The greatest Chelsea XI of the last decade (2008-2018)

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Unlike Manchester United or Liverpool, Chelsea does not have a very rich history when it comes to trophies. Most of their success has come after the arrival of Roman Abramovich. Having said that the last decade or so has been nothing short of spectacular for Chelsea.

They have won three premier league trophies as well as a champions league. Added to that they have also been very successful in cup competitions. In this period (2008 – 2018) they have seen great managers such as Carlo Ancelotti, Jose Mourinho, Antonio Conte, Roberto Di Matteo and so on. Added to that Chelsea fans have watched some great players at Stamford Bridge over the years.

We look at the best Chelsea eleven from the last 10 years.

Disclaimer – This list is highly subjective and has nothing to do with any statistics or trophies won.

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Goalkeeper: Petr Cech

Thibaut Courtois was good for Chelsea but no way was he going to take the place of Petr Cech.

Cech in the time he spent at Chelsea recorded 494 appearances and kept 228 clean sheets, which is a premier league record as of now(2018).

In 2006, Cech had a terrible head injury which could have potentially ended his life. Fortunately, Cech recovered from it and ended up coming back to play football. Since that injury Cech plays with his now iconic headgear.

Over the years, Cech has made some game-winning saves to help Chelsea win trophies. He was the hero of Chelsea’s champions league campaign in 2011-12. He stopped penalties from Messi, Robben, Schweinstagger, and Olic in the process of winning Chelsea the champions league.

Unfortunately, Cech was too good a keeper to play second fiddle to Thibaut Courtois and so he eventually decided to leave Chelsea.

While Cech may not play for Arsenal he is forever etched in the memories of every Chelsea fan. He is one of the greatest goalkeepers to ever play the game and a legend for Chelsea football club.

Substitute – Thibaut Courtois

Central Defenders: John Terry & Branislav Ivanovic

I guess no one can argue against the fact that John Terry deserves to be on this list.

He has been a loyal servant to Chelsea for 19 years. He made 713 appearances for the club, and in that period has 66 goals to his name, which is remarkable for a center back.

Terry was fearless and earned himself a reputation of being one of the greatest center-backs in the premier league. He is a true legend for Chelsea and one of their greatest players ever to play for Chelsea.

I understand that Ivanovic played at right back for the majority of his career, but I put him as a center-back on this list to accommodate Cesar Azpilicueta.

Ivanovic is one player who hasn’t gotten the credit he truly deserves. In his time at Chelsea, he has not been a solid right back, but also a consistent goal scorer. In the 2014/15 season, many people considered Ivanovic to be the best right back in Europe.

Ivanovic has scored some vital goals for Chelsea. No one can forget his last minute header in the Europa League final. He also has goals to his name against teams like Napoli, Manchester City, Liverpool and so on. He truly is one of the modern premier league greats.

Substitutes – Gary Cahill and David Luiz

Full Backs: Cesar Azplicueta & Ashley Cole

At right back we have Cesar Azplicueta. He has been Chelsea’s best defender for over four years now. He is also one of the best one on one defenders in the premier league.

He was vital to the success of Chelsea in both 2014/15 and 2016/17. What separates him from other defenders in his awareness along with his versatility. In his Chelsea career Azpilicueta has played as a right back, right wing back, center back and left back. He is arguably the best right back in the premier league right now.

Cristiano Ronaldo himself regards Cole as one of the hardest players he has ever faced.

Ashely Cole won two premier league titles at Arsenal but he really established himself as the best left back in the world at Chelsea. In his prime Ashley Cole was the perfect player. His awareness along with his speed was second to none. Added to that he was a fierce tackler and a good crosser of the ball. he made a solid partnership with John Terry.

Cole was vital for Chelsea in their Champions League campaign in 2012. His goal-line clearance against Napoli kept Chelsea in the tie which they eventually won thanks to a goal from Branislav Ivanovic.

Substitutes – Paula Ferriera and Marcos Alonso

Central Defensive Midfielder: Ngolo Kante

Makelele was brilliant but for the last decade, I believe it has to be Ngolo Kante.

Kante has been nothing short of spectacular for Chelsea. He is widely regarded as the best central defensive midfielder in the game. He was vital to Antonio Conte’s team which won the premier league. He was also key to France winning the World Cup.

Kante is known for his tackling and his unlimited energy. He is also a fan favorite and is liked by the footballing world for how humble he is.

While I believe that Ramires too has been crucial to Chelsea, Kante is just a better player and hence deserves to be on this list.

Substitutes – Ramires and John Obi Mikel

Attacking Midfielders: Frank Lampard & Michael Essien

When you think of the greatest scoring midfielders to play the game, Frank Lampard comes to mind. When you think of Chelsea’s greatest players Frank Lampard comes to mind. Having him on this list was a no-brainer.

Lampard has been at the heart of the Chelsea midfield since 2001. He led the team as captain to victory in the Champions League Final. Added to that he has three premier leagues to his name. Lampard is also the leading goal scorer for Chelsea.

There is a reason Chelsea fans refer to him as Super Frank.

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Essien joined Chelsea in 2005 and went on to be one of the greatest box to box midfielders in the premier league.

Essien was always very professional and did anything he could to help the team. He was part of three premier league triumphs and was also part of the squad that won the champions league.

His goal against Barcelona in the Champions League Semi Final is one of the greatest volleys ever in Champions League history. He also scored an absolute stunner versus Arsenal. Simply for his energy along with his tenacity he finds his way to this eleven.

Substitutes – Michael ballack and Cesc Fabregas

Wingers: Eden Hazard & Willian

Watching the Belgian Wizard take on players and leave them for dead is truly a magnificent sight. He joined Chelsea after 2012 and has become one of the modern day premier league greats.

He is arguably one of the most talented players to ever play for Chelsea. He has until now(2018) won 2 premier leagues, a Europa league, FA cup, and carling cup. Added to that he has also been named the premier league player of the year.

As a Chelsea fan, it truly is a privilege to watch Eden Hazard play.

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I understand that this choice is not a popular one but I believe that in the last 10 years Willian has been one of Chelsea’s best right wingers. Arjen Robben left before 2008 and so he could not make the list. Juan Mata is not ideally a winger and Oscar too played centrally. Malouda played on the left and Anelka was a striker. That leaves Willian.

Willian has been a loyal servant to Chelsea. He has always stepped up when the rest of the team haven’t. He was Chelsea’s player of the year in the 2015/16 season. I believe that he deserves to find himself on this list.

Substitutes – Malouda and Joe Cole

Striker: Didier Drogba

The king of Stamford bridge had to find himself on this list. Drogba has scored the most important goal in Chelsea history. He scored the header which led the Champions league final to extra time and then scored the penalty that won Chelsea the champions league.

Drogba is one of the best premier league strikers ever. His power and finesse along with his passing is second to none. He was the perfect target man for Chelsea.

He is a true premier league great and is a legend at Chelsea football club.

Substitute – Diego Costa.