Chelsea surely have a rich history of defenders spanning across their 100 plus years of playing history as a professional club.
The west Londoners hold several defensive records in the division with none being more prominent than shipping the least number of goals in a league campaign.
John Terry is regarded by most as the best Chelsea defender ever but there are other former Blues stars who make the list.
Marcel Desailly
The French central defender played for the Blues from 1998 to 2004. the centre-half won the FA Cup with the club during his six-years at Stamford Bridge.
He made 158 appearances for the London giants and is credited for having mentored the Englishman John Terry during the living legend’s youth.
He captained the club throughout most of his time at Chelsea. Marcel also featured and captained his country’s national team. He won the FIFA World Cup in 1998 and the UEFA Euro Cup in 2000 with France.
Marcel was one of the most versatile players as he could play in the defensive midfield or wing-back positions or as a sweeper.
Eddie McCreadie
Eddie McCreadie is one of the best ever defenders to have played for the club.
Joined Chelsea in 1962 for £5000, Eddie was well worth the buy. He would go onto serving the west London side for over a decade.
From 1962-1973, he made 331 appearances for the Blues. He lifted the FA Cup trophy with Chelsea in 1970.
John Terry
John Terry has to be the Blues’ best ever center-half. He played for the Blues for 20 years and captained his team for most of it.
John lifted every trophy imaginable for the London outfit. He won the Premier League several times, League Cup, UEFA Champions League, FA Cup among too many other trophies and individual awards.
He will go down as not only one of the greatest defenders in world football but also one of the greatest Blues players ever.
Ron Harris
Ron “Chopper” Harris is one of the club’s best ever defenders. Ron was known for his aggression and his tough tackling on the pitch.
From 1961 to 1980, he made a stunning 795 appearances for the Premier League heavyweights – the record for most appearances.
Ron individual awards include most division appearances for Chelsea ever, most FA Cup matches, and most appearances in total – 795.
Harris won the League Cup, European Cup Winner’s Cup, and the FA Cup among others during his time at Chelsea.
Graeme Le Saux
Graeme Le Saux was a brilliant left-back who could get up and down the flank with ease. He played over 300 times for Chelsea after joining back in 1997.
The Englishman had previously played for the Blues in 1989 but moved in 1993 to sign for Blackburn. In 1997, he returned to Stamford Bridge.
Le Saux became the most expensive English footballer at the time after the club paid £5 million for Graeme when he returned.
He played for six campaigns with Chelsea before he swapped the Blues for Southampton in 2003.
