John Terry has said it took him only 120 seconds to decide his new Chelsea team-mate Radamel Falcao could succeed in the Premier League.
When the former England captain came up against the Colombian in April, during Manchester United’s visit to Stamford Bridge, Terry was left in no doubt as to whether the knee injury that had ruined Falcao’s World Cup hopes last summer had reduced the potency of a striker who struck fear into defences during spells at Porto and Atlético Madrid.
United lost 1-0 that day yet Terry saw enough to believe those who questioned Falcao for scoring only four goals in 29 United appearances should think again.
With Diego Costa facing a fitness test on a hamstring strain sustained against Barcelona in Washington DC on Tuesday, Falcao could make his full Chelsea debut in Sunday’s Community Shield against Arsenal at Wembley. Terry has high hopes.
“Literally after two minutes, he was backing in,” the defender said. “He did the same to Gary Cahill. The movement as well was excellent. For me, him and Harry Kane were the best players I came up against [last season].
“We had a little tussle on the floor 10 to 15 minutes later. He was up for it, was hungry and his movement and first touch were excellent. You get that feel as well. You can tell after a couple of minutes ... it’s: ‘I’ll give a bit and he’ll give a bit’.
“I just thought he was up for it that day and Gary felt the same. We are delighted to have him here because he’s a top, top player.”