Okay, this is a tough one. And the results should prove interesting reading. So...who is the better CENTRAL DEFENDER, Tricky Ricky or Gallas?

Note, the question is not, who is the most versatile defender. Or, who do you like most? But who is the better CENTRAL DEFENDER.

Never thought I'd say this, but after this season I'm going to have to say 'Ricky'. Just like Drogba, he's the living proof that 'A season is a heck of a long time in football'.

New poll Brian,

Who's the bigger C*nt? Riccy or Willie (I might just get myself sent off) Gallas?

glad to see we all have the same blue tinted shades on!

Who's the bigger C*nt?

That was my 'b' title for the poll. Well spotted.

Gallas without a doubt. As excellent as Carvalho has been this season he hasn't reached the level or consistency of Billy

Gallas.

His levels of consistency, (wherever he was played), over 5 years were astonishing. Plus pace to burn.

As soon as I saw Gallas' name up there my vote went for the other guy.

Over the years Gallas might have been the better one, but for now Riccy is ahead of him.

Well, from seeing them both in Chelsea shirts, I doubt you can go for anyone else other than Gallas.

But I've got me specs on - so 5 year deal Ricky

If I'm honest, I'll say Billy Boy. If I let my heart decide, it's 'Imperador' himself.

On tonights performance.........Essien

On tonights performance.........Essien

He was very very good today and has done very well when called upon to perform at the back for the club.

Gallas, but Riccy now has 5 years to prove me wrong!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

gallas, but it's like saying nesta is better than cannavaro.

Gallas or Riccy? How about Essien

Gallas or Riccy? How about Essien

He has been great this season when called upon to play at the back; but he is needed in the midfield for Chelsea and hopefully next season that is where he will hopefully be played.

gallas all the way...our defensive record when he played alongside jt said it all...I remember a couple of seasons ago it was something like played 19 times together at centre half and we'd conceded one goal. ricky will still have that one mistake lurking round the corner in my eyes, but as far as charging out from the back and playing a good pass (a la against liverscum in champions league final first leg) he does add something different to the team

Who is the best central defender - still Gallas, although Carvalho has definately closed the gap by quite a way this season.

When it was Gallas and Terry at the back, I always had the feeling that we only ever needed to score 1 goal, as we were very very unlikely to concede.

As good as Carvalho has played this season, I haven't once felt comfortable that we could defend a 1-0 lead.

As good as Carvalho has played this season, I haven't once felt comfortable that we could defend a 1-0 lead.

I don't deny that is true however I would say that, this season, this feeling has had nothing to do with Carvalho and more to do with how we have been affected by injuries and Jose's indecision about his full backs.

I find it pretty much impossible to fault Carvalho this season - he has been absolutely outstanding.

I agree with that, Loz.

I'm not really blaming Carvalho (who has been twice as a good a player this season as the last two), but in my view, losing Gallas has been THE cause of our defensive instablity this season.

You can't get rid of the world's most versitle defender (and definately in the top-5 best in the world at centre back and right back), replace him with Boularouhz, never replace Huth and expect our defence to stay at the same standard.

The other issue which has led to defesive instablity this season is rotation of the "Makalele" role. For the whole two previous seasons, the only choice in the role was Maka. This season, we have seen a mix of Maka, Essien, Mikel, Diarra (and even Ballack at times) in that role. The thing is, they are all good players, but they all play the role slightly differently and teams always play best when there is stability.

Gallas, no question.

solely as a footballer, Gallas. But that is where all other comparisons should end