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One of the biggest clubs in world football, Chelsea have employed some of the best players and best coaches in the world.
The takeover by Roman Abramovich in 2003 saw Chelsea become a financially strong club, capable of signing big-money players without much thought. As a result, they have had some big hits but some disappointing flops as well.
The Blues have been led by talented strikers throughout their prestigious history. These strikers have played a crucial role in helping Chelsea become who they are, and have thus become a part of the club's illustrious history.
Without further ado, we look at the:
5 greatest Chelsea strikers of all time
#5 Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink
Good with both feet and renowned for his speed, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink was a prolific goalscorer for Chelsea, especially during his first two seasons at the club.
The Netherlands international was no stranger to the Premier League when he joined Chelsea from Atletico Madrid in 2000 for a fee of £20 million. Hasselbaink had already established himself as a quality goalscorer during his stint with Leeds United and in 1999 won his first Premier League Golden Boot.
At Chelsea, Hasselbaink was at his very best. He made 177 appearances in all competitions for the Blues and scored 87 goals during his four seasons at the club. He won his second Premier League Golden Boot after scoring 23 goals in his first season for Chelsea. He departed Chelsea in 2004, making appearances for Middlesbrough, Charlton Athletic, and Cardiff City before retiring in 2008. The 49-year old is currently the manager of League One side Burton Albion.
#4 Diego Costa
Diego Costa might not have enjoyed a long Chelsea career, but during his three seasons in the Premier League he was one of the best strikers around.
Costa's talent was never in question, and a stunning season for Diego Simeone's Atletico Madrid saw Chelsea pay £34 million in 2014 to acquire him. The Spain international proved to be an entertaining addition to the Premier League. Apart from goalscoring, his aggressive nature often resulted in clashes with opposition players.
Costa won two Premier League titles with Chelsea, and played a key role in both title victories. He made 120 appearances in all competitions for Chelsea, scoring 59 goals. Costa's poor relationship with manager Antonio Conte resulted in him returning to Atletico Madrid in a controversial move in January 2018. However, the 32-year old struggled to get going and is currently a free agent.
Also Read: 10 greatest players to wear the #10 shirt
#3 Gianfranco Zola
While Gianfranco Zola was not an out-and-out striker, his attacking capabilities weaved magic and wowed Chelsea fans.
The Italy international was a star in Serie A, having made appearances for Napoli and Parma. Zola joined Chelsea in 1996 for £5.5 million, and this would prove to be an extremely shrewd acquisition. A creative forward who often played as a second striker, Zola's technical ability, dribbling and passing stood out.
He made 311 appearances in all competitions for Chelsea, scoring 80 goals. With Chelsea, Zola won the FA Cup twice and is seen by Chelsea fans as one of the greatest players to have played for the club. He left Chelsea in 2003, and retired in 2005 after a stint with Cagliari.
#2 Peter Osgood
One of Chelsea's finest, Peter Osgood enjoyed ten glorious years for the Stamford Bridge outfit.
Osgood made his debut for Chelsea in 1964, and immediately made an impact with his performances as a young forward. A consistent goalscorer for the Blues, the England international was a star for Chelsea during his prime, and is remembered fondly by fans.
Osgood made 289 appearances for Chelsea across two spells, scoring 105 goals. He also enjoyed stints with Southampton, Norwich City and Philadelphia Fury, and retired in 1979. There is a statue of Peter Osgood outside Stamford Bridge.
#1 Didier Drogba
Arguably Chelsea's greatest ever player, Didier Drogba played an important role as Chelsea became one of the biggest clubs in the world under the ownership of Roman Abramovich.
The Ivory Coast international joined Chelsea from Marseille in £34.5 million in 2004. The ultimate big-game player, Drogba consistently stepped up for Chelsea during key moments, endearing him to the fans and achieving legendary status at the club.
Drogba made 381 appearances in all competitions for Chelsea across two spells, scoring 164 goals. He won the Premier League four times, as well as the UEFA Champions League in 2012.
Also Read: 5 best midfielders in the Premier League this season (2020/21)
