Chelsea FC’s 50 Greatest Players Of All-Time
5. Marcel Desailly: 1998-2004
To say that Chelsea were blessed to have the privilege of Marcel Desailly’s services is an understatement. The classy French defender arrived at Stamford Bridge as a 30-year-old veteran in the summer of 1998. He would, however, show that his age was no barrier to his quality.
The centre-back was an institution in the Blues team, making 222 competitive appearances during his six-season stay. He was consistently involved in the line-ups and turned out in at least 33 games in five of the campaigns; his last season saw him feature 25 times.
Perhaps attracted to the club due to their Cup Winners’ Cup triumph the season previous, Desailly brought with him a packed trophy cabinet that included two Champions Leagues, the EUROs and a World Cup. He managed to add to it, albeit minimally, while in West London with triumphs such as the FA Cup in 2000.
Charged with the captaincy as well, there will be few disputing that his leadership played a key part in forming a squad that caught the eye of Roman Abramovich. He was one of the men who truly exemplified Chelsea’s ability to attract the best international talent.
Two seasons in Qatar followed his departure from Stamford Bridge and now he can deservedly take his position in fifth place on this list.
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