Terry: Collective quality

John Terry scored his first goal of the season in last night’s 6-0 Champions League win over Maribor, and the skipper is pleased with the manner in which every member of the squad is making an important contribution as our strong start to the season continues.

The Blues recorded our biggest ever win in the competition, scoring three goals in each half to consolidate our position at the top of Group G.

It was from a brilliant Terry pass out from the back that Loic Remy opened the scoring, with Didier Drogba also scoring his first goal since returning to the club. In the absence of Diego Costa, Terry was delighted to see the two strikers on target.

‘Maribor have shown in the first two group games that they pose a threat going forward and we stressed before the game they would be a difficult side if we let them into it,’ he explained. ‘Our idea was to start the game sharp, bright and not let them into it at all.

‘Remy looked very sharp; he plays on the shoulder of defenders which is a nightmare to deal with. I saw him go and I put him in, it was a great finish.

‘We’ve got a big squad; Didier came on and showed what a great player he still is. The players are showing how important the depth of our squad could be this season. As the manager rightly says, everybody’s got a part to play and we’ve seen that in the last few games.’

Terry scored the third goal in the 31st minute, racing the length of the pitch to finish off a fine, flowing break, which involved Eden Hazard and Cesc Fabregas.

‘I don’t really know what I was doing but I was knackered afterwards,’ he said laughing.

‘I saw Eden and made my run, I was delighted to get my first goal of the season and hopefully there are many more to come.’

There was more positive news in the form of a Chelsea debut for 17-year-old striker Dominic Solanke, who came off the bench in the 73rd minute, replacing Oscar for the final stages of the match.

‘I’m really proud of Dom,’ said Terry. ‘He’s a great young prospect at the club, an Academy boy. He’s been here since the age of seven and come through.

‘It sets a precedent for the younger players and now they believe they can get an opportunity if they’re good enough and work hard enough. It’s not only good for Dom, the effect it will have throughout the Academy will be excellent.’

Jose Mourinho’s side will look to maintain our impressive start to the campaign on Sunday, when we face Manchester United at Old Trafford.

Terry will be going up against one of the most talented attacking units in European football, and expects a tough test.

‘They’re still a very good side with world-class players in their team,’ said the defender. ‘Results haven’t really gone their way so far but we’re still aware at Old Trafford it’s a hostile atmosphere and they’ve got great support behind them. We’ll go there expecting them to be very good.