John Terry (left) and Gary Cahill in Chelsea training earlier this week
Chelsea’s signing of Gary Cahill should see the blossoming of a promising centre-back pairing – at both ends of the football spectrum.
By Connor Whitmore (see poll at bottom)
Reminiscing is difficult in football – wanting to remark on the slightest details to make points has faded as a way of description but remains very effective.
Not much thought is needed, however, when flicking back through this year’s Premier League archive to remember David Luiz’s horrific defending in Chelsea’s 1-3 home loss to Aston Villa last month.
So woeful was the defending that it didn’t warrant thorough explanation: the lack of communication between himself and compatriot John Terry was stark as he stood motionless.
Stiliyan Petrov cackled as he exploited the huge gap between the centre-backs with an incisive finish past the hapless Petr Cech.
Coincidentally as Gary Cahill’s move to the Blues from Bolton came to a close this week, a resurgent hope is present amongst the Stamford Bridge faithful as they look to ignite a fresh title challenge.
Like Luiz, Cahill has a knack for the flamboyant in his overhead attempts (see his stunner for Aston Villa against Birmingham six years ago) and articulate finishing – an unusual defensive trait.
Luiz has ‘done an Arshavin’ in his Chelsea career to date: performing a blistering few opening months as a January arrival, only to experience a huge drop in form.
Cahill, on the other hand, has displayed consistency in his determination to do right in a team where confusion has flourished. It’s this consistency which has seen him break the mould of the renowned Terry-Rio Ferdinand defensive English axis which manager Fabio Capello adored.
Defensive partner Zat Knight has recognised this most, saying earlier this month: “He’s a fantastic player but hopefully there’s a lot more for him still to give. He’s shown in the last few seasons how good he is.”
In arguably his mot difficult game of his career just two weeks ago away at Everton, Cahill exhibited those areas where he could “give”. Despite a tidy goal as the winner, his 66% pass completion wouldn’t be appreciated against the Brazilian Luiz.
It’s his tenacity, however, which exceeds all else: he won all of his aerial duels and tackles, making one further shot on target in the process. Despite the rumours behind the scenes, he left the pitch with the Bolton fans bellowing: “There’s only one Gary Cahill.”
Cahill has begun his subtle road to superstardom: he has seven England caps and has already scored for his national side, whilst his signing should further enhance the relationship between himself and Chelsea captain Terry in preparation for the Euros this summer.
Playing with players like Terry should only increase his reputation amongst Europe’s finest.
Ultimately though, it’s up to Cahill to iron out these habits and fulfill his potential as a complete centre-half: brutally competitive and elegant in the distribution. This can only increase the chances of him realising his dream: winning trophies for his most ideal club transfer to date.
Knight added: “He’s going to a fantastic club.”
The stage is perfectly set for England’s aspiring 26-year-old stalwart.
