Jersey numbers are an important part of football, icons have blazed their trails all while adorned by a familiar number on their back. While kit numbers used to jump around, they have since settled down, which in some cases leads to a who’s who having a claim to a single digit. For some clubs steeped in history, they won’t have had just one notable player wearing a particular number, which is why in this, we’ll be looking at the best Chelsea players to ever wear the number 11 jersey.
Best Chelsea Players to Wear the Number 11 Jersey of All Time
Dennis Wise
Joining the Blues in 1990, Dennis Wise went on to become a key part of their midfield for the entire decade as the team rose to prominence and became winners. The steely midfielder had some formidable central midfield partnerships including one with Vinnie Jones and even captained the side.
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The Englishman made 440 appearances for the side, scoring 73 times and setting up 47. He most notably led them to two FA Cup wins, a European Cup Winners’ Cup and UEFA Cuper Cup success.
Damian Duff
Damian Duff came along in the chaotic transition period under Roman Abramovich where the shift from Claudio Ranieri to Jose Mourinho, coupled with the constant buying of players saw people like Duff shifted around to new positions or unfairly benched. Duff didn’t let that deter him and fought his way back into the eleven that won back-to-back league titles.
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Not only was Duff a capable winner who fought his way into the team but he was a creative spark, providing 30 assists in 125 appearances for the club.
Pedro
One of the most underrated signings of the 2010s Pedro joined as a Barcelona academy graduate who made over 300 appearances for the Blaugrana. His move to the Blues saw him get more of a focus in what would go on to be a fruitful stint in England.
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The winger scored some key goals in his 206 games, capturing the Premier League, Europa League, and FA Cup with the team. He twice hit the 13-goal mark in a season as a wide man and was a dangerous option to add to a team boasting Eden Hazard and Willian at the time.
Bobby Tambling
A man who has started to appear more and more on this list, Bobby Tambling also wore the number 11 jersey during his career, one of many that he adorned. He remains a big part of Chelsea’s history. He was a goalscoring monster during a brief stint in the second division in the 60s, netting 35 times in 40 matches to make sure he only spent that one season playing outside of the top division.
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He is the second-highest scorer in team history with 202 in just 370 appearances. He held the top spot for decades until Frank Lampard unseated him, his tally is unlikely to be beaten anytime soon, especially in as few matches as he accomplished it.
Didier Drogba
Anyone who had the pleasure of watching him will understand why the king got his spot on this list. The Ivorian was the man for the big occasion, stepping up time and again to deliver the goods. None more so than the historic night in Munich where he secured a first-ever Champions League trophy for the Blues. Not only did he score the equaliser on the night but he tucked away the decisive penalty in the shootout.
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During his time leading the line, Drogba was part of the spine of the squad alongside Petr Cech, John Terry, and Frank Lampard. The group won it all together, multiple Premier League trophies, four FA Cups, three League Cups, and the UEFA Champions League.
