John Terry was one of two Aston Villa players to make the EFL Championship team of the season.

With 17 clean sheets and only 37 goals conceded, Terry’s near omnipotence at the back – barring a spell on the treatment table with a metatarsal fracture – has been a crucial element of the third meanest defence in the league.

However, at 37, the time has come for him to consider his future.

Steve Bruce has been publicly cautious about pushing him into making a decision, saying: “The decision is all in John's hands and we have to respect that”.

He would be mad not to be doing so behind closed doors.

Terry is one of the most consistent performers in the team, recording more interceptions per game than any of his teammates as well as producing more clearances and blocks per game than any teammate besides his centre-back partner James Chester.

There are three concerns over him staying: his age, his ability to perform at the highest level, and his wage bill.

None of these arguments hold up.

While Terry would likely be the oldest outfield Premier League player (assuming no-one signs Gareth McAuley), Ryan Giggs, Teddy Sheringham, and Kevin Philips all played top flight football past 40.

Additionally, although he struggled last season, this was because of a succession of injuries.

Finally, it is unlikely that Aston Villa could replace Terry adequately for less than they are paying him.

He may be earning a hefty sum a year, but the fee alone for a centre-back of his quality would likely exceed that.

Even if his appearances were limited, he would be a valuable member of the squad given his top-flight experience.

The most important aspect for a club to stay up in the Premier League is a solid defence.

With John Terry and James Chester at the back, Aston Villa would have that in spades.