<text>  Gary Cahill wants to prove a point to his critics after coming under fire for some poor performances at the heart of Chelseas defence. England centre back Cahill was widely praised for his water-tight partnership with John Terry last season, and in the early stages of the current campaign, but his ability has been called into question with a few poor performances of late. Cahill was poor for Chelsea in the New Years Day 5-3 defeat by Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane and he allowed Raheem Sterling to run unchecked for Liverpools goal in the Capital One Cup semi-final first leg at Anfield. Gary Cahill wants to prove his doubters wrong by finding his best form again in Chelseas defence . Cahill started and helped Chelsea keep a clean sheet in Sundays Capital One Cup final win over Tottenham . But having contributed to keeping Harry Kane quiet and ensuring Chelsea kept a clean sheet to win the cup at Wembley on Sunday, Cahill wants to show his worth all over again. I have proved it time and time again. I proved it when I was at Bolton and I got the England call-up. I was told you cant play for England, youre at Bolton, Cahill said. I proved them wrong. I came to Chelsea and it was oh, you cant play Champions League, you cant do this, you cant do that and I proved them wrong. Cahill and his partner in the centre of defence John Terry left pose with the Capital One Cup . Kurt Zouma right has emerged as a credible alternative to Cahill in the centre of Jose Mourinhos defence . Cahills mixed form has coincided with the emergence of young French defender Kurt Zouma, who has started in place of his more senior rival in some big games of late. But now the 29-year-old wants to use his time back in the first team to help Chelsea to glory in the Barclays Premier League and Champions League. Its that fire in your belly, he said. Although youd wish not to have it, dealing with criticism is probably what has got me to where I am today. This is no different. I will come out the other end without a shadow like you see today. Harry Kane left gave Cahill a torrid time on New Years Day but was well shackled at Wembley . That 5-3 defeat was a bad day at the office for the team. Certainly since I have been at the club we have been fortunate enough to have positive results against Tottenham. It was said before Sundays game that that result would have no reflection on the final and so it proved. I use it as motivation to prove people wrong time and time again. You are not a robot. Up until the halfway point in the season it was no problem but I have come through it time and time again. Its not the first time Ive had have a dip in levels of performance. Cahill right and Diego Costa left celebrate Terrys opening goal against Tottenham at Wembley Stadium . 