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Chelsea are one of the most successful clubs in the Premier League era. The Blues have turned themselves into a European powerhouse since Roman Abramovich took charge of the club in early 2000s. Barring numerous Premier League titles, Chelsea have also won the UEFA Champions League twice in the last ten years.
Due to their success and rich heritage, Chelsea have been able to attract some top footballers. Over the years, many great players have graced Stamford Bridge with their presence.
Over the past two decades, many architects of modern football have played for Chelsea. On that note, we will take a look at
Chelsea's 5 best creative players in Premier League history
#5 Juan Mata
With immaculate vision and superior technique, Juan Mata was one of the most exciting players in the Premier League during his Chelsea days. The Spaniard wove magic on the field with his left foot and was a joy to watch at Stamford Bridge.
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No defensive barrier was enough for the 33-year-old when he was at his peak. His incredible skills in the final third helped Chelsea dominate both the English top flight and Europe. For his exploits, Mata won the Chelsea's Player of the Year award twice (2012 & 2013).
The only regret for Chelsea fans would be that they sold the Spaniard to Manchester United when he was at his very best. Even in his limited time with the Blues, Mata went on to score 32 goals and racked up 58 assists for the club.
#4 Cesc Fabregas
Intelligence on the ball, supreme passing range and superb vision - Cesc Fabregas had it all. The legendary Spanish midfielder used to dislodge defensive barriers and create chance after chance for his teammates with his passes. One might argue that Fabregas' peak was not at Chelsea, which is somewhat true, but the midfielder was still among the best in the league.
After arriving from Barcelona, Fabregas formed a dangerous partnership with Diego Costa at Chelsea. The Spaniard kept on pulling the strings for the Blues, helping the forwards find the net with his playmaking skills.
Fabregas went on to bag 57 assists in 198 matches for the Blues, with 19 of them coming in the 2014-15 Premier League campaign when they won the title.
In his five seasons at Chelsea, Fabregas helped the Blues win two Premier League titles, one Europa League title, one FA Cup and one League Cup.
#3 Gianfranco Zola
One of the most skillful players to ever set foot in the Premier League, Gianfraco Zola was a complete package. Zola mesmerized fans and critics alike during his tenure in the Premier League with his awe-inspiring abilities on the ball.
The Italian forward had supreme ball control and used his dribbling skills to ease past defenders. Zola was selfless and possessed superior vision, which helped him play a second striker role for years at Stamford Bridge. Barring his efficiency in the attack, the Italian was also a free-kick specialist and showed his prowess numerous times in deadball situations.
In his 301 appearances, Zola ended up with 75 goals and 20 assists to his name. His seven years at Chelsea were filled with outrageous pieces of skill, decisive playmaking and numerous major trophies. It goes without saying that Zola's presence helped Chelsea become a Premier League powerhouse.
#2 Eden Hazard
With 110 goals and 92 assists for the club, Eden Hazard remains one of Chelsea's greatest players. The Belgian winger was an integral part of the Blues' success over the last decade. Numerous titles and individual accolades are a testament to his greatness.
Hazard was a force of nature on the left flank at Chelsea. The Belgian winger's dazzling runs were enough to open up the most organized defensive sides, helping him create spaces with effortless ease.
Hazard's vision was also a pivotal characteristic of his game, which explains the high number of key passes, big chances created and assists (41) to his name. At his very best, Hazard was absolutely unstoppable on the flanks. Whenever he failed to score, he would create from the deep and have an impact on the match.
He spent seven years at Chelsea, helping them win titles. Hazard's exploits propelled Real Madrid to shell out a huge fee (€100 million) in 2019 for the Belgian's services.
#1 Frank Lampard
It comes as no surprise that the best midfielder in Chelsea's history tops the list. Frank Lampard's brilliance in midfield and his unparalleled legacy can only be matched by a few in Premier League history.
Lampard was the record goalscorer from midfield in the Premier League (261). He was known for his 'golazos' while the playmaking role in the game remains underappreciated. Lampard played as an attacking midfielder for most of his career, helping the Blues launch attacks with his prowess.
The England legend had immense stamina and a unique game-reading ability which helped him create countless goals for his teammates. Lampard often opened up defenses with his vision and picked out players in space with his superior passing range.
Lampard spent 13 years at the club, helping Chelsea win three Premier League titles and one Champions League title, among other notable achievements.
