Chelsea legends and rivals together on all-time best XI from London clubs

LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 05: John Terry, Frank Lampard and Ashley Cole of Chelsea celebrate victory after the FA Cup with Budweiser Final match between Liverpool and Chelsea at Wembley Stadium on May 5, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 05: John Terry, Frank Lampard and Ashley Cole of Chelsea celebrate victory after the FA Cup with Budweiser Final match between Liverpool and Chelsea at Wembley Stadium on May 5, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) /
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Taking our cue from The London Football Awards and Willow Foundation, here is our all-time post-war London XI. Any player with at least 200 appearances for a London club is eligible – even Gunners and Spurs.

LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 05: John Terry, Frank Lampard and Ashley Cole of Chelsea celebrate victory after the FA Cup with Budweiser Final match between Liverpool and Chelsea at Wembley Stadium on May 5, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 05: John Terry, Frank Lampard and Ashley Cole of Chelsea celebrate victory after the FA Cup with Budweiser Final match between Liverpool and Chelsea at Wembley Stadium on May 5, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) /

Arguably the footballing capital of the world, London has seen players so enamoured with the capital they want to remain there, no matter what. Not even club loyalty or the wrath of their fans can come between them and the place they call home. Our all-time London XI features players who have not only excelled in their position but many who have also featured for multiple London clubs.

Coming up with a selection of just eleven players from the wealth of talent across London’s 13 major clubs has been no picnic in the park. With the introduction of a plethora of formations in the modern era of the game, finding the right fit, for the right player, in the right position complicates matters further. To keep it simple, this XI would play in a classic 4-4-2 formation.

Goalkeeper and Defence

Learn more about the Willow Foundation and their founder, former Arsenal goalkeeper Bob Wilson.