Just what is it that makes John Terry so brilliant?

We have to wonder how, the local man (born in the exact same area of London as myself), with very little pace has managed to turn himself into the best centre-half in the world.

JT, the man who joined Chelsea at the age of 14, came of age under the guidance of Marcel Desailly. When Desailly left the club in 2004, Jose Mourinho handed the captain's armband to the leader of the team, John Terry.

A very smart decision.

Since then, JT's performances have been almost impeccable for his club, and very underrated for his country. One or two average performances here and there, but generally excellent. Whilst his former CB partner, William Gallas was constantly made a fool of by Thierry Henry in the battles between Chelsea and Arsenal, JT always seems to have had the upper hand on almost everyone he's played against. Ever present in the team which is probably the best defensive side in Europe, Terry's leadership skills were acknowledged by new England boss Steve McLaren, who also made a smart move in appointing JT as captain.

Nevertheless, back to the subject.

Terry's awareness and reading of the game reminds me of Liverpool legend Alan Hansen. Lawrenson was the one with the pace, but Hansen was the guy who tended to be exposed the less. The one the strikers targetted the less. Same with Gallas for Chelsea (now Carvalho) and Rio for England. Terry's awareness is almost certainly what makes up for his lack of pace, and it's why very few strikers (including Henry and Eto'o) have been able to go past him. Very physical too and extremely dominant in the air (interesting match between him and Drogba at the training ground I'm sure)

England is fortunate to have such a talent. A player who gives 100% and will never accept defeat.

Oh boy. You just wait til TS reads this

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My 2cents is this: not when it comes to JT.

For a start, the continual accusation of him having no technique is laughable. JT is very comfortable with the ball at his feet and with his passing. He's just big and fairly slow, so it is deceptive.

I'd say its because he has grown men riding his dick.

robert wrote:I'd say its because he has grown men riding his dick.

John Terry > God.

The media.

Obispo wrote:The media.

And Gempa/cEMPAc

the referees love?

A 10/10 rating in Monday's Sun Supergoals - given before he's even stepped on the pitch.

S4P wrote:We have to wonder how, the local man (born in the exact same area of London as myself), with very little pace has managed to turn himself into the best centre-half in the world.

JT, the man who joined Chelsea at the age of 14, came of age under the guidance of Marcel Desailly. When Desailly left the club in 2004, Jose Mourinho handed the captain's armband to the leader of the team, John Terry.

A very smart decision.

Since then, JT's performances have been almost impeccable for his club, and very underrated for his country. One or two average performances here and there, but generally excellent. Whilst his former CB partner, William Gallas was constantly made a fool of by Thierry Henry in the battles between Chelsea and Arsenal, JT always seems to have had the upper hand on almost everyone he's played against. Ever present in the team which is probably the best defensive side in Europe, Terry's leadership skills were acknowledged by new England boss Steve McLaren, who also made a smart move in appointing JT as captain.

Nevertheless, back to the subject.

Terry's awareness and reading of the game reminds me of Liverpool legend Alan Hansen. Lawrenson was the one with the pace, but Hansen was the guy who tended to be exposed the less. The one the strikers targetted the less. Same with Gallas for Chelsea (now Carvalho) and Rio for England. Terry's awareness is almost certainly what makes up for his lack of pace, and it's why very few strikers (including Henry and Eto'o) have been able to go past him. Very physical too and extremely dominant in the air (interesting match between him and Drogba at the training ground I'm sure)

England is fortunate to have such a talent. A player who gives 100% and will never accept defeat.

No i'll tell u why he's hardly exposed; when was the last time u saw him man- marking those type of strikers u mentioned above? Gallas and carvalho have always been the ones instructed to the job, so u must wonder why a manager doesn't let his "best defender" mark the best strikers. It simple: he lacks pace and takes 5 minutes to turn whilst players like eto'o take less than a second to turn around their axis- spot the danger?

The above is true. Terry'd run out of space to turn on a helicopter landing pad.

Agooner wrote:
No i'll tell u why he's hardly exposed; when was the last time u saw him man- marking those type of strikers u mentioned above? Gallas and carvalho have always been the ones instructed to the job, so u must wonder why a manager doesn't let his "best defender" mark the best strikers. It simple: he lacks pace and takes 5 minutes to turn whilst players like eto'o take less than a second to turn around their axis- spot the danger?

Gallas and Carvalho were the guys who always played RCB. Bit like Rio for England. Is it Terry's fault the strikers chose to attack Chelsea from the left? (Chelsea's right side of defence)

Since when has Carvalho ever been instructed to do any man-marking (I like the guy, but he is never a man-marker for Chelsea. Gallas too)

TeamSpirit wrote:A 10/10 rating in Monday's Sun Supergoals - given before he's even stepped on the pitch.

You're thinking of Rio Ferdinand there.

What was the rating he was given for the Dutch game? A 9/10 wasn't it?

Carvalho was clearly marking Eto'o in the 2nd leg of 04-05, and the 2nd leg of 05-06.

I remember him making a world-class, penalty box challenge on the Cameroonian in both games.

Agooner

Obi

Agooner wrote:

S4P wrote:We have to wonder how, the local man (born in the exact same area of London as myself), with very little pace has managed to turn himself into the best centre-half in the world.

JT, the man who joined Chelsea at the age of 14, came of age under the guidance of Marcel Desailly. When Desailly left the club in 2004, Jose Mourinho handed the captain's armband to the leader of the team, John Terry.

A very smart decision.

Since then, JT's performances have been almost impeccable for his club, and very underrated for his country. One or two average performances here and there, but generally excellent. Whilst his former CB partner, William Gallas was constantly made a fool of by Thierry Henry in the battles between Chelsea and Arsenal, JT always seems to have had the upper hand on almost everyone he's played against. Ever present in the team which is probably the best defensive side in Europe, Terry's leadership skills were acknowledged by new England boss Steve McLaren, who also made a smart move in appointing JT as captain.

Nevertheless, back to the subject.

Terry's awareness and reading of the game reminds me of Liverpool legend Alan Hansen. Lawrenson was the one with the pace, but Hansen was the guy who tended to be exposed the less. The one the strikers targetted the less. Same with Gallas for Chelsea (now Carvalho) and Rio for England. Terry's awareness is almost certainly what makes up for his lack of pace, and it's why very few strikers (including Henry and Eto'o) have been able to go past him. Very physical too and extremely dominant in the air (interesting match between him and Drogba at the training ground I'm sure)

England is fortunate to have such a talent. A player who gives 100% and will never accept defeat.

No i'll tell u why he's hardly exposed; when was the last time u saw him man- marking those type of strikers u mentioned above? Gallas and carvalho have always been the ones instructed to the job, so u must wonder why a manager doesn't let his "best defender" mark the best strikers. It simple: he lacks pace and takes 5 minutes to turn whilst players like eto'o take less than a second to turn around their axis- spot the danger?

I know. Terry is clearly just a passenger at Chelsea, Mourinho simply thinks its fairer on everyone else to play with just 10 men

So seriously, what you are saying is because he doesnt man mark, he's a crap defender?

That means the whole of the Liverpool back four is crap, because its well known they play a zonal defense.

Terry isnt the World Best Defender, but he's a bloody good one, playing for a bloody good side for a reason

John Terry is the Gerrard of central defenders.

... Minus the ability, brain and athleticism - yes, I said the brain.

S4P wrote:

Agooner wrote:
No i'll tell u why he's hardly exposed; when was the last time u saw him man- marking those type of strikers u mentioned above? Gallas and carvalho have always been the ones instructed to the job, so u must wonder why a manager doesn't let his "best defender" mark the best strikers. It simple: he lacks pace and takes 5 minutes to turn whilst players like eto'o take less than a second to turn around their axis- spot the danger?

Gallas and Carvalho were the guys who always played RCB. Bit like Rio for England. Is it Terry's fault the strikers chose to attack Chelsea from the left? (Chelsea's right side of defence)

Since when has Carvalho ever been instructed to do any man-marking (I like the guy, but he is never a man-marker for Chelsea. Gallas too)

All the years we've played u guys it's Gallas/carvalho who marked henry, the same with eto'o when he plays central.

TeamSpirit wrote:Carvalho was clearly marking Eto'o in the 2nd leg of 04-05, and the 2nd leg of 05-06.

I remember him making a world-class, penalty box challenge on the Cameroonian in both games.

Agooner

Obi

Eto'o was man marked in the 2nd leg of the 04-05 game?

Eto'o should have had 2 goals that night (the shot where he lobbed Cech and the open goal). Fortunately his finishing was woeful that night.

Same again in 05-06. Eto'o through on goal and hit the post.

The deeper you sit - the easier it is to read the game.

The likes of Naybet, Chivu & Hyypia are slow, but have great reading.

Terry is slow but enjoys a level of protection only rivalled by George Dubya Bush visiting Iraq.

You're forgiven TS

S4P wrote:

TeamSpirit wrote:A 10/10 rating in Monday's Sun Supergoals - given before he's even stepped on the pitch.

You're thinking of Rio Ferdinand there.

What was the rating he was given for the Dutch game? A 9/10 wasn't it?

remember him playing much better than terry that night, the mix up with richards for the goal aside

TeamSpirit™ wrote:The deeper you sit - the easier it is to read the game.

The likes of Naybet, Chivu & Hyypia are slow, but have great reading.

Terry is slow but enjoys a level of protection only rivalled by George Dubya Bush visiting Iraq.

Now you are going to tell us that Carvalho protects him?

Maybe Hilario? Ashley Cole?

@ agooner

Like I have already said (twice I'll add), Henry attacks from the left hand side (predominantly). That is Chelsea's right side of defence. Now, since Carvalho and Gallas were the guys who played RCB for Chelsea, it would only seem logical that they would be the first to get to Henry when he arrived in the penalty box on Arsenal's left hand side.

They never man marked him though (he got through Gallas too easily to be man marked)

TeamSpirit™ wrote:The deeper you sit - the easier it is to read the game.

The likes of Naybet, Chivu & Hyypia are slow, but have great reading.

Terry is slow but enjoys a level of protection only rivalled by George Dubya Bush visiting Iraq.

More than Nesta at Milan and Italy, with deep lying Gattuso and Pirlo in midfield, or Cannavaro at Madrid with Diarra and Emerson?

Nobody seems to mention their level of "protection".

The Real White Pele wrote:

Agooner wrote:

S4P wrote:We have to wonder how, the local man (born in the exact same area of London as myself), with very little pace has managed to turn himself into the best centre-half in the world.

JT, the man who joined Chelsea at the age of 14, came of age under the guidance of Marcel Desailly. When Desailly left the club in 2004, Jose Mourinho handed the captain's armband to the leader of the team, John Terry.

A very smart decision.

Since then, JT's performances have been almost impeccable for his club, and very underrated for his country. One or two average performances here and there, but generally excellent. Whilst his former CB partner, William Gallas was constantly made a fool of by Thierry Henry in the battles between Chelsea and Arsenal, JT always seems to have had the upper hand on almost everyone he's played against. Ever present in the team which is probably the best defensive side in Europe, Terry's leadership skills were acknowledged by new England boss Steve McLaren, who also made a smart move in appointing JT as captain.

Nevertheless, back to the subject.

Terry's awareness and reading of the game reminds me of Liverpool legend Alan Hansen. Lawrenson was the one with the pace, but Hansen was the guy who tended to be exposed the less. The one the strikers targetted the less. Same with Gallas for Chelsea (now Carvalho) and Rio for England. Terry's awareness is almost certainly what makes up for his lack of pace, and it's why very few strikers (including Henry and Eto'o) have been able to go past him. Very physical too and extremely dominant in the air (interesting match between him and Drogba at the training ground I'm sure)

England is fortunate to have such a talent. A player who gives 100% and will never accept defeat.

No i'll tell u why he's hardly exposed; when was the last time u saw him man- marking those type of strikers u mentioned above? Gallas and carvalho have always been the ones instructed to the job, so u must wonder why a manager doesn't let his "best defender" mark the best strikers. It simple: he lacks pace and takes 5 minutes to turn whilst players like eto'o take less than a second to turn around their axis- spot the danger?

I know. Terry is clearly just a passenger at Chelsea, Mourinho simply thinks its fairer on everyone else to play with just 10 men

So seriously, what you are saying is because he doesnt man mark, he's a crap defender?

That means the whole of the Liverpool back four is crap, because its well known they play a zonal defense.

Terry isnt the World Best Defender, but he's a bloody good one, playing for a bloody good side for a reason

I never said he is passenger, as u said he is a pretty damn good defender but he lacks certain qualities in the modern game which makes him a very limited

Keano Is God wrote:

S4P wrote:

TeamSpirit wrote:A 10/10 rating in Monday's Sun Supergoals - given before he's even stepped on the pitch.

You're thinking of Rio Ferdinand there.

What was the rating he was given for the Dutch game? A 9/10 wasn't it?

remember him playing much better than terry that night, the mix up with richards for the goal aside

Oh yeah, he made more tackles that night (because the Dutch tried to expose him), but I mean, come on, a ball playing centre half?

Agooner wrote:
I never said he is passenger, as u said he is a pretty damn good defender but he lacks certain qualities in the modern game which makes him a very limited

And yet, he was ever present in the England side that kept 4/5 clean sheets at the world cup (including that fantastic athletic clearance off the line v Trinidad) and ever present in the Chelsea side which kept 20 Prem clean sheets last season, and kept 11 clean sheets in the Prem (in a row-about 25 in the season) the year before. Not bad for an average defender playing at the highest level.

The Real White Pele wrote:

TeamSpirit™ wrote:The deeper you sit - the easier it is to read the game.

The likes of Naybet, Chivu & Hyypia are slow, but have great reading.

Terry is slow but enjoys a level of protection only rivalled by George Dubya Bush visiting Iraq.

More than Nesta at Milan and Italy, with deep lying Gattuso and Pirlo in midfield, or Cannavaro at Madrid with Diarra and Emerson?

Nobody seems to mention their level of "protection".

Cannavaro is in the same catergory as Terry for me - $hit at Inter Milan.

Gattuso protects Pirlo more than anyone. Nesta was awesome at Lazio and has proven him self in a countless number of defensive systems.

The Real White Pele wrote:

TeamSpirit™ wrote:The deeper you sit - the easier it is to read the game.

The likes of Naybet, Chivu & Hyypia are slow, but have great reading.

Terry is slow but enjoys a level of protection only rivalled by George Dubya Bush visiting Iraq.

More than Nesta at Milan and Italy, with deep lying Gattuso and Pirlo in midfield, or Cannavaro at Madrid with Diarra and Emerson?

Nobody seems to mention their level of "protection".

Or Jaap Stam, when he had Roy Keane.
Maybe we should also add Hansen and Lawrenson, who had Souness.

S4P wrote:

Agooner wrote:
I never said he is passenger, as u said he is a pretty damn good defender but he lacks certain qualities in the modern game which makes him a very limited

And yet, he was ever present in the England side that kept 4/5 clean sheets at the world cup (including that fantastic athletic clearance off the line v Trinidad) and ever present in the Chelsea side which kept 20 Prem clean sheets last season, and kept 11 clean sheets in the Prem (in a row-about 25 in the season) the year before. Not bad for an average defender playing at the highest level.

play him in the barca or ivory coast team and you'll see what am talking about.

Agooner wrote:

S4P wrote:

Agooner wrote:
I never said he is passenger, as u said he is a pretty damn good defender but he lacks certain qualities in the modern game which makes him a very limited

And yet, he was ever present in the England side that kept 4/5 clean sheets at the world cup (including that fantastic athletic clearance off the line v Trinidad) and ever present in the Chelsea side which kept 20 Prem clean sheets last season, and kept 11 clean sheets in the Prem (in a row-about 25 in the season) the year before. Not bad for an average defender playing at the highest level.

play him in the barca or ivory coast team and you'll see what am talking about.

He'd improve Barca's defence no end (although they don't let you tackle in Spain anymore)