Since the days of Jose Mourinho, Chelsea's backline has always been a proud institution.

For years it was marshalled by none other than the legendary John Terry, a man who found great joy in snuffing out creativity and battering the life out of his opponents.

Defensive partners came and went, but the Premier League stalwart stayed the course, establishing himself as one of the greatest players in the history of the club.

Of course, all good things must come to an end and Terry has since retired and moved into coaching, leaving Chelsea to plot a fresh course without him.

Sadly, they haven't been able to find anyone who can truly replicate the stoic consistency of Terry, rattling through 12 centre-backs since the great man hung up his boots.

But who, of those 12, has been the best? Well, the folks over at PlanetFootball have answered that very question with a definitive ranking of the 12 players who have done what they can to leave the Terry-shaped chasm he left behind.

It's worth noting that new signing, Kalidou Koulibaly is not on the list but, if he can make his mark in his debut season, could easily crack a place in the upper echelons.

12. Marc Guehi

Guehi rose through the ranks of the academy to make his first team bow in a League Cup game in 2019.

He would play just one more time for the Blues before spending time on loan at Swansea.

Despite his good form for Crystal Palace recently, his two appearances for Chelsea simply weren't enough to see him ranked any higher.

11. Ethan Ampadu

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 16: Ethan Ampadu #44 of Chelsea passes against Club América during their preseason friendly match at Allegiant Stadium on July 16, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Chelsea defeated Club América 2-1. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

This one might feel a bit harsh, but Ampadu certainly has time on his side to rectify it.

He has made just 12 appearances for the club, but the potential is there for all to see.

10. Malang Sarr

Sarr proved to be a valuable member of Thomas Tuchel's squad last season after spending the first months of his Chelsea career out on loan.

Expect to see more of him in the upcoming campaign as Chelsea bid to haul in Liverpool and Manchester City.

9. Fikayo Tomori

BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 29: Fikayo Tomori of Chelsea during the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Chelsea FC at Vitality Stadium on February 29, 2020 in Bournemouth, United Kingdom. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)

Tomori was a favourite under Frank Lampard but fell on rougher ground when Tuchel took the reigns at the club.

Despite scoring Chelsea's goal of the season in 2019/20, he was shown the exit door, joining AC Milan before going on to the win the title with famous Italian side.

8. Trevoh Chalobah

Chalobah is yet another member of this cohort that has time to move further up the list.

He made 30 appearances for the club in all competitions last season and, despite growing competition, is likely to be an integral member of the side in the season ahead.

7. Kurt Zouma

PORTO, PORTUGAL - MAY 29: Kurt Zouma of Chelsea celebrates with the Champions League trophy following their side's victory in the UEFA Champions League Final between Manchester City and Chelsea FC at Estadio do Dragao on May 29, 2021 in Porto, Portugal. (Photo by Manu Fernandez - Pool/Getty Images)

Zouma's time at Chelsea was a bit higgledy-piggledy due to injury and various loan spells but, despite the difficulties, he still managed to make 151 appearances.

Add to that a decent haul of five trophies, and you see why Zouma finds himself in a healthy position on this list.

6. David Luiz

The man, the myth, the enigma.

Luiz might not have been everyone's cup of tea but, on his day, he was a hell of a player.

BAKU, AZERBAIJAN - MAY 29: David Luiz of Chelsea celebrates with the Europa League Trophy following his team's victory in the UEFA Europa League Final between Chelsea and Arsenal at Baku Olimpiya Stadionu on May 29, 2019 in Baku, Azerbaijan. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)

His penchant for the spectacular and heart-on-the-sleeve mantra meant that you never knew quite what to expect when the Brazilian took to the field.

5. Andreas Christensen

Christensen signed for the club in 2012, immediately embarking on what has been a bit of a rollercoaster career in west London.

The Dane made over 150 appearances for the club despite going through spells where he was heavily out of favour.

Sadly, those long years came to an acrimonious end as he refused to play in the 2022 FA Cup final and moved to Barcelona.

4. Thiago Silva

LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 19: Thiago Silva of Chelsea applauds fans after the Premier League match between Chelsea and Leicester City at Stamford Bridge on May 19, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

Chelsea bagging Thaigo has to go down as one of the best transfers in Premier League history.

Despite his advancing age, the Brazilian has been imperious for the Blues whenever called upon, writing his own chapter in the Chelsea history books.

3. Antonio Rudiger

Rudiger could prove to be a massive loss for Chelsea as he departs for pastures new in Spain.

He thrived under Tuchel with many considering him to be the best centre-back in the league at times last season.

2. Gary Cahill

Cahill may not have been the most glamorous of players, but his commitment can never be called into the question.

He gave his life and soul for the club and was at the heart of the defence during some very happy times.

1. Cesar Azpilicueta

LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 22: Cesar Azpilicueta of Chelsea applauds the fans after the Premier League match between Chelsea and Watford at Stamford Bridge on May 22, 2022 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Henry Browne/Getty Images)

A true servant of the club, Azpilicueta was always going to be top of this list.

The man has been ready and willing whenever called upon and has been part of defensive lines that have won many a trophy.