We are winning respect with every season

I couldnt agree more. I think Gary shows what a leader he is on the pitch. Just because he doesnt scream and shout doesnt make him any less of a leader.

I actually think he is being lined up to be the new captain. He is doing a lot of the interviews these days and lots of media stuff for the club.

Leading by example only gets you so far, you can't cover the entire backline yourself. You have to be vocal, majority of great captains are. 

 

It would make sense if he was being groomed to be the next captain, I just hope that if it does happen then he's ready for it because the evidence so far suggest to me that he's not quite ready yet.

I still would want to see more evidence of how solid he is without JT, his vast improvement this season has coincided with JT's return to the starting XI and staying injury free.

 

With Luiz moving up the field, Shaw possibly coming in and shunting Iva out of the first team, and Zouma possibly coming into the squad next season it's going to be interesting to see who Cahill's partner is going forward without JT.

I still find him a bit of a conundrum.  He does some brilliant things but at other times he looks a bit lost.  In particular, he looks very uncomfortable when he is pressed on the ball.  Usually, out on the right.  He has a tendency to dither and then play it back to Cech. I'm not sure he is a natural leader.

Jose really has taken Cahills game to the next level

Him, Ivan and Azpi were absolute bargains.

How much did we pay for our back 4? Less than 25 million?

makes you wonder if our scouting technologies are even better than anticipated? Finding those who qualify on all the system categories but not the most expensive!

I still find him a bit of a conundrum. He does some brilliant things but at other times he looks a bit lost. In particular, he looks very uncomfortable when he is pressed on the ball. Usually, out on the right. He has a tendency to dither and then play it back to Cech. I'm not sure he is a natural leader.

He is excellent on the ball when given time but as you say seems to get flustered when pressured. Also, when playing for England he doesnt seem to want to take control or lead which is why I'm not sure he's captain material.

makes you wonder if our scouting technologies are even better than anticipated? Finding those who qualify on all the system categories but not the most expensive!

Come on mate, you know as well as I do that we never sign good or cheap players anymore, they are all overrated or over priced.

Who thinks he is better than Alex?. Dont think there's alot between them to be fair, Cahill definitely gets less injuries though. Always wanted us to get Cahill glad we did.

imo, Cahill's athleticism is the obvious advantage over Alex, otherwise alex was a solid, more assured defender. Cahill has been outstanding this season though.

Definitely a player for me who you can feel safe starting any big game. Great asset to this team and entering his prime so all is good.

I think Cahill was an absolute bargain and has continued to improve in his time here. A fair bit of credit has to go to JT for that, working alongside the best in the game has certainly benefited GC.

 

I genuinely think he has the potential to be our future Captain and personally I would have no problem with that at all.

Shaping up nicely the lad, there are very few out there who are better.

I'd like to see him get a run with Ivanovic or Luis at centre half before I make up my mind about him. It might be that he needs to be more vocal and organize the team. There's also this whole he's only playing so well due to Terry's presence and positional sense narrative, which I must admit, I feel has yet to be dispelled. He looked a little shaky with Luiz and England, but is a rock in the blue of Chelsea alongside Terry.

Edited April 10, 201412 yr by Foggy

Who thinks he is better than Alex?. Dont think there's alot between them to be fair, Cahill definitely gets less injuries though. Always wanted us to get Cahill glad we did.

I think he's a lot better than Alex. I'm a big fan of him, and he's having a superb season alongside JT. He's not in JT's class as a player, as JT's as good a defender as we've ever had and one of the best the UK has ever produced, but Cahill's still a very good defender. They form a brilliant partnership, and the FA should feel ashamed that they have weakened the England team by their witch-hunt.

 

A fantastic signing for the club.

I'd like to see him get a run with Ivanovic or Luis at centre half before I make up my mind about him. It might be that he needs to be more vocal and organize the team. There's also this whole he's only playing so well due to Terry's presence and positional sense narrative, which I must admit, I feel has yet to be dispelled. He looked a little shaky with Luiz and England, but is a rock in the blue of Chelsea alongside Terry.

There is not a centre-back in the world who would look good playing alongside Luiz week in, week out because David Luiz .......................isn't a centre-half.

I'm also intrigued with the view of many that Cahill isn't a communicator on the pitch. He isn't a screamer or shouter granted but he is always pretty vocal whenever I watch him.

Wasn't there a thread not too long ago about how he "must improve!"

Think he is quietly, confidently, doing that every game

 

This is the 'must improve' thread, which I created when Cahill was making key errors last year. As you can see, his immense performances this year have led to an upgrade in the thread's title .

 

I hope he can be our next captain as he seems to be a great professional. Like others, I'm not quite sure he's a a natural in that role.

Edited April 11, 201412 yr by Celery1989

So not for the first time in recent years England's best centre back going into a World Cup is a blue.

 

You're welcome FA. 

Rumours doing the rounds this morning that we're set to offer Cahill a new four year deal. 

Rumours doing the rounds this morning that we're set to offer Cahill a new four year deal.

Hopeso, think he's been a great buy and you can see how much he's learned from JT

Securing his services for a few more years would be top business.

Absolutely love Cahill, plays his heart out every game and has really come on leaps and bounds since joining us.

 

"Even though it was a pre-season game, it was a great honour for me [to captain Chelsea]. It was a great experience."

Just read a interesting article by Samuel Eto...

Firstly singing the praises of Eden Hazard, saying he will be 'the worlds greatest player!' But more intriguing is what he said about Mr Cahill:

"He should be a future England and Chelsea captain. He is the best defender in the country."

Link?