Five legends Chelsea never really replaced – how they could do with characters like this now!
A look at five Chelsea legends the club have so far failed to replace as they deal with a nightmare start to the new season, including ex-Arsenal traitor Ashley Cole…
1) Frank Lampard
One of the best midfielders English football has ever seen, Frank Lampard became Chelsea’s top scorer in a great career with the Blues, and the club have nothing like him now. Gone are the days when a tight game could be decided by one moment of magic from Lampard, who regularly scored 20 or more goals every season from midfield.
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2) Ashley Cole
One of the finest full-backs of his generation, Ashley Cole is proving a tough act to follow at Stamford Bridge. The former England left-back had superb ability both defensively and going forward, which few have ever matched.
3) Didier Drogba
One of the Premier League’s great strikers and ultimate big-game players, Didier Drogba was a unique character whose quality and passion inspired Chelsea to new heights. The Ivorian was a major factor in the Blues winning the Champions League in 2012, and he also scored in numerous other finals for the west Londoners.
4) Michael Essien
A powerhouse midfielder, Michael Essien is another who typified Mourinho’s teams with his refusal to lose. Great defensively and going forward, the Ghanian legend bossed many games for the club and is a presence they have yet to truly replace.
5) Claude Makelele
So good he had a position named after him, Claude Makelele is another Chelsea legend who did a job few other can match. No one else protects the back four with quite as much discipline as he did, and although Nemanja Matic is close to replicating the Frenchman’s role, it has proven hard for the Blues to find another Makelele.