Petr Cech retires: Best XI to have played with the Czech goalkeeper - Only 2 Arsenal players make the list

Midfielders

Claude Makelele

Makelele is currently managing Eupen in Belgium

One of the greatest players ever in his position, the signing of Claude Makelele proved to be the turning point for Chelsea. The Frenchman's signing was hailed by then manager Claudio Ranieri, who said that the defensive midfielder would be the battery of the team.

The signing of Claude Makelele from Real Madrid in 2003 was equally criticized by the Los Blancos legend Zidane who famously quoted "Why put another layer of gold paint on the Bentley when you are losing the entire engine".

The Frenchman revolutionized the defensive midfielder position in England and spend 5 seasons in England with 4 of them coming with Petr Cech. The duo won 2 Premier League, 1 FA Cup, 2 League Cups, and 1 Community Sheild together.

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Mesut Ozil

Mesut Ozil had an underwhelming season this time around

The only Arsenal player in the midfield, Ozil is a player whose eye for a pass is even better than Barcelona's Lionel Messi. Mesut joined Arsenal in 2013, 2 years prior to the arrival of Petr Cech.

The German is one of the present teammates of the great Czech goalkeeper and has won 1 FA Cup and 2 Community Shields together.

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Frank Lampard

Lampard serves as the Derby County coach

The greatest goalscoring midfielder in the history of English football, Frank Lampard joined Chelsea just 3 years prior to the arrival of Petr Cech. Lampard was the midfield attacking threat of the Chelsea side during his time and scored an impressive 147 goals from the midfield in the Premier League during his time with Chelsea.

The Derby County manager spent 10 seasons with Petr Cech at the Stamford Bridge winning 3 Premier Leagues, 4 FA Cups, 2 League Cups, 2 Community Sheilds, 1 Europa League and the Champions League before moving to New York City (loaned out to Manchester City) in 2014.