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. This article outlines the players that without them Chelsea wouldn’t be able to compete.
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, showing technically sound style and a great amount of skill. Always a danger at set pieces and never afraid to lead by example, you could not find a better player to captain your club and country.
2. ASHLEY COLE (England, Left back)
He may be booed roundly by Arsenal fans every time he lines up against the Gunners, but despite their bile, Ashley Cole is still, arguably, the best left back in world soccer. His form and confidence has not been consistently great, 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. noone else managers to keep players like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo quite during games. That’s no fluke, not many other left backs could do the job.
3. MIKAEL ESSIEN (Ghana, Central midfielder)
Essien’s injury last season showed how sorely he could be missed,even in a team filled with a world class midfield. Essien balances the team perfectly. With first class defensive skill and a high work rate not to mention a great intelligence for the game. He gets forward well and packs a powerful shot from distance. At today’s prices the 24.4 million pounds that it cost to buy him looks like a bargin.
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. His willingness to join the attack along with his ability to link with other players in the team make him dangerous up the front.
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 authentic Chelsea soccer jersey makes all goalkeepers fear the upcoming game. He may argue with officials and opposing players and fall over at the slightest touch but at times he can be 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 skill may give Chelsea what they need to end Manchester United’s recent dominance of the Premier League.
Five world class stars to make up just under half of a world class team.
