Best Chelsea XI: Premier Era

Crafting the "best ever" Chelsea team from the Premier League era involves a blend of historical impact, individual skill, and contributions to the club's success. It's essential to consider players who not only excelled in their positions but also made significant contributions to Chelsea's achievements in the Premier League. Here's a lineup that could be considered among the best:

Goalkeeper: Petr Čech - Arguably one of the finest goalkeepers in Premier League history, Čech was instrumental in Chelsea's domestic and European successes during his time at the club.
Right-Back: César Azpilicueta - A versatile defender, Azpilicueta has been consistently excellent, displaying leadership and adaptability in various defensive roles.
Centre-Back: John Terry - A Chelsea legend and one of the best defenders in Premier League history, Terry's leadership and defensive prowess are undisputed.
Centre-Back: Ricardo Carvalho - Formed a formidable partnership with Terry; Carvalho combined intelligence with physicality, contributing significantly to Chelsea's defensive strength.
Left-Back: Ashley Cole - Widely regarded as one of the best left-backs of his generation, Cole was known for his defensive solidity and ability to contribute to the attack.
Central Midfield: Frank Lampard - Chelsea's all-time leading scorer, Lampard was not only a prolific midfielder but also a key player in the club's most successful period.
Central Midfield: N'Golo Kanté - An integral part of Chelsea's recent success, Kanté's work rate and ability to win back possession have been crucial.
Right Wing: Arjen Robben - Although his time at Chelsea was relatively short, Robben's impact was significant, offering pace, skill, and an attacking threat.
Left Wing: Eden Hazard - One of the most talented players to have graced the Premier League, Hazard was known for his dribbling, creativity, and ability to change games.
Striker: Didier Drogba - A big-game player, Drogba was not only a prolific scorer but also had a crucial role in many of Chelsea's most memorable moments.
Striker: Gianfranco Zola - Though he played just a few seasons in the Premier League era, Zola's skill, creativity, and influence were profound, endearing him to Chelsea fans.

Substitutes could include players like Claude Makélélé, Marcel Desailly, and Ruud Gullit, who also made significant contributions to the club.

This lineup combines defensive solidity, midfield creativity, and attacking prowess, representing some of the finest talents to have played for Chelsea in the Premier League era. Each player not only excelled individually but also contributed to the team's collective success, making them stand out in the club's Premier League history.