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Chelsea are the most successful London club in the modern era. The Blues have gone on to win an astounding amount silverware ever since the Abromovich takeover - continental as well as domestic. Yet, they have so much to show for their glorious blue color even from the era before the takeover that changed everything for the club.
On that note, let's take a look at
The five greatest players to ever play for Chelsea
#5 Peter Osgood
Peter Osgood is probably one of the most revered Chelsea players of all time. Known lovingly as 'Ossie' by the Chelsea faithful, Osgood is remembered for having played in over 380 matches in their blue. He is the fourth highest goalscorer in Chelsea history with 150 goals, each goal better than his last.
A two-time English F.A. Cup winner (once each with Chelsea and Southampton) and a League Cup winner, Osgood remains one of the most celebrated players in the history of Chelsea Football Club.
He has also been honored with a statue outside Stamford Bridge for his contributions to the club.
#4 Gianfranco Zola
A glorious face of change at Chelsea Football Club, Gianfranco Zola is a man who rejuvenated the club.
With over 312 appearances in the blue of London, Zola scored 80 goals across his seven seasons spent at the club. Zola was gifted with an impeccable dribbling ability and an extraordinary vision. Adept at both scoring and creating chances for his team, he will surely go down as one of the most famous Italians to ever play in the English competition.
A two-time English F.A. Cup winner in the 1997 and 2000 seasons, Zola also won an English League Cup trophy in 1998 and a UEFA Supercup in 1997-98.
Zola is a true Chelsea legend of the modern Premier League era.
#3 Didier Drogba
"Didier Drogba, tra lala,
Didier Drogba, traaa lalala,
Didier Drogba, tra lala,
Didier Drogba, traaa lalala.."
A cult hero, a stellar striker, Drogba was probably the best ever that has played for the Blues at Stamford Bridge.
He was signed by the club's most successful manager in their history, Jose Mourinho for an eye-opening £24 million from French side Marseille in 2004. Didier Drogba went on to lead the front line for Chelsea for the next eight years, a period that some consider to be the most successful in their history.
With all the big names in Europe at that time, I said Drogba. ‘Who is he? Where's he playing?' [I said] 'Mr Abramovich—pay. Pay, and don't speak." - Jose Mourinho
Four Premier League wins, a UEFA Champions League win, four F.A. Cup triumphs to his name and three English League Cups marked his two spells at the club.
#2 John Terry
"Double, Double, Double,
John Terry has won the Double,
And the sh*t from the Lane,
Have won f*ck all again,
As John Terry has won the Double..."
An elite captain, a serial winner, and an inspirational figure for the club. John Terry is one of the most decorated players in English football and the only one to lift five Premier League titles during his time at the club.
Someone who had a career that has gone on to define a generation of defenders in the 'Chelsea era' of the Premier League, Terry played in over 717 competitive matches in over 19 years with the club.
#1 Frank Lampard
Frank Lampard, OBE. The greatest Chelsea player of all time. Period.
Lampard played for 13 years at the Bridge, performing miracles after miracles from midfield for Chelsea. With 211 goals for the club, Frank Lampard is the highest goalscorer in the club's history, with all 211 goals as a midfielder.
Lampard is a three-time champion of the English Premier League, winner of the UEFA Champions League, a four-time English F.A. Cup winner and a UEFA Europa League winner. He also won two League Cups to boot.
This is a record not many have been able to replicate. His stature as the greatest ever Chelsea player will take some beating.
