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Top 5 Players to Wear No.10 at Chelsea

Eden Hazard at Chelsea
"Eden Hazard, Chelsea FC" by Ben Sutherland is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
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Let’s check out the best players to have ever worn Chelsea’s No.10 jersey.

Chelsea has a rich history of talented players who have donned the prestigious No.10 shirt. The root of the jersey’s legendary status dates back to decades before Roman Abramovich’s takeover in 2003.

In this article, we’ll delve into the top five Chelsea No.10s of all time, highlighting their impact and achievements at the club.

5- Juan Mata

Juan Mata, who spent two and a half years at Chelsea, undoubtedly earned his place as one of the club’s greatest ever midfielders. As the club’s Player of the Year in both the 2011/12 and 2012/13 campaigns, Mata’s importance to the side was undeniable. His creativity was essential for an aging Chelsea team, especially during the historic Champions League-winning night in Munich. Despite missing a penalty in the final, Mata’s contributions to the team should never be overlooked. His time at Chelsea was cut short by Oscar’s arrival, but the reception he receives whenever he returns to Stamford Bridge speaks volumes about his impact on the club and its fans.

4- Joe Cole

Often regarded as one of the most gifted English footballers of the last two decades, Joe Cole’s time at Chelsea was a treat to watch. Signed during the early days of the Roman Abramovich revolution, Cole was the No.10 for seven seasons, helping Chelsea to three Premier League titles, two FA Cups, and a League Cup. With flair, creativity, vision, and confidence, Cole won the club’s Player of the Year award in the 2007/08 season. Watching him on the pitch was truly a joy, and his 281 appearances for the Blues showcased his immense talent.

3- Ian Hutchinson

Stepping further back into Chelsea’s history, we find Ian Hutchinson, who wore the number 10 shirt during one of the most iconic FA Cup finals in 1970. Hutchinson played a pivotal role in the final, scoring a late equalizer at Wembley to force a replay, which Chelsea ultimately won 2-1 after extra time. His contributions secured Chelsea’s first FA Cup trophy, etching his name in the club’s folklore forever.

2- Marc Hughes

Legendary Welsh forward Marc Hughes arrived at Chelsea in 1995 from Manchester United, and though his prime years may have been behind him, he left an indelible mark at Stamford Bridge. Hughes delivered a match-winning performance in the 1997 FA Cup semi-final against Wimbledon and scored the crucial goal against Vicenza in the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup semi-final, propelling Chelsea to victory. During his three-year tenure, he won the FA Cup, League Cup, and the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup, earning Chelsea’s 1996/97 Player of the Year award.

1- Eden Hazard

The finest Chelsea No.10 of the Premier League era, Eden Hazard, mesmerized fans during his seven-year spell at Stamford Bridge. Arriving in 2012 as one of Europe’s most promising players, Hazard’s speed, skill, and showmanship tormented opposition defenders. His time with Chelsea yielded two Premier League titles, among other major honours. Hazard’s brilliance was duly recognized with numerous individual accolades, including being named PFA Player of the Year and FWA Footballer of the Year. His style, close control, and bursts of acceleration made him a firm fan favourite, and his impact on the club’s history will be remembered for generations to come.

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