John Terry: 'Gary Cahill is best centre-back in England'

John Terry has hailed Chelsea teammate Gary Cahill as the best English centre-back in the country.

Terry put in an impressive performance as he captained the Blues to a goalless draw at Arsenal on Sunday, which moved his side a point closer to the Premier League title and led to some observers to claim that the 34-year-old is still the best defender in England.

The Chelsea skipper, however, believes that accolade belongs to Cahill, who has bounced back from a drop in form earlier in the year to become a key part of Jose Mourinho's backline.

"Gary is a big character. He was obviously disappointed to be left out of the Chelsea side a few months ago, but he has come back and taken his chance again," Terry told the London Evening Standard.

"He has been different class and is England's best centre-back. For me he has been brilliant all season long.

"The manager has taken him out and stuff, but for me he has been playing at a very high level. In the big games he has a lot of experience and he steps up to the plate."

Cahill has won 34 caps for England.