Chelsea certainly have had some mega stars at the Bridge over the years.
Since Roman Abramovich’s 2003 takeover, cash has been aplenty in West London, with the Blues on more than one occasions breaking the Premier League transfer record.
It would be more than fair to say that the Russian’s money has not always been well spent – notable examples being Fernando Torres and Andriy Shevchenko, who costing a whopping £80m between them, failed to reproduce any kind of form for the Blues.
More of the club’s big money flops include £24m Shaun Wright-Phillips, £18m Hernan Crespo and £16m Juan Sebastian Veron – and that is to only name a few.
Now, while these wallet emptying wannabes may have stolen the headlines over the years for their failure to deliver, somewhere in the well over £1 billion spent during the Premier League era are some real hidden gems and money definitely well spent.
Our landlord at the Transfer Tavern has put his head together with the local Blues fans to put together the clubs most under-appreciated XI ever in the Premier League
GK – Petr Cech
It may be a surprise to consider Cech ‘under-appreciated’ as Chelsea fans know full well just how key of a man he was to the club during his 11 year tenure.
However, the manner in which the Blues let him slip away to growing ever bitter rivals Arsenal when pastures looked slightly greener was a rash and unwise move.
RB – Paulo Ferreira
Following Jose Mourinho from Champions League winning FC Porto was both Ricardo Carvalho and Paulo Ferreira.
While the former has gone down as a club legend, his quiet Portuguese counterpart went about his business silently and inoffensively, not receiving the accolades his performances warranted.
Clean, clinical and reliable, Ferreira was key to Chelsea’s excellent defensive record under Chelsea.
CB – William Gallas
Frenchman Gallas was much a goal threat as he was a quality defender – scoring 14 goals in total for the Blues between 2001-2006, and went on to add 20 more with Arsenal and Tottenham later into his career.
He served admirably was Ricardo Carvalho’s side-kick in the Chelsea side that won back-to-back Premier League titles under Jose Mourinho.
CB – Marcel Desailly
‘The Rock’, as he was known – and not the ‘can you smell what he is cooking’ kind – Desailly was a true Stamford Bridge great.
The Ghanian born defender was outstanding during his time at the Blues, but may not collect the recognition he deserved having won only one major trophy in his 6 year spell at the club.
LB – Ryan Bertrand
The un-sung hero of Chelsea and Roberto Di Matteo’s 2012 Champions League Triumph, Bertrand made his debut in the final against Bayern Munich at left-midfield but spent the majority of his time tracking back and keeping Arjen Robben in his pocket.
A virtuoso display from an upcoming young star who was never given the chance he deserved.
Later, he would develop into one of the most reliable full-backs in the Premier League.
RM – Victor Moses
Another youngster who was arguably failed by the club.
During his first season with the Blues having signed from Wigan Athletic – Moses bagged 10 goals and made 43 appearances under Rafael Benitez and guided Chelsea to a Europa League title.
That was two goals short of Oscar’s tally and 3 of Eden Hazard’s, but it still wasn’t enough to stop hi, becoming an eternal loan-player.
CM – Michael Ballack
Is Michael Ballack the best free transfer in the history of the Premier League? The big German midfielder would certainly stake his claim, as he had four trophy-full seasons including two Premier League titles at Stamford Bridge, scoring 25 goals in midfield and generally looking a different class in the middle of the park throughout.
Good business, Roman.
CM – Dennis Wise
This is stretching back my memory for when I was first a Blue’s fan, but Wise was the lynchpin in in inaugural Chelsea Premier League side.
Wise’s tough-tackling, no-nonsense and combative midfield play saw him score 76 goals in 445 appearances for the Blue’s, a quite astonishing goal return for a defensive minded player.
Just don’t bring up his role as director of football at Newcastle United.
LM – Salomon Kalou
Yes, Kalou may not have totally lived up to his potential at Stamford Bridge, but he certainly didn’ wholly disappoint.
Considered a flop by many, it is easy to forget his 60 goals and 40 assists for the Blues. Kalou – naturally a striker – was often used as winger or even an attacking midfielder, and provided speed and power going forward from either of the positions he played.
ST – Eidur Gudjohnsen
37 and still at it for both club and country, Gudjohnsen has had a terrific career, playing for a total of 15 different clubs including of course Chelsea, Bolton Wanderers and Barcelona.
A unique footballing brain, the Icelandic international always seemed one step ahead of the game, had terrific vision and of course an eye for goal.
Chelsea’s answer to Dennis Bergkamp.
Also part of the Iceland side that infamously toppled England.
ST – Demba Ba
Ba has to be one of the most natural finishers I have seen grace the Premier League in a while.
The Senegal international has scored goals wherever he has been – and in abundance too.
Currently the top scorer in the Chinese Super League, he has a goal to game ratio of one every other 90 mins in a career that has stretched over 320 games in 6 different countries.
Ba was never given the chance to lead the line at Chelsea, but rest assured he would have done so brilliantly if he was allowed to.
