Premier League era: Chelsea’s greatest XI!
Sep 23, 2016 at 10:24 AM
Chelsea are the second most successful club in the history of Premier League having won four Premier League titles. They have backed it up well with great performances in all other competitions as they managed to win Champions League in 2012 followed by Europa League in 2013.
However, the Blues really became a dominant force under Jose Mourinho when he took over at the club in 2004 and helped them win their two Premier League titles in hid first two years as head coach at Stamford Bridge.
Here we look at the best XI played for the Blues in the Premier League era.
GK- Petr Cech
Not a difficult choice, as stats prove he is arguably the greatest goalkeeper in the history of Premier League. Chelsea have brought an absolute class in the name of Cech in 2004 as he was a absolute colossus for over a decade at Stamford Bridge.
He has won every major honour present in Europe with Chelsea and have been one of the pivotal reasons for their success.
RB- Dan Petrescu
The Romanian is arguably the greatest right back Chelsea have had in their Premier League history. Having joined the club in 1995, he was ahead of his time with his gameplay as he is one of the prized possessions Chelsea had in their defense.
His modernized game makes him the best right back for Chelsea as his vision is unparalleled to that of other right-backs over the time at Stamford Bridge.
CB- Ricardo Carvalho
After an impressive Euro 2004, the Portuguese centre back has come along with Jose Mourinho to London from Porto. The player has lived up to his expectations as he has managed the greatest central defensive partnership with John Terry over the years.
He is technically very good which is a rare attribute in central defenders and was very good tackler which edges him out against Gary Cahill.
CB- John Terry
A true Chelsea legend John Terry has been the face of Blues defense over 18 years now and he is still going strong. Despite being 35, he is still the best defender for the Blues in the current season and has been a true legend for the Blues over the years.
He is arguably the greatest English centre back in the Premier League era as he has made a massive 713 appearances for the Blues.
LB- Ashley Cole
The English defender have made arguably the most controversial transfer in 2006 when he switched cross-city rivals Arsenal for Chelsea. However, he has been a great defender for Chelsea as he won every title in England and Europe during his time with the club.
He is by far the best left back in the country in the Premier League and he is an obvious choice for the left back position, a position he made his own during his playing days.
CM- Frank Lampard
Lampard has made a name for himself as he has excelled under Jose Mourinho before becoming one of the most highly rated central midfielders in the world. Frank Lampard has become the highest goalscorer for the club before leaving for Manchester City.
He was also the captain of the Blues side when they won the famous Champions Leagu title in Allianz Arena in 2012.
CM- Claude Makelele
Makelele was arguably the greatest midfielder Chelsea have had in the last decade as his impact was so high. He has signed under Claudio Raneiri but has flourished under Jose Mourinho as he was pivotal for their double-winning 2004-05 season.
His partnership with Lampard at the centre of the park has helped Chelsea to become a dominant force in English football post-2004.
RW- Arjen Robben
The Dutch winger has joined Chelsea from PSV in 2004 despite interest from Sir Alex Ferguson. He has proved why he is so highly rated by the best managers before moving on to Real Madrid in 2007.
His pace, trickery and dribbling has made him an asset for Jose Mourinho. He has grow into a beast at Bayern Munich as he is by far the best right winger in the world in the 21st century.
LW- Gianfranco Zola
Possibly the best player before Roman Abramovich took over at Chelsea, Zola has made a name for himself at the club since his arrival from Parma in 1996. He has been an attacker to fear while playing against Chelsea before leaving the club in 2003.
The player’s ability is long cherished by the fans despite the success that club had under Roman Abramovich.
CAM- Eden Hazard
Perhaps the best signing Chelsea have made in the wings after the departure of Arjen Robben, the Belgian has lived up to the price tag that Chelsea have paid to get him from Lille in 2012.
Young and exciting, Hazard has become one of the best wingers in the world and have been one of the top 10 players in the world over the past few years. He has established himself as a reliable player at Stamford Bridge as he looks for more success with the club.
ST- Didier Drogba
The Ivorian is arguably the greatest striker Chelsea have had as he proved vital in his first spell at Stamford Bridge. He was clinical before the net in Jose Mourinho’s first spell at Stamford Bridge.
He also played a crucial role in helping Chelsea win their only Champions League in 2012 when he equalized and then scored the penalty to win the highest club honour in Europe.