Best Chelsea Players of the Premier League Era
And here we are, continuing our journey exploring the best Premier League players. After analysing Liverpool’s creme-de-la-creme, we also had a look at Manchester United’s top legends, as well as the top players of Arsenal in the EPL era.
Today is the turn of another Big Six club in the form of Chelsea. Stamford Bridge has been home to numerous exceptional talents since the inception of the Premier League in 1992. These players have not only elevated the club’s status domestically but have also made significant impacts on the international stage.
Here are what we believe are the five best Chelsea players of the Premier League era.
Frank Lampard
Frank Lampard’s tenure at Chelsea from 2001 to 2014 solidified his reputation as one of the most prolific midfielders in football history. Lampard amassed a total of 211 goals across all competitions, making him Chelsea’s all-time leading scorer—a remarkable feat for a midfielder.
His Premier League tally stands at 147 goals, complemented by 102 assists, underscoring his dual threat in both scoring and creating opportunities. Lampard’s vision, late runs into the box, and precise shooting were instrumental in Chelsea securing three Premier League titles (2004–05, 2005–06, 2009–10), four FA Cups, two League Cups, and the coveted UEFA Champions League in 2012.
His individual accolades include being named the FWA Footballer of the Year in 2005 and securing a runner-up position for the Ballon d’Or the same year. Lampard’s consistency and leadership have left an indelible mark on Chelsea’s history.
You can also watch our EPLNews writers debating who was better between Frank Lampard and Liverpool’s Steven Gerrard here.
Gerrard vs Lampard: Who was the better player?
John Terry
Serving as the backbone of Chelsea’s defence, John Terry’s career spanned from 1998 to 2017. As captain, he led the team to five Premier League titles, five FA Cups, three League Cups, and a UEFA Champions League triumph in 2012.
Terry’s defensive prowess, aerial ability, and leadership qualities were pivotal in establishing Chelsea’s reputation for having a formidable defence. He holds the record for the most appearances as captain in the Premier League and is also the highest-scoring defender in the club’s history, with 67 goals. Terry’s commitment and resilience have made him a symbol of loyalty and dedication at Stamford Bridge.
Didier Drogba
Didier Drogba’s two stints at Chelsea (2004–2012 and 2014–2015) were marked by his knack for scoring crucial goals in pivotal matches. The Ivorian striker netted 104 Premier League goals and is renowned for his performances in finals, notably scoring nine goals in nine cup finals, including the equaliser and decisive penalty in the 2012 UEFA Champions League final against Bayern Munich.
Drogba’s physicality, aerial dominance, and clinical finishing made him a constant threat to defences. His contributions were vital in Chelsea’s four Premier League titles, four FA Cups, and three League Cups during his tenure. Drogba’s legacy is further cemented by his recognition as Chelsea’s Player of the Year and inclusion in the club’s list of 100 greatest players.
Petr Čech
Between 2004 and 2015, Petr Čech guarded Chelsea’s goal with exceptional skill and composure. The Czech goalkeeper holds the club record for the most clean sheets, with 228 in 494 appearances.
His inaugural season saw him set a Premier League record by conceding only 15 goals, a testament to his shot-stopping abilities and command of the penalty area. Čech’s heroics were crucial in Chelsea’s domestic and European successes, including the 2012 UEFA Champions League victory, where he saved crucial penalties during the match and the shootout.
Individually, Čech was awarded the Premier League Golden Glove four times and was named UEFA’s Best Goalkeeper on three occasions. His consistency and professionalism have made him one of the most respected goalkeepers in football history.
Eden Hazard
Eden Hazard’s spell at Chelsea from 2012 to 2019 was characterised by his dazzling dribbling, creativity, and goal-scoring prowess. The Belgian winger scored 85 Premier League goals and provided numerous assists, playing a central role in Chelsea’s two Premier League titles in 2014–15 and 2016–17.
Hazard’s ability to change the course of a game with his individual brilliance earned him the PFA Players’ Player of the Year award in 2015 and the FWA Footballer of the Year in 2015. His memorable solo efforts and consistency in high-pressure situations have endeared him to Chelsea fans worldwide. Hazard’s flair and technical excellence have left a lasting impression on the Premier League.
Conclusion
These five players have not only contributed to Chelsea’s trophy-laden years but have also set high standards of excellence and professionalism. Their legacies continue to inspire future generations and have firmly established Chelsea as a powerhouse in English and European football.