Arsenal legend admits admiration for Chelsea star

Tuesday, September 11, 2012
8:57 AM

Martin Keown has revealed he is a big fan of Chelsea centre back Gary Cahill, and says the former Bolton man has come a long way in recent seasons.

26-year-old Cahill is in line to start when England face Ukraine in this evening’s World Cup qualifier due to an injury to Chelsea team-mate John Terry.

Keown thinks Cahill is more than capable of deputising for Terry and has been impressed by his development at Stamford Bridge.

“Gary Cahill has made great strides in the last few seasons which means losing John Terry is no longer such a big deal,” wrote the former Arsenal and England defender in the Daily Mail.

“Cahill’s got very good technique and quick feet for a centre half and he’s stepped up at Chelsea.

“As you mature as a defender the key is making fewer and fewer mistakes and he’s doing that.

“He also scores goals from set pieces - which is key for England.

“In fact, Cahill is similar in many ways to Terry.”