When you have a squad that is so packed with talented individuals, it seems churlish to even suggest that there are around four or five players who generally make the team tick. Without these players Chelsea just wouldn’t be on the same level.
1. JOHN TERRY (England, Central defender)
Terry sets the benchmark with which the other players adhere to, captaining both club and country. A tough, uncompromising and brave defender, what often gets lost in the plaudits given to Terry is that he is a very technically sound defender. Not afraid to lead by example and always managers to be a danger for teams set pieces, John Terry is the perfect choice to captain Chelsea and England.
2. ASHLEY COLE (England, Left back)
He may be booed roundly by Arsenal fans every time he lines up against the Gunners, although he is still considered by many to be the best left back in the soccer world. Certainly he has struggled for form and confidence at times, but at his best his marauding runs down the left and quality balls into the box are only matched by his ability to shut down some of the world’s best players. In games against him the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have been kept relatively quiet. That’s no fluke, that is because Ashley Cole is a world class left back.
3. MIKAEL ESSIEN (Ghana, Central midfielder)
Last seasons injury made all Chelsea fans realise how important a role Mikael Essien played,despite the team being filled with outstanding midfielders. Essien gives the midfield wonderful balance. He is a technically gifted soccer player with a great work rate and defensive skill. He gets forward well and packs a powerful shot from distance. The 24.4 million pounds Chelsea paid to land the midfielder from Lyon in the summer of 2005 looks to be a bargain at today’s prices.
4. FRANK LAMPARD (England, Central Midfielder)
Who wouldn’t want a player like Lampard in the midifled scoring handfuls of goals. This season he has been deployed in a slightly deeper role under Carlo Ancelotti and the result has been a marked return to form for the midfielder and the goals are once again going in. Frank Lampard is a vital source of attacking strength due to his accurate shooting and ability to link play with his strikers.
5. DIDIER DROGBA (Ivory Coast, Attacker)
It is hard to dispute the claim that Didier Drogba is the best striker in the world at the moment. Didier Drogba wearing the new Chelsea soccer jersey makes all defenders fear the upcoming game. The big striker may have his critics, who lambaste his theatrics when he falls over when tackled, or who bristle at his continual insistence to argue with officials and opposition players, but on his day the Ivorian striker is unstoppable. His presence, goals and power are a key element of Carlo Ancelotti’s Chelsea and at times this season, he has carried the team on his back. His form is vital for Chelsea if they are to end Manchester United’s dominance of the Premier league.
Five world class stars to make up just under half of a world class team. Click Here for the latest Chelsea Merchandise.
