John Terry was relieved earlier this season when Chelsea’s 15-goal record remained untouched, though he now believes Reece James and Thiago Silva would have started in that legendary backline.
The 2004/05 campaign remains one of the most dominant defensive displays the Premier League has ever seen. With Jose Mourinho at the helm for his debut season, Chelsea kept an incredible 25 clean sheets in just 38 matches, conceding only 15 goals on their way to the title.
That back five of Petr Cech, Paulo Ferreira, John Terry, Ricardo Carvalho and William Gallas (who played out of position as a left-back) is still regarded as one of the best ever. Wayne Bridge also contributed significantly throughout that campaign.
It is a record that still stands today and looks unlikely to be broken any time soon. Terry admitted there were moments this season when he was concerned Arsenal might reach it but didn’t hide his relief when they fell short.
Reece James and Thiago Silva could edge out Paulo Ferreira and Ricardo Carvalho
Terry was the standout, with Cech not far behind. But Portuguese pair Ricardo Carvalho and Paulo Ferreira, who came with Mourinho from Porto, were also key to that backline.
Robert Huth, Celestine Babayaro, and Glen Johnson contributed throughout the campaign as well.
However, speaking on Zac Djellab’s YouTube channel, Terry suggested James and Silva might have started ahead of Ferreira and Carvalho.
“Both would have been in with a shout of starting [over Carvalho and Ferreira]. Thiago was immense. We’ve had a lot of players like Zola at the end of their careers. Thiago was at the back end of his career.
“How good was he? It goes to show that people like Milner, looking after themselves, can prolong your career. Reece is Chelsea through and through, I think both of them would have played,” the former centre-back stated.
Reece James and Thiago Silva’s careers have to be respected
James has established himself as one of Chelsea’s top talents in recent years, even taking on the role of club captain at just 26. That speaks volumes about his standing within the squad.
Silva has been around long enough to have built an incredible career. Few centre-backs can match his experience or silverware haul. It’s not a stretch to say he could have fit into any era.
Chelsea’s current defensive set-up does not have anyone quite like him now. With crosses remaining a weak point this season, finding someone with Silva’s presence could be high on their list this summer.
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