The capture of John Stones is looking more than likely this week, following reports from numerous news outlets including The Telegraph, that the young defender has handed in a transfer request. In an attempt to force his move from Everton, Stones has formally requested to leave the club, putting Chelsea on high alert once again. But how exactly will he impact the club?
The only natural place to start is by comparing Stones with players he could likely replacing.
Last season, John Terry and Gary Cahill formed the strongest defensive partnership the Premier League had seen for years. Terry played every minute of every game as Chelsea stormed to the title in May, becoming the highest scoring defender in Premier League history on the way. By his side, Cahill was fantastic as well, featuring in 34 league games, earning his spot next to Terry in the PFA Team of the Year.
However, a slow start to the season has raised questions about both players. John Terry has been heavily criticised and whispers that Jose Mourinho is preparing to withdraw his captain of responsibilities are beginning to surface.
‘Mr Chelsea’ is approaching 35, and for quite some time now, it’s been clear that he doesn’t have the legs he once did. Take Sunday’s sending off for example. Although the ball towards Rondon was fantastic, Terry was caught the wrong side of the attacker, and there was no chance that he was ever going to win the footrace that followed. The same can be argued for Gary Cahill, who similarly isn’t the quickest centre-back at the club.
But what these players lack in speed, they make up for in technical ability. Both men are brilliant at reading the game, and will rarely be found out of position or making a mistake. There’s no doubt that they’re both solid, old fashioned centre-backs, who are more than willing to put their body on the line for the club, which is more than admirable. But recently, cracks have begun to appear, and it may be time to freshen up Chelsea’s back line.
John Stones is simply the opposite of these two players. From a young age, he was taught to play with the ball at his feet, and the Everton defender is more than comfortable helping his team build from the back. This style has led to his current manager Roberto Martinez, praising Stones as:
one of the best ball-playing centre-halves in Europe.
Youth is also on his side. At just 21 years old, Stones is a sure match for any of the Premier League’s quick attackers, and could get himself out of trouble in ways Terry and Cahill can’t.
He shares the same passion and fight that the current pairing have, but adds another dynamic. As a very grounded individual, Stones is fully aware that his number one priority is to defend and keep strikers away from his goal. But with the ability to bring the ball forward with a composure that many others lack, he separates himself from the average crowd.
Should he move, it’s unlikely that Stones would feature regularly for the champions this season, and is more a long-term investment for the club. Realistically, a future partnership with fellow Englishman Gary Cahill could be formed, but if Cahill carries on the way he’s started this season, he may lose his place to Chelsea’s promising young defender Kurt Zouma, permanently.
The Frenchman is beginning to break into the first team, and after featuring in the closing matches of last season’s campaign, he started against West Brom last Sunday. His inclusion is perhaps a statement from Mourinho, who is starting to build for the future. If the Chelsea boss can bring Stones in before the transfer window ends, a partnership between Zouma and Stones would be highly likely for years to come.
He would fit well beside John Stones, and the two could form a perfect alliance in defence. Along with great pace and technical ability, Zouma has what Stones at the moment lacks.
At 6ft 3″, the Frenchman is a huge physical presence and has already shown he is not afraid to challenge strong opponents and is reliable when doing so. His early performances have already led to some pundits drawing comparisons between Zouma and Marcel Desailly, who played for The Blues until 2004.
As painful as it may be for many Chelsea fans, it’s looking increasingly clear that John Terry is coming to the end of his career, and replacements need to be found. His place might be secure this season, depending on performances, of course, but next summer will be a different story.
Zouma is probably his first choice replacement at the moment, but if Stones is brought in, he would certainly be challenging Cahill for a spot next to the Frenchman.
The addition of Stones would ensure a bright future for Chelsea, and his potential has already had him branded one of the best young centre-backs in Europe. With a playing style that’s different to what the club has seen in recent years, he would certainly revolutionise the club’s backline for the foreseeable future.
