excitement in check to avoid major disappointments in the future. Some here are a bit too young for that.

So, you forgot the terrible defensive run we had with Terry and Cahill? If you attribute our defensive solidity to solely Terry and Cahill form, then you have to say they were equally culpable when our defense was in shambles; both of which are absurd ideas. The team as a whole has improved and with that defense looks more solid. That Cahill fits Jose's deep line defense has already been discussed before (we all agree on that) - can you imagine Terry or Cahill starting for Barcelona and running around the opponents half?!

Frankly YouNameIt's point was not controversial at all (though less about the players and more about mechanics) and merely stated that it's a team game. It's not only a team game, but the players more involved during the match are midfielders not defenders or strikers. 11 players play and defenders aren't really the most important players on the pitch.

[robsblubot 3,595]

we are chelsea. if u want your defnders to play out of defence and try funny stuff with the ball then go and support carca or bayern, cos here at chelsea, our defenders have been told to do "no nonsense defending". we dont want to be bayern, we dont want to be barca, we are building are own indentity. got a problem with that???? got a problem with defenders doing what they are supposed to do then go and support some other team.

for the last 2 months, GC has been our best defender. DL cant even get into our defnce and thats a fact too. DEAL WITH IT!!!

Identity.... such naive thinking... Thought the club was owned by Roman and whatever he wants the club to become that's his decision alone.

Perhaps you are the one who should deal with it.

[didierforever 7,349]

Identity.... such naive thinking... Thought the club was owned by Roman and whatever he wants the club to become that's his decision alone.

Perhaps you are the one who should deal with it.

at least i am not the one cribbing about our defnders keeping clean sheets.

seriously sick of all the luiz love around here. you would think he single handedly won us a CL or something.

as for indentity, we sold our POTY of 2 years in a row. we are playing to a tyoe of play that our manager is emploiying. things our changing. look at it without the luiz tinited glasses. and support the club for once.

[robsblubot 3,595]

at least i am not the one cribbing about our defnders keeping clean sheets.

seriously sick of all the luiz love around here. you would think he single handedly won us a CL or something.

as for indentity, we sold our POTY of 2 years in a row. we are playing to a tyoe of play that our manager is emploiying. things our changing. look at it without the luiz tinited glasses. and support the club for once.

Really can't discuss the point I did not make. You seem to read between the lines until you have something to work with.

I am criticizing the idea that whether 11 players defend well or not is down to 1 or two players - it's really not supposed to be controversial... 1/11th!

[The only place to be 11,313]

That if you torture numbers long enough, they will admit to anything.

That causality is exaggerated and overemphasized (or even wrong); yes, I've done it before, but always try not to read too much into it.

In a more practical terms, if we start Bolton's midfield and attack in front of Terry and Cahill we will go bottom of the table in no time. And Cahill would look very much like the Bolton player he once was. The difference is that Terry would also turn into a Bolton player in no time (prob retire ASAP to stop the suffering).

When I read these forums, it's as is we were discussing an individual sport. Or perhaps doubles, since apparently Terry and Cahill are evidently a magic pairing. There is obviously some proud nationalism going around; though I've learned to keep my own excitement in check to avoid major disappointments in the future. Some here are a bit too young for that.

So, you forgot the terrible defensive run we had with Terry and Cahill? If you attribute our defensive solidity to solely Terry and Cahill form, then you have to say they were equally culpable when our defense was in shambles; both of which are absurd ideas. The team as a whole has improved and with that defense looks more solid. That Cahill fits Jose's deep line defense has already been discussed before (we all agree on that) - can you imagine Terry or Cahill starting for Barcelona and running around the opponents half?!

Frankly YouNameIt's point was not controversial at all (though less about the players and more about mechanics) and merely stated that it's a team game. It's not only a team game, but the players more involved during the match are midfielders not defenders or strikers. 11 players play and defenders aren't really the most important players on the pitch.

Can't help but think this is just you feeling a little upset that your boy isn't playing for us as a defender at the moment.

The fact is that we are playing as a team at the moment, but teams require each player to do what is required of them and not freelance. Cahill is actually going above and beyond that in some games though and the desire he showed in the City game was absolutely phenomenal. It's not just about him defending and nothing else (in fact he hit the post from a corner) but that he just loves defending and puts his body on the line for the shirt. Other players in our squad could take note of that.

[didierforever 7,349]

Really can't discuss the point I did not make. You seem to read between the lines until you have something to work with.

I am criticizing the idea that whether 11 players defend well or not is down to 1 or two players - it's really not supposed to be controversial... 1/11th!

so u r telling me that this was not a pot shot at GC and to tell how awesome and innovative and brilliant DL's technical prowess is?

God forbid if they leave their predetermined positiona dn try to do something different.

To have the meanest defensive record u need to play well as a team. yes, 11 players are defending but that still does not change the fact that GC has been a standout performer in the last 2 months. he had 16 clearances against city. beat that!!! he was phenomenol on that day like many others. Yes, he does not leave his position and try something cos he does not have to. he is not mindless child with a ball who loses his focus every 10 minutes and wants to do something different which ends up biting us in the ass more often than not. he is a professional defender, whose primary objective is to defncd for the team and he does that brilliantly.

[robsblubot 3,595]

Can't help but think this is just you feeling a little upset that your boy isn't playing for us as a defender at the moment.

The fact is that we are playing as a team at the moment, but teams require each player to do what is required of them and not freelance. Cahill is actually going above and beyond that in some games though and the desire he showed in the City game was absolutely phenomenal. It's not just about him defending and nothing else (in fact he hit the post from a corner) but that he just loves defending and puts his body on the line for the shirt. Other players in our squad could take note of that.

I have no worries about "my boy". I thought it was Chelsea who paid 25m for him - I didn't spend a dime. Actually think he's doing fine in the middle and helping the defense very well apparently.

I see football in a far more pragmatic way than that though; that makes me pay far more attention to player valuation than most here.

But since we are not discussing me (I'm not that interesting)...

"The fact is that we are playing as a team at the moment, but teams require each player to do what is required of them and not freelance." precisely! Different systems demand different tasks from their players. When we spent 25m for a defender of a very peculiar style, I have to assume we knew what we were doing. But once again, that was not my point.

Now saying 1/11th or 2/11th of the team is solely responsible for the current defensive record - not to mention those 2/11th were playing when the record wasn't very good at all - sounds kinda crazy to me. next we are going to discuss how Mikle is the perfect passer with his 89% accuracy....

[robsblubot 3,595]

so u r telling me that this was not a pot shot at GC and to tell how awesome and innovative and brilliant DL's technical prowess is?

God forbid if they leave their predetermined positiona dn try to do something different.

To have the meanest defensive record u need to play well as a team. yes, 11 players are defending but that still does not change the fact that GC has been a standout performer in the last 2 months. he had 16 clearances against city. beat that!!! he was phenomenol on that day like many others. Yes, he does not leave his position and try something cos he does not have to. he is not mindless child with a ball who loses his focus every 10 minutes and wants to do something different which ends up biting us in the ass more often than not. he is a professional defender, whose primary objective is to defncd for the team and he does that brilliantly.

So, you really want to talk about David Luiz? Sorry I won't bite.

I was actually referring to Mikel.... and how you need something different when you are playing a small team at home.

Go again... read between the lines. I'm sure you gonna find something you can work with.

[didierforever 7,349]

So, you really want to talk about David Luiz? Sorry I won't bite.

I was actually referring to Mikel.... and how you need something different when you are playing a small team at home.

Go again... read between the lines. I'm sure you gonna find something you can work with.

ya i am pretty sure you were not.

anyways enjoy your stay here, my prediciton is you would be supporting barca by the end of the summer.

[The only place to be 11,313]

When we spent 25m for a defender of a very peculiar style, I have to assume we knew what we were doing.

That was a period where we were renowned for 'knowing what we were doing'. Trading Matic for a valuation of about £4 million and buying Torres for £50 million.

Anyway, Gazza is doing the business and deserves more credit than he's getting.

[robsblubot 3,595]

ya i am pretty sure you were not.

anyways enjoy your stay here, my prediciton is you would be supporting barca by the end of the summer.

lol

there are a million of other things more likely to change: job, wife, car (in this order)

I've been supporting Chelsea since pre-abra time (Hasselbaink was the ST). I can support Mikel and other *decent* players as I'm used to it.

And Barcelona of all things... crap there is no 'vomit' emoticon... or Spain...

Bayern would have more chance, since it's where my ancestors came from (that area). They wear red though, which is just unfortunate.

so... nope Chelsea it is.

TPTB, I think everyone agrees CG is indeed doing a fine job.

[Starman60 1,343]

I have to say that having watched Gary Cahill playing recently he has really grown into this Chelsea side. I have been of the opinion that he was a better defender than Luiz, and that Luiz should and would play better as a DM. So I am now a very happy camper to see that Jose has finally listened to me and employed him as such.

But Gary Cahill has really benefitted from a run in the side alongside John Terry. I think that he has grown in confidence and I seriously think he will be a Chelsea stalwart for a good few seasons to come. And Luiz likewise........but as a defensive midfielder