By Alexander Lapp
It is never easy to replace a club legend like John Terry.
It was announced earlier this week that Terry’s contract would not be renewed as the club looks to go into a different direction.
He has been captain for the club permanently since 2004 and led Chelsea to numerous trophies in the years after. When people think of Chelsea, they think of Terry.
With all that said, Terry is 35 and the club should look for a more youthful direction. The club believes Kurt Zouma can lead the club in the back, but who will he partner with? Gary Cahill has not been used by Guus Hiddink while recent signing Matt Miazga is only 20 with no European experience. Chelsea must look for a replacement.
Our regulars at the Tavern know the club will not find another John Terry, but believe it should do its best in the attempts to sign a similar replacement.
Terry’s leadership, defensive organisation, and tackling have made him for years. However, there are players who do possess similar traits.
Here are FIVE players that should replace Terry at Chelsea……….
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PRESS THE IMAGE BELOW TO SEE THE 5 PLAYERS!
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Mats Hummels (Borussia Dortmund)
He has had a similar impact at Dortmund as Terry has done at Chelsea.
Currently the captain at Dortmund, he is known to be one of the best centre backs in the world.
Hummels has shown that he has the leadership skills to be the captain at the club and international level. Also, throughout his years at Dortmund, the club has known to be one of the best defensive sides in Europe.
He won’t come cheap and without competition. Clubs in England like Liverpool and Manchester United will no doubt be interested in signing him.
However, Hummels with a more mobile partner in Zouma would be intimidating for the opposing centre forward.
This is the perfect replacement for Terry.
John Stones (Everton)
This player seemed destined to join Chelsea over the summer but to no avail.
However, he seems the future star at centre back for Chelsea and by already getting valuable playing time with Everton, he should be able to slide right into the Chelsea side.
At only 21, the world ahead of him is looking bright.
He has had an inconsistent campaign so far this year, but that shouldn’t impact clubs wanting to snatch him up.
Both Manchester clubs will surely be hoping to secure his talents, but our punters believe Chelsea will ultimately sign him.
Seen to be the next John Terry for England, what better way to make those comparisons true by having him replace the man himself.
Jerome Boateng (Bayern Munich)
Chelsea need a big name talent to replace John Terry.
Although not currently available to purchase, Jerome Boateng has proven to be one of the best centre backs in the world.
His time at Manchester City was one to forget, but he would surely love to prove himself and the Premier League that he can be successful. Chelsea should hope that he wants to prove himself at Chelsea.
Both Boateng and Terry have great aerial abilities, which could help Chelsea on set pieces.
He doesn’t fill in the leadership aspects that Terry leaves behind, but he’s certainly one to make sure his presence is known.
He has a bit more pace as well, which is always a positive for centre backs now.
Aymen Abdennour (Valencia)
He doesn’t have the experience of being captain, but he has similar playing style to Terry.
Abdennour has a strong presence in the back and isn’t easy to shove off the ball.
He has a bit of a cocky attitude that we believe could do well with in the Chelsea side.
With Terry gone next season, there has to be a definite attitude in the back line. Abdennour could help.
One worry is his recent, lateral movements between clubs.
Abdennour went from Monaco to Valencia, which doesn’t seem like an upgrade on paper.
Going to a big club like Chelsea could be a lot to ask for. However, with the right mindset and the ability to gel with Zouma, he could succeed at the club.
Jose Gimenez (Atletico Madrid)
The future is bright for this centre back.
Recently turned 21, he is already gaining important experience for one of the biggest clubs in Spain.
While Chelsea could use a more established player in the back, Gimenez screams potential and it might be worth a risk for Chelsea.
He has the strength already to compete with the best forwards possible.
Chelsea developed Terry to be one of the best centre backs in the world and although less work would need to be done, Gimenez could produce similar results.
However, Madrid won’t want to give him up as he could be one of the best in the league very soon. Supporters at the Tavern think he’s worth the attempt to snatch up.
