An Ivorian, a Ghanaian and a Frenchman: Chelsea’s top ten players of the last decade produces an eclectic mix
Three Premier League titles, three FA Cups, one Champions League success, two Europa League triumphs and one League Cup later and Chelsea’s last decade can only be described as a successful one.
Whilst current manager Frank Lampard attempts to revitalise the club, the Blues are priced at 7/1 to win any major trophy across most betting offers sites, whilst punters can get 5/6 on them to end the season without any silverware.
What can’t be denied is that there has been an array of footballing talent who have performed for the Blues during the last decade and rightly earn their places on this list.
Branislav Ivanovic – 2007-2018
Though Cesar Azpilicueta gave Branislav Ivanovic stiff competition for this place, the latter wins it on winners’ medals. A member of the PFA Team of the Season in Chelsea’s Double-winning campaign in the early part of the decade, Ivanovic won everything in the list above except a second Europa League.
His headed goal in the 2013 Europa League Final also went some way to avenging his absence in the previous year’s Champions League success.
Cesc Fabregas – 2014-2019
Tell a Chelsea fan that at the end of the 2010s Cesc Fabregas would be in their top ten players from that decade and they would tell you to do one. But, the Spaniard made an instant impression on his return to English football in 2014, helping Chelsea to League Cup and Premier League success in his first season.
The midfielder went on to win another Premier League title and an FA Cup before leaving in January 2019 after scoring 15 goals in 138 appearances for the Blues.
Petr Cech – 2004-2015
Though at Chelsea before the 2010s actually began, Petr Cech continued to improve his game as the Blues established their dominance in English football. The ‘keeper’s role in Chelsea’s Champions League triumph of 2012 as well as the Premier League and FA Cup Double that started the decade ensured the Czech wrote his name into Chelsea folklore. With 333 appearances under his belt, Cech signed for Arsenal in 2015.
Ashley Cole – 2006-2014
Often touted as one of the greatest left-backs England has ever produced, Ashley Cole made his name in a controversial transfer from rivals Arsenal. But, the £5 million move paid off and then some as Cole produced moments of magic and outstanding defending as the left-back helped Chelsea to two FA Cups, a Europa League and Champions League success as well as a Premier League title in the 2010s. Cole left for Roma in 2014 following seven goals in 229 appearances.
Eden Hazard – 2012-2019
A four times Player of the Year during the decade, Eden Hazard produced some memorable moments for Chelsea fans – and all with a smile on his face. The brilliant Belgian scored 85 goals in 245 appearances as Chelsea won two Premier League titles, two Europa League successes and an FA Cup and League Cup.
Michael Essien – 2005-2014
Moving from Lyon in 2005, Michael Essien established himself as one of the greatest African footballers the Premier League had ever seen, despite incurring a number of injuries.
Known for his nickname ‘the Train’ by Jose Mourinho, the midfielder scored 17 goals in 168 appearances.
N’Golo Kante – 2016-present
Though after the ‘Golden Generation’ of Chelsea, N’Golo Kante’s reputation continues to soar as he commands the heart of the Chelsea midfield. Premier League success in 2017 coincided with the Frenchman winning a plethora of individual accolades including the French Player of the Year. Kante has also won the FA Cup and Europa League at Chelsea, receiving rave reviews for his engine and delightful holding midfielder play.
John Terry – 1998-2017
Such was John Terry’s influence at Chelsea that the central defender could have been included in the 2000s list too. He more than matched his trophy collection in the 2010s and added that long-awaited Champions League winner’s medal in 2012 as the centre-back established himself as one of the world’s greats. 41 goals in 429 appearances says it all.
Didier Drogba – 2002-2012 and 2014-2015
Though in the latter part of his career as the 2010s came into being, Didier Drogba was still an instrumental figure in the Chelsea side. A Premier League and FA Cup Double, alongside the Golden Boot, firmly etched Drogba into Chelsea history in the first part of the decade before that Champions League victory in 2012 signalled the perfect end for the Ivorian’s Chelsea career.
Yet, Drogba returned in 2014, winning the League Cup and Premier League title under Jose Mourinho once more. The ultimate game player with ten goals in ten finals and winning ten trophies at club level, Drogba’s 104 goals in 254 games ensured his legacy at Stamford Bridge.
Frank Lampard – 2001-2014
Another that would have been on the 2000s list as well as the 2010s, Frank Lampard topped Chelsea’s list of goalscorers in the latter decade – a stupendous feat considering he was a midfielder. With 147 goals in 429 appearances, the now Blues coach will forever be remembered at Stamford Bridge.
