Marcel Desailly says Chelsea have lost an on-field manager in
injured captain John Terry.
The England captain is likely facing up to a month on the
sidelines, as he tries to recover from successful back surgery in
France on Thursday.
Terry has already missed Chelsea's last four games with the back
problem, and Chelsea legend Desailly feels his absence is a major
blow for Jose Mourinho's side.
"I know the influence John has on the team," the former Nantes,
Marseille and Milan defender told The Sun.
"Although Didier Drogba has been the difference in many games this
season, John is probably the most important player at the
club.
"He is the manager on the pitch. He's not afraid to take
responsibility because he is the man.
"When the team is in trouble, he is able to lift his level and show
the other players the spirit they should have.
"He knows how to correct the team when something goes wrong.
"This might even mean doing the opposite of what Mourinho has told
them - but John is not afraid to do that because he's the one who
sees the reality on the pitch.
"And he is very important in the dressing room. He is strong and
defiant and manages to organise everything. He provides stability
for the team."
Desailly thinks Terry has the capabilities of emulating the
legendary career of Milan centre-back Paolo Maldini.
"I want John to reach the same level as Paolo, who I played with at
AC Milan," added the France World Cup winner.
"He has been at the very top level for 20 years and John is capable
of doing the same.
"I cross my fingers that he can get over this injury and go on to
become the best defender in the world. I think he can do it.
"He can really be the image of Chelsea, making new players
understand the spirit of the club and the story of where it has
come from."