Chelsea Best XI of All Time: Legends Who Made the Cut
With the international break upon us, it’s the perfect time to dive into Chelsea’s all-time greatest starting lineup. Here’s the ultimate Chelsea XI, featuring the club’s most legendary players from various eras, all in a 4-2-3-1 formation.
Chelsea’s Best Ever Starting XI (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper: Petr Čech
Undoubtedly Chelsea’s best-ever goalkeeper, Čech played 494 games, winning 13 major trophies, including the UEFA Champions League in 2012.
Right-Back: César Azpilicueta (“Dave”)
Azpilicueta made over 500 appearances, winning multiple trophies, including the UEFA Champions League in the 2020/21 season, solidifying his place as one of Chelsea’s greatest leaders.
Center-Back: John Terry (Captain)
A club legend with 717 appearances, Terry is Chelsea’s most decorated captain, having won every major trophy during his time at Stamford Bridge.
Center-Back: Ron Harris
With a record 795 appearances over 19 years, Harris remains a true Chelsea legend and a symbol of consistency in the club’s defense.
Left-Back: Ashley Cole
Regarded as the best left-back in Premier League history, Cole won every major domestic competition during his time at Chelsea.
Right Midfielder: Frank Lampard
Chelsea’s top scorer with 211 goals, Lampard played a key role in securing multiple Premier League titles and European trophies.
Left Midfielder: N’Golo Kanté
Kanté’s incredible work rate and defensive abilities have been instrumental in Chelsea’s success since his arrival, making him a pivotal figure in the team.
Attacking Midfielder: Cole Palmer
Despite being a recent addition, Palmer has already made a significant impact, providing creativity, goals, and hope for Chelsea fans during a transitional period.
Right Winger: Gianfranco Zola
With 120 goal contributions in 312 games, Zola remains one of Chelsea’s most iconic players, known for his skill and creativity on the pitch.
Left Winger: Eden Hazard
Hazard’s magical seven-year spell at Chelsea saw him deliver consistent performances, often being compared to the likes of Messi and Ronaldo.
Striker: Didier Drogba
Known for his clutch performances in big games, Drogba’s 10 goals in 10 finals and his heroics in the 2012 Champions League final secured his legacy as a Chelsea legend.
Honorable Mentions
Players like Thibaut Courtois, Gary Cahill, Branislav Ivanovic, Michael Essien, Claude Makélélé, and Diego Costa deserve recognition for their exceptional contributions to the club.
This lineup represents the best of Chelsea’s illustrious history, showcasing the legends who have brought glory to Stamford Bridge. Imagine the unstoppable force they could have been if they all played together in their prime!
Chelsea Best XI of All Time: Legends Who Made the Cut