POL’s Greatest Player: Qualification voting part 4, Mata, Cole, more!
The tournament to crown Chelsea’s greatest player of all time continues as we open voting in the last batch of qualification matches.
The Pride Of London has set out to crown the greatest player in Chelsea FC history. Before we enter the Round of 32, ten more players have a chance to enter the tournament proper. Joe Cole, Juan Mata and Damien Duff are just a few of the big names entering the fray.
If you haven’t already done so, click on one of the following links to review the competition format and vote in other matches!
Qualification 1 and tournament rules
Qualification 2
Qualification 3
Check out today’s five match-ups (seeding are in parenthesis) and vote. Also subscribe to our mailing list to ensure you don’t miss out when the Round of 32 opens!
Damien Duff (28) v Carlo Cudicini (37)
Damien Duff is probably one of the most popular figures to pass through Stamford Bridge in recent times. The winger was incredible tricky and brought an honest and hard-working attitude that resonated with the fans. He won two Premier League titles and a League Cup with the Blues.
Despite the arrival of Petr Cech, Carlo Cudicini was happy to cash his paychecks from the bench. However, he was a vital player for the Blues in the early 2000s and was named Chelsea Player of the Year in 2002. He left the club with two FA Cups, two League Cups and two Premier League titles to his name.
Kerry Dixon (29) v Juan Mata (36)
With just under 200 competitive goals for Chelsea, Kerry Dixon sits third in the all-time goalscorers list. Chelsea did not enjoy great success during his West London tenure, but the striker was a man they relied upon to bring any sort of joy to the fans.
Juan Mata is arguably the classiest midfielder to wear blue. In just two and a half years, the fan-favourite propelled Chelsea to one FA Cup, one Europa League and the Champions League. It is safe to say that his Blues career was far too short in any fan’s perspective.
Steve Clarke (30) v Cesar Azpilicueta (35)
Steve Clarke, via playing and coaching, spent an excessive amount of time at Stamford Bridge. However, no-one was complaining. He won four pieces of silverware on the field while amassing 421 competitive appearances in the process.
Cesar Azpilicueta is respected at the moment, but history will certainly look back on him with greater admiration. He has been solid for Chelsea, tieing down his fullback spot and he has helped the club win the League Cup, the Premier League and the Europa League.
Branislav Ivanovic (31) v Joe Cole (34)
Although he is consistently the source of stick from Chelsea fans, Branislav Ivanovic was fantastic for the Blues in his prime. A useful defender across the back four, he has made significant contributions and has been rewarded with two league titles, three FA Cups, one League Cup, one Europa League and the Champions League.
Joe Cole was another popular and talented winger who may not have fulfilled his potential at Stamford Bridge. With 33 assists and 38 goals in 208 appearances, Cole won three league titles, three FA Cups and two League Cups during his time at Stamford Bridge.
Ray Wilkins (32) v Pat Nevin (33)
Ray Wilkins was a fine player who fell victim to a tumultuous period in Chelsea’s history. After helping the club be promoted in 1977, he was sold when Chelsea were relegated two years later. Still, 198 appearances is not bad.
A regular face around Stamford Bridge, Pat Nevin is still involved with the club. He was a vital player in the 1980s, leading the club back to the First Division and winning the Player of the Year award on two occasions as well. With 242 appearances to his name, Nevin was one of Chelsea’s finest servants.
Who did you vote for? Let us know in the comments below!