Chelsea's best ever XI ... The team in full 🤩 | OneFootball

With the football on hold at the moment, we’ve been thinking about who gets in Chelsea’s all-time XI.

We are now proud to reveal the team in full …

Goalkeeper – Petr Čech

When considering the all-time great Premier League players, you would be mad not to have Petr Čech involved.

Signed for Chelsea when the Abramovich millions came in and never looked back, making a number of stunning saves, commanding his penalty box and keeping 142 clean sheets – all while suffering a serious skull fracture in between.

Čech made 347 appearances for the Blues during an 11-year stay, winning THIRTEEN major trophies including four Premier League titles, four FA Cup triumphs and a memorable Champions League in 2012.

Right back – Branislav Ivanović

If anyone sums up the post-Abramovich era for Chelsea, it’s Branislav Ivanović.

Having initially struggled following his £10m move from Lokomotiv Moscow, Ivanović quickly became a mainstay under nine different managers for his defensive stability, physicality and ability to contribute in big moments.

The big defender left Stamford Bridge in 2017 with 377 appearances to his name, winning three Premier League titles, three FA Cups and the Champions League.

Centre back – Ron Harris

When talking about Chelsea legends, few are deserving of such status than Ron Harris.

Nicknamed “Chopper” for his aggressive style of play, he was a true leader in defence, winning challenges, heading everything that came into the box and even carrying on through pain barriers.

Harris made a club record 795 appearances for the Blues during his 19-year spell, winning an FA Cup and European Cup Winners’ Cup.

Centre back – John Terry

If anyone could custom-build the perfect, English defender: you might as well just clone the DNA of John Terry.

He was everything you want in your spine. Vocal, commanding, committed, in addition to his supreme reading of the game and underrated quality on both feet.

Academy boy turned Blues captain – Terry spent 19 years at Chelsea and skippered them through their most successful period in history.

Premier League titles, Champions League, FA Cups, PFA Player of their year … he won everything. And did it all playing for his boyhood club.

Left back – Ashley Cole

It’s fair to say that looking back, the £5m + William Gallas they paid Arsenal for Ashley Cole turned out to be a bargain!

Not quite the attacking force many full backs are today, but few could match Cole for his defensive instincts, comfort on the ball and general level of consistency.

Swapping red for blue was not an easy decision, but winning every domestic and European competition available during a hugely successful eight year spell? Worth it.

First midfielder – Michael Essien

Not strictly a defensive midfielder, but we couldn’t have this team without Michael Essien.

Few could match his strength and dominance when in peak condition, while he quickly became a fan favourite thanks to his taste for stunning goals and versatility – after enjoying a short spell at right back.

Injuries unfortunately hampered his progress, but he made 256 appearances for Chelsea across nine seasons, winning two Premier League titles, four FA Cups and a Champions League.

Second midfielder – Frank Lampard

We have finally moved into not only Chelsea royalty, but football royalty with Frank Lampard.

Signed from West Ham in 2001, the fresh-faced midfielder would go on to be the club’s greatest ever midfielder, and their all-time top goalscorer with 211 goals.

Lampard notched up an impressive 517 appearances at Stamford Bridge, and was crucial in winning back-to-back Premier League titles, four FA Cup wins, the Champions League and Europa League.

Third midfielder – Gianfranco Zola

This was an easy choice for us. We love Gianfranco Zola and so should you.

Nicknamed “Magic box” for his daring style of play, Zola graced stadiums across England with flicks, tricks and everything in between that you would only expect in dreams and Playstation games.

Chelsea fans even voted him their best ever player in 2003 (before Frank Lampard truly reached his peak) and since he left, no player has dared to wear the number 25 shirt.

He made 297 appearances for the Blues during a seven-year stay, winning two FA Cup titles and a European Cup Winners’ Cup.

Right winger – Charlie Cooke

Not a name many will know, but Charlie Cooke has earned his podium spot here.

Signed for a club-record £72,000 in 1666, Cooke displaced iconic figure Bert Murray and impressed with his flair, willingness to take players on and more importantly end product.

He became crucial in supplying the likes of Peter Osgood and Alan Hudson during their prolific years in the early 1970s.

Cooke made 373 appearances in eight seasons for the Blues, winning an FA Cup and European Cup Winners’ Cup.

Left winger – Eden Hazard

What should come as a surprise to nobody: Eden Hazard is the best left winger in Chelsea history.

The Blues won the race for his signature in 2012 and never looked back, with Hazard showing incredible skill, ability to beat players and create chances every week.

His goalscoring record has been rightly criticised but having players like him – who strike fear in defences – are invaluable.

The Belgian made 352 appearances for the club across seven seasons, winning two Premier League titles, two Europa League titles and one FA Cup.

Centre forward – Didier Drogba

Chelsea spent a lot of money during the early Roman Abramovich years, but Didier Drogba was truly value for money.

Signed for a club record £24m from Marseille, he was a perfect striker who could bully defences, score with either foot and even bring others into play with underrated link-up play.

The Ivorian was known for performing in big games and arguably his biggest came in 2012 – equalising against Bayern Munich and scoring the winning penalty to secure European glory.

Drogba scored 164 goals in 384 appearances for Chelsea, winning four Premier League titles, four FA cup trophies and a Champions League.