Chelsea's title chances seem to be getting stronger by the match, and that is largely down to their rock-solid back line. Their dogged 1-0 shut-out of free-scoring Manchester City was evidence that the old familiar Jose Mourinho steel is returning to Chelsea, and one integral part of that original mean machine was, and still is, John Terry. A record of 20 goals in 24 games is one to be proud of, and with the formidable striking talent currently in the Premier League, that is no mean feat. Eight clean sheets in the last ten games is another key stat, or to put it an even more astounding way, two goals conceded in those games - Martin Skrtel and Javier Hernandez being the only ones to breach Chelsea's Terry-led rearguard. Terry has already proved he can shut out the world's best, and if he has the hunger and desire to do it again this summer, Hodgson would surely be tempted to welcome him back. On the other hand, Terry may relish a summer off, before doing it all again next season. He looks capable of going on for a few more seasons yet, but the selfish side of non-Chelsea fans around the country would surely swap that for one last stab at glory this summer.
I am from Bangor, aged 24, and possess an MA in Journalism from The University Of Ulster. I have had work published in the Belfast Telegraph and interviewed several local footballers and Olympic athletes. I also run my own sports blog, 'Sporting Thought' in addition to contributing to What Culture.
