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Right-back: Branislav Ivanovic
The right-back found it difficult to settle in when he joined Chelsea in January 2008. Notably, he did not make a single appearance for the Blues' first team throughout that season. The Serbian star eventually got his opportunity in the first team but often stayed on the bench.
When Bosingwa - Chelsea's first-team right-back - picked up a season-ending injury, the Blues were forced to call on Ivanovic's services, and the Serbian impressed. He played so well at both right-back and center-back that he was nominated for the Chelsea Player of the Year award in 2011. From that point, the rest was history.
He would go on to win the Europa League (where he scored the winning goal), three Premier League titles and FA Cups apiece, one League Cup, and one Champions League trophy. After initially struggling to find a spot on the bench, Ivanovic became the second-highest goal-scoring defender in Chelsea's history.
Center-back: John Terry
John Terry was one of Chelsea's biggest ever stars, and perhaps the most legendary player to carry the armband at Stamford Bridge. Starting his professional career at the club, Terry quickly rose to become one of the most important figures at the heart of Chelsea's success in the last 20 years.
Having played nearly his entire career at Chelsea, Terry has been rightfully dubbed Mr. Chelsea, having spent 22 years at the club since coming through the academy. Officially holding the record for the Blues' highest goal-scoring defender, the former England international remains the most decorated Chelsea player in history.
There is hardly a better CV than five Premier League titles, five FA Cups, three League Cups, alongside a Champions League title and a Europa League crown. Terry did it all, and while he drew a lot of controversy off the pitch, his capacity as a defender and leader of the team was unquestionable.
Center-back: Ricardo Carvalho
Not as towering as other defenders, Ricardo Carvalho was popular for his speed, foresight, and ability to get into tackles efficiently. This notably made him an amazing partner for John Terry, who had strength and physique but not pace. In fact, the former Portuguese international's defensive partnership on the pitch with John Terry is perhaps one of the most effective in Premier League history.
Ricardo Carvalho joined Chelsea as one of Abramovich's early forays into the transfer market, and the star came with Jose Mourinho from Porto where the duo had just won the Champions League. Carvalho, already used to Mourinho's tactical instructions, adapted quickly and helped Chelsea to back-to-back Premier League titles.
In the six years he spent at the club, Carvalho was a rock at the heart of the Blues' defense, ensuring their survival in important games and guiding them to five major trophies. Carvalho is considered one of the best central defenders in the history of the Premier League, not just Chelsea.
Left-back: Ashley Cole
With little doubt, Ashley Cole is perhaps the best left-back in the history of the Premier League. For someone who was an Arsenal great and a strong contender in Arsenal's all-time XI, it is quite unexpected to have him feature here as well. Yet, Cole exceeded all expectations at Chelsea and there is hardly a better left-back, even today.
After picking up two Premier League titles and two FA Cups with Arsenal, the former England international controversially left for Stamford Bridge, but his decision to leave was justified. With the Blues, Cole won the Premier League, the Champions League, the Europa League, a League Cup and four FA Cups.
While he loved to influence the game in the final third, Cole's defensive work rate improved dramatically at Chelsea. With his high fitness levels and determination, Cole was a vibrant force to be reckoned with on Chelsea's left-wing. Today, the former LA Galaxy star is still a part of the Blues, working as an academy coach at the Cobham Training Center.
Defensive midfield: Claude Makelele
Yes, the former France international was such a brilliant defensive midfielder that the role was named after him! After a difficult decision to hand in his transfer request, Claude Makelele joined Chelsea from Real Madrid during Abramovich's early tenure at the club's helm, and he was immediately instrumental in Chelsea's success.
While he was underappreciated and undervalued at Real Madrid, Makelele was highly praised at Chelsea. He was efficient in linking up the defense and the midfield while playing as a deep-lying playmaker, but it was his tactical understanding and spatial awareness that showcased his brilliance at Stamford Bridge. Makelele excelled defensively and his ability to recycle possession so efficiently made him a highly important player for the club.
Makelele offered stability to Chelsea's defense, allowing the attacking players of the team to run rampant in the final third. To add to his success, he won five major trophies during his five years at the club and is currently a mentor at Stamford Bridge.
