Chelsea opinion: Five of the Blues’ best signings in the last decade
Roman Abramovich’s take over in 2003 changed Chelsea into the club we know today. Not to mention, they are the last English side to win the Champions League, when they did it in 2012.
Times are changing and with it, Chelsea have adapted well, adding a combination of world-class and youth prospects to help them to the five league titles. This season, the club broke the record for the most expensive goalkeeper when they splashed the cash on Kepa Arrizabalaga (Sky Sports).
That being said, here are the Blues’ five best signings of the last decade.
Willian
Amongst Chelsea’s best players this season, the Brazilian has produced 20 goals so far and if he keeps his form, Willian would be on par to outdo his career best. A speedy attacker when he arrived, Willian lacked consistency.
But with time and a lot of Premier League game time, the 30-year-old has become a crucial star in the Blues’ team-sheet, thanks to a wide range of skills. Equally creative and lethal, the Brazilian has produced 103 goals in 282 appearances so far, making him worthy of the money that was spent.
Gary Cahill
Chelsea’s man Friday, the 33-year-old was signed in the 2011/12 season and has gone on to make 290 appearances. This includes 190 in the Premier League alone, but more importantly, it shows how important the Englishman has been.
A solid defender on his day, Cahill had the best of both worlds, possessing a perfect combination of strength and speed. It was always on show for Chelsea and as time passed, the Englishman simply got better and better.
Nemanja Matic
He joined Chelsea in 2009, left the club in 2011 and returned in 2013 after a brilliant spell at Benifca. Since then however, Matic was incredible in central midfield, proving to be the no-nonsense destroyer that they needed before his departure to Manchester United.
However, between 2013 and 2017, Matic went on to make over 150 appearances, won three Premier League titles, one FA Cup and one EFL Trophy.
Cesar Azpilicueta
He arrived from Marseille for a mere £7million (BBC), which has proven to be an absolute bargain for the Blues, given just how much of an impact he has made.
A versatile defender, Azpilicueta has played across the back-four for Chelsea, making a massive impact under former manager Antonio Conte.
The Italian shifted Azpilicueta to central defence and he flourished during the 2016/17 season, continuing his form into the next season. It earned him two Premier League titles, one FA Cup and one EFL Cup to his name. His stunning performances in the Europa League helped the Blues win the title.
Eden Hazard
A bonafide Chelsea legend, the 28-year-old has been brilliant since the moment he arrived from LOSC Lille for £32m. Not to mention, when he is on
He’s had his ups and downs but this season, the Belgian has hit another level under Maurizio Sarri and has already hit his career best for assists. With less than two months left for the season, Hazard will no doubt outdo his career best.