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One of the most popular misconceptions in football is that Chelsea was a mid-table team before Roman Abramovich came on board. In reality, however, this was never the case. Chelsea were a rather formidable team in the pre-Abramovich era. They were strong contenders for the English Premier League, and they often picked up European spots as well.
The Blues have a strong history, spanning well over 100 years, and talented players have always come through the ranks at Stamford Bridge. In fact, there is rarely a decade gone by where Chelsea did not field a world-class footballer in their side.
However, with Roman Abramovich's entrance into the club's affairs, Chelsea took off on a positive trajectory that would see them enjoy great success in the last two decades. The Russian billionaire revamped the squad and brought in controversial manager Jose Mourinho, who spearheaded Chelsea to back-to-back Premier League titles.
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With their most successful era (19 major trophies in under 20 years) coming after Abramovich took over, it shouldn't come as a shock that nearly every player on this list of Chelsea's all-time Premier League XI entered post-Abramovich.
There are perhaps some players, like William Foulke (the club's first goalie) and Ron Harris (who has made the most appearances for Chelsea), who should be included in this list. However, they were not nearly as successful as the more modern Chelsea squads.
So without further ado, let's take a look at this list of Stamford Bridge heroes and legends, one of whom still plays for the club.
GK: Petr Cech
If anyone was key to Chelsea's success through the last two decades, it would have to be the domineering 6'5 former Czech international between the sticks: Petr Cech. Joining the club in 2004 as one of the first transfer deals under Abramovich, the star goalkeeper went on to achieve legendary status at Stamford Bridge.
Instrumental in Jose Mourinho's side that won back-to-back Premier League titles, Cech picked up the Golden Glove after keeping a record 24 clean sheets in a Premier League season. The commanding goalkeeper continued his fine form for the Blues after his head injury, eventually helping them to a domestic double and a UEFA Champions League win, and breaking goalkeeping records along the way.
Throughout his spell at Stamford Bridge, Cech won the Europa League, four FA Cups, three League Cups, four Premier League titles, and a Champions League title. His individual awards, both in the Premier League and internationally, are quite numerous. He also holds the record for the highest number (4) of Golden Glove awards in Premier League history.
Although he joined Arsenal, where he eventually retired, the star goalkeeper returned to Chelsea where he came on board as a technical advisor. Such is his love for the Blues!
Right-back: Branislav Ivanovic
The right-back found it difficult to settle in when he joined Chelsea in January 2008. Notably, he did not make a single appearance for the Blues' first team throughout that season. The Serbian star eventually got his opportunity in the first team but often stayed on the bench.
When Bosingwa - Chelsea's first-team right-back - picked up a season-ending injury, the Blues were forced to call on Ivanovic's services, and the Serbian impressed. He played so well at both right-back and center-back that he was nominated for the Chelsea Player of the Year award in 2011. From that point, the rest was history.
He would go on to win the Europa League (where he scored the winning goal), three Premier League titles and FA Cups apiece, one League Cup, and one Champions League trophy. After initially struggling to find a spot on the bench, Ivanovic became the second-highest goal-scoring defender in Chelsea's history.
Center-back: John Terry
John Terry was one of Chelsea's biggest ever stars, and perhaps the most legendary player to carry the armband at Stamford Bridge. Starting his professional career at the club, Terry quickly rose to become one of the most important figures at the heart of Chelsea's success in the last 20 years.
Having played nearly his entire career at Chelsea, Terry has been rightfully dubbed Mr. Chelsea, having spent 22 years at the club since coming through the academy. Officially holding the record for the Blues' highest goal-scoring defender, the former England international remains the most decorated Chelsea player in history.
There is hardly a better CV than five Premier League titles, five FA Cups, three League Cups, alongside a Champions League title and a Europa League crown. Terry did it all, and while he drew a lot of controversy off the pitch, his capacity as a defender and leader of the team was unquestionable.
Center-back: Ricardo Carvalho
Not as towering as other defenders, Ricardo Carvalho was popular for his speed, foresight, and ability to get into tackles efficiently. This notably made him an amazing partner for John Terry, who had strength and physique but not pace. In fact, the former Portuguese international's defensive partnership on the pitch with John Terry is perhaps one of the most effective in Premier League history.
Ricardo Carvalho joined Chelsea as one of Abramovich's early forays into the transfer market, and the star came with Jose Mourinho from Porto where the duo had just won the Champions League. Carvalho, already used to Mourinho's tactical instructions, adapted quickly and helped Chelsea to back-to-back Premier League titles.
In the six years he spent at the club, Carvalho was a rock at the heart of the Blues' defense, ensuring their survival in important games and guiding them to five major trophies. Carvalho is considered one of the best central defenders in the history of the Premier League, not just Chelsea.
Left-back: Ashley Cole
With little doubt, Ashley Cole is perhaps the best left-back in the history of the Premier League. For someone who was an Arsenal great and a strong contender in Arsenal's all-time XI, it is quite unexpected to have him feature here as well. Yet, Cole exceeded all expectations at Chelsea and there is hardly a better left-back, even today.
After picking up two Premier League titles and two FA Cups with Arsenal, the former England international controversially left for Stamford Bridge, but his decision to leave was justified. With the Blues, Cole won the Premier League, the Champions League, the Europa League, a League Cup and four FA Cups.
While he loved to influence the game in the final third, Cole's defensive work rate improved dramatically at Chelsea. With his high fitness levels and determination, Cole was a vibrant force to be reckoned with on Chelsea's left-wing. Today, the former LA Galaxy star is still a part of the Blues, working as an academy coach at the Cobham Training Center.
Defensive midfield: Claude Makelele
Yes, the former France international was such a brilliant defensive midfielder that the role was named after him! After a difficult decision to hand in his transfer request, Claude Makelele joined Chelsea from Real Madrid during Abramovich's early tenure at the club's helm, and he was immediately instrumental in Chelsea's success.
While he was underappreciated and undervalued at Real Madrid, Makelele was highly praised at Chelsea. He was efficient in linking up the defense and the midfield while playing as a deep-lying playmaker, but it was his tactical understanding and spatial awareness that showcased his brilliance at Stamford Bridge. Makelele excelled defensively and his ability to recycle possession so efficiently made him a highly important player for the club.
Makelele offered stability to Chelsea's defense, allowing the attacking players of the team to run rampant in the final third. To add to his success, he won five major trophies during his five years at the club and is currently a mentor at Stamford Bridge.
Central midfield: N'Golo Kante
The former Leicester City star is arguably Chelsea's best player at the moment. Topping nearly all the defensive stats during his season with the Foxes, it didn't come as a surprise when the Blues splashed the cash to bring him to Stamford Bridge.
Often compared to Makelele, Kante's vibrant defensive work rate has made him highly instrumental in Chelsea's recent successes. Known for his determination, constant running, fluidity, and box-to-box style of play, Kante is the master key in Chelsea's midfield today. A popular internet meme says 70% of the planet is covered by water and the rest by Kanté - this just goes to show how important he is to the Blues.
Having won the World Cup with France, N'Golo Kante has won an FA Cup, a Europa League title, and a Champions League and a Premier League title with Chelsea. He has clearly cemented his legendary status at Stamford Bridge, and lucky for Chelsea, he still has a few more years to give.
Central midfield: Frank Lampard
John Terry might be the greatest Chelsea player ever, but Frank Lampard is a very strong contender for that position. The former Chelsea manager arrived at Stamford Bridge in the summer of 2001 after making the move from rivals West Ham. His journey with the Blues was a little sticky initially, but before long, Lampard would flourish and become an integral part of the club for over a decade.
Retaining his status in the first team after Abramovich's takeover, Frank Lampard was the ultimate midfielder for the Blues in the seasons that followed. Skilled in creative playmaking as well as having a keen eye for goal from distance, Lampard became Chelsea's record all-time goalscorer with an eye-watering 211 goals from midfield.
With three Premier League titles, four FA Cups, two League Cups, a Champions League, and a Europa League under his belt as a Blues player, it wasn't too surprising when he was brought on board to replicate that success as the manager of the club. Although he has sadly been relieved of his managerial duties, Lampard remains a legend at Stamford Bridge.
Right wing: Gianfranco Zola
The only person on this list who services to Chelsea precedes the entrance of Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich is Gianfranco Zola. Joining from Italian club Parma, Zola quickly became one of the most influential attackers in Chelsea's lineup.
Selfless with the ball, creatively unpredictable and extremely agile, Zola was nicknamed Magic Box during his time at Stamford Bridge. Notably, he won the Chelsea Player of the Year award twice and the FWA Footballer of the Year award in 1997.
Zola and his magical dribbling skills helped Chelsea to six trophies in his seven-year stint at Stamford Bridge. His goal-scoring was a mesmerizing sight to behold, and his dead-ball prowess was quite brilliant as well. Although he returned to Italy in 2003, Gianfranco Zola remains one of Chelsea's best players.
Center forward: Didier Drogba
Finishing an eight-year stint with the Blues - and even coming back for a ninth - The King of Stamford Bridge is undoubtedly one of the best players in the club's history.
Expectations were high for the Ivorian when he moved to Chelsea from Marseille for a record transfer fee of £24 million. This clearly didn't affect the star as he continued to improve progressively, driving Chelsea to pick up an astonishing 14 trophies in his time at the club.
Known for his strength on the ball and his physical prowess, Drogba popularized the concept of the target man. Most notably, the former Ivorian international was respected for his ability to perform in important games. He currently holds an interesting goalscoring record for Chelsea: 10 goals in 10 finals winning 10 trophies. Legendary!
Left-wing: Eden Hazard
Chelsea's decision to pay £32m to Lille for Belgium international Eden Hazard proved to be a very shrewd deal for the club. Notably, it didn't take long for Hazard to showcase what the Chelsea scouts had seen in him during his time at Lille.
Arguably one of the best wing-forwards in modern football, Hazard was loved and respected by Chelsea fans and rivals alike. He entertained spectators with his agility and dribbling skills, and he made it count where it really mattered: in goals and assists. The former Lille star directly contributed 139 goals in just 245 Premier League games for Chelsea.
During his spectacular seven years at Stamford Bridge, the star won six major trophies to cement his status as a modern-day great. He left for Real Madrid in 2019 on a high, scoring 16 Premier League goals and picking up the Europa trophy along the way.
