Chelsea’s underwhelming performers who changed history

Chelsea is expected to sell a few players to fund bigger moves this summer, but some of the names rumored to be on the chopping block have played vital roles in writing the club’s history.

Sometimes, legendary moments define careers and history writes itself. Regardless of what an individual does for the remainder of their playing days, colossal moments are remembered over everything else. Nobody embodies this principle more than Fernando Torres at Stamford Bridge. Despite his amazing career at Liverpool and Atletico Madrid, fans will forever associate Torres with his iconic Champions League goal in a Chelsea shirt.

This sentiment holds true for a couple of the Blues’ current players. As they are linked with moves away from west London, it’s easy to view their current form and judge them. However, what Chelsea fans should remember is the history they helped write for the club.

The first of these players is Michy Batshuayi. A surprise signing in the Antonio Conte era, Batshuayi was regarded as the perfect foil to Diego Costa. To put it lightly: things have not worked out for the Belgian. The 26-year-old has gone out on loan three times to three different leagues. He got a chance to reestablish himself at Chelsea this season, but has found himself fall further and further down the pecking order.

In total, Batshuayi has netted 25 goals for the Chelsea first team—none more important than the one he scored at The Hawthornes in 2017. The title-clinching goal saw the Blues capture their most recent Premier League trophy. Further, it capped off an iconic season which saw John Terry ride into the sunset and Conte etch his name into the club’s history books. It’s one of the most iconic Chelsea goals in recent memory. Batshuayi’s Chelsea career has been disappointing, to say the least, but he’ll always be a beloved figure for his contribution at West Brom.

The other Blues folk legend in the squad is Kepa Arrizabalaga. The Spanish keeper’s Chelsea career has been short-lived as he may be on his way out relatively soon. Unlike Batshuayi, Arrizabalaga controls his own destiny as he’s shown flashes of being world class. After being the undisputed No. 1 in goal last season, Arrizabalaga has lost all confidence between the sticks under Frank Lampard. He’s been benched at Willy Caballero’s expense for some of the biggest matches this season, but has since regained his place in the starting XI.

Regardless, Arrizabalaga’s fate may already be decided. If he does leave the club after two short seasons, his iconic Europa League penalty save to send Chelsea to the final is what he’ll be remembered by. The incredible save between the legs powered the 25-year-old to consecutive saves that sent Chelsea to the Europa League final, which it would go on to win. The Blues would not have a third European trophy in eight years had it not been for the heroics of Arrizabalaga and the save that fans will not forget for as long as they live.

While it may seem odd hearing Batshuayi, Arrizabalaga, Torres and Didier Drogba’s names mentioned in the same breath, they all have something in common. Each one, despite varying levels of success for Chelsea, plays a vital role in telling the club’s story over the past decade.