DYC.

No not just stats wise. Drogba played a important in 2004-2006 but he wasn't crucial, Lampard was. It was Lampard who was second to Ronaldinho, who was in legendary form, for Player of the Year in 2005 (has a Chelsea player ever made the top 10 even after that?). He was the engine and passer in midfield. Always a available passing option, starting up attacks, switching play and finding the wingers quickly with ease. Frank was the main creator and making intelligent runs and exploiting spaces left by the opposition (which struck fear in their defences and pushed them back), Lampard was the player who would find the goal regularly and also score very important goals for the club. And due to his incredible fitness, he was always getting back quickly to defend and played a important part in our very organized defence. Lamps was the player who played every match and produced quality performances at unbelievable consistency. And when Drogba suffered from loss of form in the seasons 07/08 and 08/09, it was Lampard who we could count on and carried the team offensively. Especially in 08/09, when Lampard was simply magnificent throughout the season imo. Despite the irregular form of his team mates, bar Carvalho and A. Cole. Lampard was a very effective player but he wasn't all about stats, that would be an insult. Forwards always get far more attention than players in other positions. Drogba was key because of his own physical excellence in our physical style of play, but that doesn't mean he performed the best. When he was on form, he was simply incredible. But when he wasn't, he could be very frustrating. So yeah, on his day he was without a doubt the best offensive player but he suffered from loss of form far too often to top Lamps. That said, I really don't want this to sound like I don't know or appreciate what Drogba brought to the club. He was a top player and is one of the greats at Chelsea. But Lampard was even bigger for me. I guess we'll never agree on that.

Not true. Lamps was our best player offensively and the star man in the periods 2003-2006 and 2007-2009. That can't be forgotten.

Because players of his calibre and status have offers coming at them from left and right. Not that I don't agree with what you're saying, though a typical fan view.

Carvalho's not in the top 20.. seriously?

If only Sturridge got the same amount of opportunities Torres got/gets.

I'm sure Mata was perfectly capable of playing the full 90 min but Villas-Boas simply wanted to keep him as fresh as possible considering the fact he was needed in every single match we played. Agree with those saying Moses coming in for Mata against Swansea.

Is there still any doubt over him being our best centreback?

Well that was entertaining.

Mr Hazard, that was marvelous.

Perspective.

Sturridge is surprisingly fresh after playing for so long.

Luiz is really starting to master the technique.

He is a superstar in the making, seriously.

Cup football.. don't know what it is haha.

HAHA

That looked very similar to the Luiz 'handball'.

We can pull it off. Question is, can we stop conceding..

I'm sorry but that's a awful nickname.

Oh dear.

Gary to score 10 this season.

Mata showed last season that he doesn't anyone alongside him to create, perform well or whatever. You just simply can't expect a player to put in a top performance every single match he plays.

David Luiz needs to look up the word simplicity, print it out and hang it over his bed.

Piazon looks very uncomfortable out wide. Romeu looks very rusty. Expecting him to just perform when Mikel leaves in Jan could seriously back-fire. He needs more minutes. Sturridge looks like a man who is very low on confidence. Doesn't look like himself. Ohw Hernandez, again..

True but the league is far more important. We really need a win at Swansea and resting several players will increase our chances of winning. And besides, we're capable of winning this without them for sure. Just look at Utd's team

It's the League Cup.