5 best Chelsea signings in the last decade

#3 Cesar Azpilicueta

Cesar Azpilicueta

While Chelsea's ex-player Cesc Fabregas is gifted with supreme ability, Cesar Azpilicueta became renowned for his determination, hard work and sheer grit.

A product of the Osasuna academy, Azpilicueta spent some time with Marseille in Ligue 1 before joining Chelsea in 2012 for nearly £8 million. A right-back during his Osasuna and Marseille days, Azpilicueta soon became a key part of the Chelsea first XI.

31 - César Azpilicueta, who has scored his first ever goal for Spain (27th cap), has become Spain’s oldest ever goalscorer at the European Championships (31y 304d). Timing. #EURO2020 pic.twitter.com/4vfeas0CuY

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) June 28, 2021

The Spain international has been utilised in a variety of positions at Chelsea. Azpilicueta has operated as a right-back, left-back and as a centre-back in a three-man defence. He is an extremely dependable player who rarely sets a foot wrong on the field.

The 31-year-old, who has made 429 appearances in all competitions for Chelsea, is now the club captain. Azpilicueta is a modern-day Chelsea legend.

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#2 Eden Hazard

Eden Hazard

One of the greatest Chelsea players of all time, Eden Hazard made a lasting impact at the club.

A highly-rated talent during his Lille days, Hazard was coveted by some of the biggest clubs in the world before he decided to join Chelsea in 2012 for £31.5 million. The Belgium international became one of the best players in the world during his Chelsea spell, with his world-class dribbling, creativity and goalscoring abilities all standing out.

Hazard made 352 appearances in all competitions for Chelsea, scoring 110 goals and providing 92 assists. He won the Premier League twice and the Europa League as many times with the club. Hazard played starring roles for Chelsea in six of his seven seasons at the club.

The 30-year-old moved to Real Madrid in 2019 for £103.5 million but has struggled in Spain due to injury issues. Hazard has been linked with a return to Chelsea, although the move is unlikely to occur.

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#1 N'Golo Kante

N'Golo Kante of Chelsea

One of the best midfielders in world football, N'Golo Kante is arguably Chelsea's best signing of the century.

He was one of Leicester City's key players during their fairytale Premier League triumph in 2016, before Chelsea snapped him up for £32 million. The French midfielder won another Premier League title in his first season with Chelsea and has not looked back since then.

Five years ago today, Chelsea completed the signing of N’Golo Kante.He. Has. Been. Immense. 🌟 pic.twitter.com/jTAvwCuzJI

— B/R Football (@brfootball) July 16, 2021

Renowned for his stamina, defensive prowess and discipline, Kante is Chelsea's engine. His performances last season in the Champions League once again highlighted his qualities, and there have been shouts for him to win the Ballon d'Or award this year.

The 30-year-old has been crucial for his country as well. With France, Kante won the FIFA World Cup in 2018 and was widely regarded as one of their best players at the tournament.

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