That is according to former Chelsea defender Marcel Desailly.
The ex-Blues captain was a leader and inspiration for Terry during his early days at Stamford Bridge.
And while the 36-year-old has gone on to achieve great things at Chelsea, his time is coming to an end having lost his place in the first XI.
Antonio Conte has been able to rely on Gary Cahill to step up this season in the absence of his long-term mentor, while David Luiz and Cesar Azpilicueta have subsequently formed a solid back three.
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John Terry has made five Premier League appearances for Chelsea this season
He gives a lot of pressure to the first choice that Conte has selected
Marcel Desailly
Kurt Zouma's return from a serious knee injury has also seen him push veteran Terry further down the pecking order.
However, Desailly insists his experience and class, despite his age, makes Terry a real motivator for players on the pitch to maintain form.
"He’s good because he gives a lot of pressure to the first choice that Conte has selected – Kurt Zouma or Gary Cahill," Desailly told the Daily Mail.
"When you have John Terry on the bench I can tell you that when you come on the pitch and you want to perform because you know that he can change you (out of the team) at any time."
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Will Ferrell poses with Marcos Alonso and Pedro
The ex-England skipper's role is now more influential inside the dressing room for his team-mates.
Terry has picked up enough appearances to earn another medal should Chelsea win their fifth Premier League title.
But the defender has already admitted he would rather not be needed, and isn't expected to feature again at Burnley on Sunday (1.30pm).
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