Chelsea defender John Terry sees question marks over his long-term future with the club after being substituted for Kurt Zouma in the Blues’ 3-0 defeat against Manchester City on the weekend. Manager Jose Mourinho had never brought the former England international off in a league game prior to Sunday’s loss, and it’s seen rumours flying around about his position with the Premier League champions.
The holders have endured a disappointing start to the new season, picking up just one point from their first two games, and Mourinho has been frustrated in his attempts to bolster his defence. Everton centre-back John Stones was subject to a bid of around £25M from Chelsea, and was reportedly being lined up as a replacement for Terry in the future.
The 34-year-old defender failed to make a tackle or interception in the 45 minutes he was on the pitch, and made the least amount of passes in the entire side. He wasn’t at his best against Manchester City, and Mourinho admitted after the game that he needed a defender with pace to nullify the threat of City striker Sergio Aguero. Terry admitted earlier in the season that it would be hard to keep his place, and he’s so far been proven right.
Further reports have suggested that Mourinho has been happy with Terry’s performances this season, and was planning to axe him from the starting eleven entirely. Zouma provides a much more athletic option in the backline, meaning he can operate in a high defensive line, rather than having to hold a deeper position. It’s unknown if Terry will start against West Bromwich Albion, but given Albion’s pace through the middle with Saido Berahino, Zouma might be a viable option.
The 34-year-old was regarded as the best central defender in the Premier League last season after a fantastic campaign that saw the Londoners claim the title, as well as Terry playing every minute of every game in the division. His performance against Manchester City will be a real worry to Mourinho, as over two stints at the club Terry has been his No.1 centre-back.
Gary Cahill is expected to take over the mantle when the veteran centre-back hands up his boots, but options are thin alongside him. It’s why Chelsea have been targeting a central defender this summer, and why they are likely to revisit John Stones’ availability before the transfer window closes. The debate rages whether Stones is worth the reported £30M asking price, but John Terry’s fledging form is certainly accelerating the transition process.
