Chelsea have had plenty of fantastic players over the years, with some countries in particular providing multiple gems.
Italy, for example, gave us Gianfranco Zola, Gianluca Vialli, Roberto Di Matteo, and of course, Antonio Conte. England delivered Frank Lampard, John Terry, Ashley Cole, and the rest.
Few places on planet Earth, however, have provided us with as many quality players as the continent of Africa. We’ve narrowed it down to five.
Celestine Babayaro
Babayaro spent eight years in West London, making well over 100 Premier League appearances and becoming a favourite with the Blues faithful. His versatility was invaluable and it’s for that reason that he’s in the top five.
Salomon Kalou
This one may surprise you, Kalou was often frustrating, but only because of how good he could be when on song. He is one of the most prolific substitutes in Premier League history, and secured a cult-hero status during his time at the Bridge.
John Obi Mikel
Not a fashionable player, but a reliable and trustworthy one. Mikel was always ready and waiting when required, and although he never scaled the lofty heights he was once expected to, he still firmly etched his name into the club’s hall of fame.
Michael Essien
If not for his injury struggles, we may be sitting here describing Essien has one of the best midfielders in Premier League history. Unbelievable power, classy distribution and a rocket of a right-foot – what a player.
Didier Drogba
Arguably the greatest player ever to pull on a Chelsea shirt. Forever immortalised by THAT header and THAT penalty in Munich. There was no more worthy candidate for the number one spot.
Honourable mentions: George Weah, Victor Moses, Samuel Eto’o, Geremi, Papy Djilobodji.
