Chelsea’s right-backs have perhaps received less credit than they’ve deserved throughout the century so far. The following are arguably the club’s three greatest right-backs since the Stamford Bridge revolution of 2003 when Roman Abramovich bought the club and transformed it into one of the best in England.
3. Jose Bosingwa
Bosingwa spent four years with the Blues and played a big role especially during the 2011-12 season as he started at right-back during the finals of the FA Cup and Champions League. During his four years with Chelsea, the former Portugal international made 125 appearances in all competitions, scoring three goals.
2. Cesar Azpilicueta
Azpilicueta may not be the most world-class player, but it cannot be denied that Chelsea’s current longest-serving player always plays with plenty of heart. Furthermore, he is a perfect model player for youngsters in Frank Lampard’s squad.
Another thing which is particularly remarkable about Azpilicueta is that he is very consistent and not injury prone. He has been a first-team regular at Stamford Bridge since his arrival at the club from Marseille in 2012. The highlight of the Spaniard’s time at the Bridge was perhaps the 2014/15 season. He was one of the best players for the club during that season as they won the Premier League in commanding fashion under Jose Mourinho.
1. Branislav Ivanovic
Many under-estimated Ivanovic when he joined Chelsea from Lokomotiv Moscow in 2008. The Serb went on to prove his doubters wrong as he was a first-team regular for the Blues under nine different managers before his departure from the club in January 2017.
Ivanovic was a very physical player who always delivered during key matches. His stability and natural ability makes him arguably the best Chelsea right-back who has played for the club in this century thus far. Ivanovic helped the Blues to win three Premier League titles, three FA Cups as well as the Champions League and Europa League.
