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Chelsea are a club where proving mettle is no easy feat for a player. Since they always compete for titles, maintaining a position in Chelsea's starting line-up over a period of time is demanding. If there is a better alternative available in the market, Chelsea will instantly replace an underperforming player often without considering past performances.
Not all Chelsea players have wilted under that pressure
A player's legacy at Chelsea is often measured by longevity as well as the amount of silverware the player collects at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea legends such as Frank Lampard, John Terry, Petr Cech and Didier Drogba have all done it successfully in the past.
However, the following list considers the aforementioned factors to rank foreign players to have played for Chelsea solely over the last decade (2011-2021).
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Honorable mentions: Nemanja Matic and Diego Costa for their memorable spells at Chelsea.
#5 Willian
Willian is a player who often divides Chelsea's fan base. On paper, he's had an excellent time at Stamford Bridge. Willian joined Chelsea from Anzhi Makhachkala in 2013. Seven years and 339 appearances later, the Brazilian winger joined London rivals Arsenal after his Chelsea contract expired in 2020.
Willian recorded 63 goals and 62 assists during his time in blue. The 32-year-old is fondly remembered by Chelsea fans for the spectacular manner in which he rejected Spurs and joined the Blues at the eleventh hour.
Willian's best time in a Chelsea shirt came in the 2015-16 campaign when Eden Hazard went through a rough patch. Unfortunately, it was during a season in which Chelsea struggled, with Jose Mourinho getting sacked and Guus Hiddink arriving on an interim basis to replace him.
The winger won two Premier League titles, one FA Cup, one League Cup and one Europa League during his time at Chelsea.
#4 Cesc Fabregas
Cesc Fabregas was a Chelsea player for just four-and-a-half years but made a lasting impact. His chant of 'Fabregas is magic' could not have been more apt. Fabregas mesmerized the crowd with his extraordinary vision every time he took to the pitch.
The Spanish midfielder made 198 appearances for Chelsea, scoring 22 goals and notching up 57 assists. Despite making over 300 appearances for London rivals Arsenal, Fabregas always looks back at his time at Chelsea with love.
He will always be remembered for his lethal partnership with Diego Costa, who terrorized defenses alongside him en route to two Premier League titles. Furthermore, Fabregas won the FA Cup and League Cup, while also featuring in the group stages of the Europa League in 2018-19, which Chelsea won under Maurizio Sarri.
#3 Cesar Azpilicueta
If there ever was an underrated player to have played for Chelsea, it would be Cesar Azpilicueta. Affectionately called 'Dave' by the Chelsea faithful, the 31-year-old has definitely earned the title of a 'legend'. Azpilicueta joined Chelsea from Marseille in 2012 on a bargain deal worth £6.5 million and has gone on to become captain at Stamford Bridge.
Azpilicueta has made 429 appearances in a Chelsea shirt and his trophy cabinet during this period is exceptional. He's won two Premier League titles, two Europa League titles, one FA Cup and one League Cup. In fact, the only major title he was yet to win ahead of last season was the Champions League, which he won as captain under Thomas Tuchel back in May.
Jose Mourinho always joked that a team of 11 Azpilicuetas would win the Champions League because of how reliable the Spanish international is on the pitch. He is also extremely versatile, having played at right-back, left-back and right centre-back at Chelsea.
Azpilicueta's contract expires in 2022, however, and is already showing signs of decline. Could this be the last season of 'Dave' in blue? Nonetheless, his place as a legend of Chelsea is set in stone.
#2 N'Golo Kante
Words cannot describe N'Golo Kante. The midfielder is one who simply cannot be hated, even by rival fans. Kante joined Chelsea in 2016, fresh from winning a historic league title with Leicester City. While many questioned his decision at the time, he proved all his doubters wrong by winning the league with Chelsea the following season.
The 30-year-old midfielder has quickly won over the hearts of fans from all over the world. However, on the pitch, Kante is an absolute monster. He has cemented his position as one of the best midfielders in the world. Having made 218 appearances for Chelsea so far, the Frenchman, as well as the Blues' fans, will be hoping he can continue to make many more.
Kante's rise to the top has been inspirational. In his five years at Chelsea, he has won the Premier League, Europa League, FA Cup and the Champions League. Kante also played a key role in France's World Cup win in 2018. He also has individual accolades to his name, winning the PFA Players' Player of the Year in 2016-17.
Kante's ability to win the ball is unmatched and he will want to use it to dominate opposing sides for years to come.
#1 Eden Hazard
Eden Hazard is a player who will be loved eternally by Chelsea fans. Despite the manner in which he left for Real Madrid in 2019, Chelsea fans' affection for him has remained unchanged. To this day, the Blues' fans support Hazard as if he is one of their own. Rightfully too, the Belgian has produced many memorable moments at Stamford Bridge.
Hazard made 352 appearances for Chelsea, becoming a cult hero at Stamford Bridge for his outstanding displays. The score during games never mattered, because as long as Hazard was on the pitch, anything was possible for Chelsea. The 30-year-old found the back of the net 110 times in his seven years at the club, and picked up 92 assists.
Hazard has won his fair share of honors too - two Premier League titles, two Europa League trophies, the FA Cup and the League Cup make up his trophy cabinet at Chelsea. The Champions League trophy has eluded him so far.
However, Hazard won the PFA Players' Player of the Year award in 2014-15. He's also won the Chelsea Player of the Year award on four occasions. Despite leaving Chelsea at the peak of his powers, Hazard has failed to replicate similar form at Real Madrid due to recurring injuries.
