After almost two decades, John Terry will call time on his illustrious career with Chelsea when his contract expires this summer. The 36-year-old will depart as the most decorated player in the Blues’ history, and he will leave a void at Stamford Bridge that will linger for aeons. Therefore, it is imperative that the Premier League champions sign a centre-back this summer.
While the West Londoners will never be able to replace their beloved leader’s intangibles, they still need to sign a talented centre-half who can anchor their backline for the next decade.
Before we move on, let’s not forget that this conversation would have been a non-starter if Bayern Munich hadn’t snapped up Niklas Süle. After all, it was Raph Honigstein, one of the commanders-in-chief of the German Football Intelligentsia, who once said that the 21-year-old German International was put on Earth to play for Antonio Conte.
But alas, the Bavarians had their way, as usual, and your humble servant was tasked with crafting this list. C'est la vie, I guess. So, if you haven’t already closed this tab in sheer frustration, here are five defenders who could fill the John Terry shaped hole at Stamford Bridge.
#5 Aymeric Laporte
Some might say that Chelsea’s current back three have done a commendable job, but Gary Cahill and David Luiz are in their thirties, and it’s only a matter of time before the Brazilian reverts to the “Playstation Footballer” that lurks within. Azpilicueta might be the best defender in the league, but for all of his consistency and brilliance in one on one situations, the Spaniard remains an undersized centre-back who can be exploited at the far post.
Also read: Cesar Azpilicueta – Chelsea’s unsung hero
Hence, the Blues could do with someone like Laporte, who has accumulated more than 100 club appearances as a fixture in Bilbao's defensive line. The Frenchman has largely been deployed as a sweeper by Los Leones because he is a proficient reader of the game who can dispossess opponents with precise challenges. There is no question that he is going to be right at home in the 3-4-3 formation.
It must be said that many of Europe’s elite pine for Laporte, but there isn’t a price that the Blues, who are now armed with the Premier League's new TV deal and a bevvy of sponsorships, can’t match.
#4 Stefan De Vrij
Born and bred in the land of total football, Stefan De Vrij is the epitome of an elegant centre-half. His deft touch and silky passing enable him to initiate attacks and switch play at will, but he isn’t all style and no substance. The Dutch International is also quick to spot danger, and he seldom has to resort to last-ditch tackles.
Additionally, the 25-year-old thrives in a back three at Lazio, so it’s fair to say that he will fit into Antonio Conte’s system seamlessly. Speaking of qualities that the Italian desires, De Vrij demonstrated tremendous resolve and strength of character- traits that you don’t see in many of today’s prima donnas- when he returned from knee surgery to cement his place in the heart of the Biancocelesti's defence. All in all, this one’s a slam dunk.
#3 Daniele Rugani
Although he doesn’t start consistently for Juventus, Rugani is still one of the most sought-after defenders in Europe. In fact, he has been linked with a move to the Premier League for the past three summers.
At just 22 years of age, the Italian has an aura that separates him from the rest of his peers. In addition to his intangibles, the former Empoli man is also calm, composed and can play out of the back. It is no wonder that several members of the Turin outfit’s set-up often refer to him as the heir to the legacy of Fabio Cannavaro.
While Rugani has been content to sit on the bench for the last couple of seasons, the prospect of reuniting with Antonio Conte and playing regular minutes for the Premier League Champions might just be enough to prise him away from La Vecchia Signora
#2 Kostas Manolas
It should come as no surprise that Kostas Manolas, who was reportedly on top of Antonio Conte’s wish list in the summer of 2016, finds a place on this list. After all, the Greek International is one of the best centre-backs in Serie A and is likely to have suitors from around Europe.
Some are sceptical about his ability to transition into the Premier League, but Manolas is a strong, well-rounded defender with pace to burn, and these qualities should allow him to slot into the top tier of English football seamlessly. Several questions have also been raised about his range of passing, but the 25-year-old can look after the ball sufficiently and isn't likely to get caught out in possession.
Another one of the former Olympiacos man’s greatest assets is his ability to win almost every single aerial challenge and provide a significant threat from set pieces.
#1 Marquinhos
A prodigy who is often linked with a move away from the French capital, Marquinhos has the talent and aptitude to flourish at Stamford Bridge. He is tactically astute, swift of foot and should have no trouble fitting into Antonio Conte’s system, alongside his compatriot David Luiz.
Although the 22-year-old is now a regular starter at PSG, there is a sense of frustration at the Ligue 1 outfit after their capitulation against Barcelona. Now that the project appears to have stagnated, there is a possibility that the Parisians might part with some of their assets and attempt to start a fresh cycle.
If that were to happen, a number of top clubs would chase the Brazilian international’s signature, but the allure of playing for a vibrant Chelsea team, which is stacked with high IQ players, should be enough to convince Marquinhos to move to West London.
