Chelsea FC captain John Terry wants Everton FC defender John Stones to join the ranks in SW6. Terry feels that the youngster could bolster a Blues Premier League title-winning defence that already boasts English international Gary Cahill and Kurt Zouma in the centre.
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Speaking to British radio station talkSPORT, Chelsea’s third highest appearance maker said, “I have seen a lot of games and I am a big fan of his. He pulls wide of the box and wants the ball and for a young defender to do that in the Premier League takes some guts.”
Such praise from a former England skipper should not ring hollow. Stones made 23 league appearances for Everton last season while amassing a 91.9% pass completion, according to whoscored.com.
Chelsea could use some depth in their back four in order to successfully defend their Premier League crown next season and at just 21 years of age, Stones could even be a long-term replacement for Terry when the lifelong Blue finally hangs up his boots.
Although Everton remain staunch in their position not to sell the defender, it won’t hold back Terry from letting his opinion be known. He further went on to talk up the youngster’s credentials: “He is extremely confident. He looks to play from the back and that can only be good for English football that the likes of him are coming through. He is definitely one I have been impressed by.”
I, for one, would welcome the promising centre-back to Stamford Bridge should he arrive in this summer window. It is clear that the Blues will need another defender should they want to challenge on all fronts, and adding another Englishman to the squad would also help in the club’s quest to fill home-grown player quotas.
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With just 21 years on the clock, it is likely that Stones has not yet hit his full potential. Thus purchasing him will give Jose Mourinho cover in the short run, while being a potential golden investment in the longer term.
Additionally, from a fan’s perspective, having another English defender in the first team would remind them of the days of old, when Terry, Cahill, and Ashley Cole roamed the back line not just at a club level, but for the Three Lions as well.
The Blues, meanwhile, have not quite made the transfer splash that was made last summer at this point. In 2014, Mourinho had brought in Diego Costa, Filipe Luis and Cesc Fabregas by mid-July but this year the club seems more conservative.
Having said that, they should be trusted. They are evidently waiting for the right opportunity to bring in the players that will get the squad to where it needs to be next season, challenging for all three domestic trophies but more importantly the Champions League.
So Chelsea fans, what do you think? Do you reckon John Stones would be a good signing? Do you think Everton will be willing to part with him for a reasonable price? Get involved and sound off in the comments below!
Next: Chelsea FC Transfer Rumour Round-Up, June 30th 2015