John Terry is widely regarded as one of the greatest central defenders in the Premier League’s history, but even he dreaded facing one player during Chelsea training sessions.
Throughout his career, Terry played against some incredible strikers, from Alan Shearer and Wayne Rooney to Thierry Henry and Sergio Aguero.
However, he was always kept sharp due to the talent available at Chelsea, with the likes of Eden Hazard, Diego Costa, and Frank Lampard pushing him on a daily basis.
[
Click to subscribe to the podcast ](https://www.youtube.com/@BeyondTheBackFour?sub_confirmation=1)
It’s one of the reasons Terry was so successful from an individual perspective, and one player in particular pushed him more than most.
John Terry watching an Under-21s game
Photo by Crystal Pix/MB Media/Getty Images
John Terry dreaded facing Didier Drogba during Chelsea training sessions
Terry got to train with some incredible footballers due to the high-quality signings the Blues made regularly.
But when he spoke to Chelsea’s TikTok, he was quick to name the toughest player he faced on a daily basis at Cobham.
“Didier Drogba,” Terry said.
Drogba remains one of Chelsea’s greatest-ever strikers, providing a real physical presence at the top of the pitch.
Drogba held up the play, provided an aerial threat, and confidently showed great technique with the ball at his feet.
Terry isn’t the only person who found him a handful either, as Gilberto Silva admitted Drogba was tougher than Wayne Rooney to deal with.
Didier Drogba Chelsea Stats Games Played Goals Assists
Chelsea 381 164 82
He also named Henry his toughest Premier League opponent and Lionel Messi the best player he faced in the Champions League.
John Terry revealed who the greatest Chelsea player of all time is
Terry might have found Drogba the toughest player to compete against on the training pitch, but he doesn’t believe the striker is the best player to put on a Chelsea shirt.
The Ivory Coast international scored his fair share of important goals, including during the 2012 Champions League final, but Terry believes Lampard had the edge on him.
“I think Frank Lampard is the best Chelsea player of all time,” Terry said.
Lampard was alongside Terry throughout Chelsea’s golden period as the vice captain. He ended his time as the club’s all-time leading goalscorer, an impressive feat for a central midfielder.