Frank Lampard claims John Terry's "brilliant form" this season is one of the main reasons Chelsea are now challenging for an historic League and FA Cup double. Victory over Liverpool on Sunday would almost certainly guarantee coach Carlo Ancelotti the title in his first season and deliver Chelsea's first league crown since 2006.
The defender has come under criticism for his form and behaviour off the pitch this season.
"I'd like to take this opportunity to stand up for JT," said Lampard.
"He's taken a bit of stick recently but Stoke was the first league game he's missed all season.
"His general form has been brilliant. That's one of the reasons we're top.
"Technically and defensively he's miles ahead of most of the players he gets compared to and that's why he's always in the FIFPro team and winning UEFA's most valuable defender award.
"We all know it's fashionable to have a pop at the top of the tree but at Chelsea we know his true value."
