Between 2004 and 2010, Ricardo Carvalho and John Terry formed a formidable centre-back pairing at Stamford Bridge, contributing significantly to Chelsea’s success. Terry, in particular, became a legendary figure at the club, winning numerous titles, including five Premier League championships and the UEFA Champions League in 2012. Today, Arsenal’s centre-back duo, William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes, are highly regarded and considered among the best in England and potentially Europe. Despite their impressive performances over the past two seasons, former Chelsea manager Frank Lampard believes they have not yet reached the level of the iconic Carvalho-Terry partnership.
Frank Lampard said “‘Provided they stay together, we will eventually reference Saliba and Gabriel in the same breath as the two stand-out partnerships of my generation; Chelsea’s John Terry and Ricardo Carvalho, and Manchester United’s Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic. Arsenal must win the Premier League or Champions League for the duo to establish themselves in that hall of fame, but they are making giant strides and are the biggest reason why Mikel Arteta’s side can travel to Manchester City with confidence this weekend.'”
However, Lampard maintains that they still have some way to go to reach the levels of his former teammates:
Frank Lampard said “‘But at this point, no, but what they’re doing is great. Even if they are going in the right direction, Saliba and Magalhaes must ‘win some stuff’ to be considered as being alongside my former teammates.'”
Lampard went on to praise the Carvalho-Terry partnership, regarding them as the best the Premier League has seen:
Frank Lampard said”‘I rank Terry and Carvalho as the Premier League’s No 1. They were the foundation of Jose Mourinho’s brilliant Chelsea side, rewriting the records and redefining what was possible at the highest level by conceding just 15 goals in a Premier League season in 2004-05.'”
These statements provide a clear context for understanding Lampard’s high standards and the achievements required for Saliba and Magalhaes to be considered among the elite centre-back pairings in football history.
