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Chelsea were one of the most successful clubs last decade and have begun this one with a bang by winning the Champions League.
The Blues have never lacked star quality. Owner Roman Abramovich has spent heavily to ensure that Chelsea compete for the top spots on a regular basis. As a result, the Stamford Bridge outfit have fielded some of the best players in the world, especially in the last decade.
Chelsea do not do things in a conventional manner, but they have seemingly figured out what works for them. That means constantly letting go of their managers and players and getting new ones in. However, there are some players who formed the bedrock of Chelsea's success in the last decade.
On that note, let's take a look at five such Chelsea players.
#5 Cesc Fabregas
One of the best midfielders in the world during his prime, Cesc Fabregas proved to be a stellar signing by Chelsea.
Having made more than 300 appearances for Arsenal in all competitions before joining Barcelona in 2011, Fabregas was no stranger to the Premier League. The Spain international joined Chelsea in 2014 for nearly £30 million and impressed as a deep-lying playmaker.
As expected from someone schooled at La Masia, Fabregas, in his prime, was a highly technical, creative midfielder. Having been utilised in more advanced roles during his time with Arsenal and Barcelona, the 34-year-old dictated play from midfield for Chelsea through his excellent passing.
Fabregas made 198 appearances in all competitions for the Blues, scoring 22 goals and providing 57 assists. He won two Premier League titles with Chelsea, and currently plays for AS Monaco.
#4 John Terry
One of the greatest players in Chelsea's history, John Terry spent much of his playing career with the Blues.
A product of the Chelsea academy, Terry made his debut for the club in 1998, and made 713 appearances in all competitions for the club, scoring an astounding 67 goals. Regarded as the best centre-back in the world during his peak, Terry was well known for his leadership and captained Chelsea for a considerable period of time.
Terry was a dominant force for Chelsea last decade as well. When Chelsea won the 2014-15 Premier League, the England international featured in every league game that season.
Terry left the club in 2017 for Aston Villa and retired a season later. The 40-year old is currently the assistant head coach of Aston Villa.
Also Read: Fabrizio Romano's Transfer Roundup: Update on Manchester United's transfer plans, Barca's plan for Antoine Griezmann, and more.
#3 Cesar Azpilicueta
The current captain of Chelsea, Cesar Azpilicueta, is the embodiment of consistency and determination.
Azpilicueta may not be the most talented player in Europe, but few can match his hard work. The Spain international made his name at Marseille, where his performances earned him a move to Chelsea in a nearly £8-million move.
Capable of playing as a right-back, left-back and as a centre-back in a three-man defence, Azpilicueta has been a consistent feature in the Chelsea first XI since joining the club in 2012. He has made 429 appearances in all competitions for the club and has won two Premier Leagues and one Champions League title.
#2 N'Golo Kante
One of the best midfielders in the game at the moment, N'Golo Kante is a universally liked player and can seemingly do no wrong.
After winning the Premier League with Leicester City in 2016, Kante joined Chelsea that year in a £32-million move. That proved to be a smart piece of business by the Blues, as Kante helped Chelsea win a Premier League title in his debut season and has been phenomenal for the club since then.
A dynamic, energetic midfielder with strong defensive acumen, Kante endured a subdued 2019-20 season. That led many to believe that the 30-year-old was declining. However, last season, he was back to his very best, and his performances in the Champions League, which Chelsea won, were widely applauded.
#1 Eden Hazard
One of the best players in the world during his time with the Blues, Eden Hazard is one of the finest to have featured for Chelsea.
A prodigious talent, Hazard turned down many top clubs to join Chelsea from Lille in 2012 for £31.5 million. Over the next seven seasons, Hazard dazzled fans and foes alike with his world-class dribbling, creative ability and quality in the final third.
The Belgium international made 352 appearances in all competitions for Chelsea, scoring 110 goals and providing 92 assists. Hazard, regarded by many as one of the Premier League's best-ever players, joined Real Madrid in 2019 for £103.5 million.
However, the 30-year-old has struggled with injuries and has made limited appearances for Los Blancos so far.
Also Read: 5 best Chelsea signings in the last decade.
