In December, Roman Abramovich effectively wiped out Chelsea’s mammoth debt with one swoop of his gold-plated Parker fountain pen. The sum, a mere £340M, enabled the club to move into solvency in less time than it takes to say “Ocean Finance”.

The arrival of the Russian Rockefeller has transformed Chelsea into one of the world’s footballing super-powers, and a once-dusty trophy cabinet has had to have a few new shelves fitted in recent years. It’s surely only a matter of time before the Champions League makes its way to London.

Over the last few years, to say Chelsea have been active in the transfer market is a little like saying Amy Winehouse enjoys the occasional party. But, of all the players that have come through Stamford Bridge’s revolving doors, which ones have been the best?

1. Didier Drogba

From: Olympique Marseille
Date: July 2004
Fee: £24M

Commonly regarded, along with Fernando Torres, as the most feared striker in the Premier League, Drogba has evolved into the perfect centre forward. He’s strong, skilful and is equally as likely to score from inside or outside the box.

Though the Ivory Coast hit-man continues to be a controversial character, it shouldn’t distract from his abilities. Ask any defender how best to play him, and they’ll probably answer with a quizzical look and a shrug of the shoulders.

Despite the fact that Drogba still continues to stay on his feet like a baby giraffe on a frozen lake, he remains not only a great goal-scorer, but a scorer of great goals.

2. Michael Essien

From: Olympique Lyonnais
Date: August 2005
Fee: £24.4M

Originally thought to be a midfield enforcer in a similar mould to Patrick Vieira, Essien has proved to be an immensely effective and highly-rated lynch-pin of the side. A tough and tenacious tackler, The Blues are usually not the same team without him.

The Ghanaian, blessed with a better engine than a Volkswagen Golf, is a box-to-box specialist, equally adept at breaking up opposition attacks as he is at beginning a foray into enemy territory.

3. Petr Cech

From: Rennes
Date: July 2004
Fee: £7.1M

Although his abilities have been questioned in recent months, Cech remains one of the world’s best goalkeepers. His first couple of seasons at the Bridge were almost Schmeichel-like in their brilliance, and his performances saved Chelsea on several occasions.

When under swirling crosses, he can occasionally take on the air of a hamster under hypnosis, but the fact remains that he’s a wonderful shot-stopper. Quick off his line and unquestionably brave, Cech has been a superb signing for the club.


4. Claude Makelele

From: Real Madrid
Date: August 2003
Fee: £16M

The Zaire-born French international scored only two goals during his time at Chelsea, but that was never really his game, anyway. Makalele was a world-class defensive midfielder, who helped turn the side into a mean machine.

He rarely ventured too far forward in matches, preferring instead to hang back and pounce on any opposition counter-attacks. Tough in the tackle and an excellent passer, only a lack of pace prevented from being one of the world’s very best.

5. Nicolas Anelka

From: Bolton Wanderers
Date: January 2008
Fee: £15M

When Avram Grant brought Anelka from the land of pints of mild to the land of white wine spritzers, eyebrows, but not expectations, were raised. Although his start wasn’t promising, he’s since gone on to forge a more than sharp partnership with Didier Drogba.

6. Joe Cole

From: West Ham United
Date: August 2003
Fee: £6.6M

The Upton Park wunderkind has given Chelsea a cavalier touch and some truly memorable performances over the years. Highly-skilled and highly popular, he’s turned many a game with his extravagant skills.

7. Arjen Robben

From: PSV Eindhoven
Date: July 2004
Fee: £12M

The Dutch wide-boy gave the club some much-needed pace when he arrived, and his turn of speed down the flanks left many a classy full-back in his wake. He was also a truly unusual Stamford Bridge phenomenon; when he left, he actually made the club a profit.



8. Ricardo Carvalho

From: FC Porto
Date: July 2004
Fee: £19.85M

One of the unusual aspects of the Chelsea spend-fest is the lack of a perfect centre-back partner for John Terry. Carvalho has been utilised more than most, although several managers have tried, and failed, to find the right man. The Portuguese stopper, tough and uncompromising, may not have been a bargain, but he’s played well over 100 games for the club now.

9. Ashley Cole

From: Arsenal
Date: August 2006
Fee: £5M plus William Gallas

A more than controversial signing, the England left-back began his Chelsea career with a series of performances that can only be described as ordinary. In the last couple of seasons, however, he’s getting back to his best form. Quick and with an eye for the overlap, he remains an England regular.

10. Michael Ballack

From: Bayern Munich
Date: May 2006
Fee: Absolutely nothing, nada, zilch.

The Blues have paid huge amounts for several players that really didn’t work, such as Juan Sebastian Veron Mateja Kezman,, Andriy Shevchenko and Khalid Boulahrouz, so it’s refreshing to know that Ballack, one of the world’s best midfielders at the time, was a free transfer.

He’s strong and creative, no mean free-kick specialist, and continues, even at 33, to wield an influence at the club.

 


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