Oscar, Drogba and Players Who Wore No. 11 for Chelsea

New Chelsea signing Oscar dos Santos will wear Number 11 for the blues next season. The talented youngster has been a star at Olympics and will look to carry that from for Chelsea. The number 11 shirt has been worn by numerous quality players for the blues. Soccerisma provides the list of Chelsea players who have worn the number since the inception of premier league.

The versatile midfielder signed for the club in 1990 and the former number 11 served Chelsea for no less than 11 years. Wise made fourth most appearances in the history of the club, 445 and scored 76 goals. Although a controversial figure outside the football pitch, je remained a key player for the blues as he finished club’s top scorer in 1991-1992 once and also won player of the year award twice as well. Wise was sold to Leceister City for the exact same price he was bought for i.e. £1.6 million.

The Dutch winger was signed as Wise’s replacement for 7.5 million from Barcelona. Zenden was considered an exciting young talent but his career at Chelsea was ruined by constant injuries that never allowed him to settle.  After just 2 seasons he was loaned to Middlesbrough in 2003, who then signed him a year later on a bosman.

Signed for a hefty sum of 17 million, Duff was a key player in securing second place for the club in 2004, however he was injured at the end of the season, missing crucial games like the Champions League semi final against Monaco. Under Jose Mourinho, the arrival of Arjen Robben threatened Duff’s starting place but the Dutch maestro got injured at the start of season and Duff cemented his place with good performances and won double in 2005. Duff left for Newcastle in 2006 after a disappointing campaign that saw him score 3 goals in 39 appearances for the blues.

What more can be said about Drogba that has never been said before. Served the club for 7 long years and played a key role in all the major trophies Chelsea won during that time. It is he who has made the number 11 shirt that coveted with his performances. A legendary figure who will never be forgotten. Over 150 goals and 12 trophies to his name, Drogba left for Chinese Club Shanghai Shenhua after helping Chelsea win the biggest prize in European football in 2012.

Oscar has lots of potential to become a super star for Chelsea, however the signing fee of 25 million and being the one to take Drogba’s number 11 shirt adds pressure on the youngster. In his three appearances for Brazil at the Olympics, Oscar has provided two assists and scored a goal. Whether or not he can handle the pressure and physicality of the Premier league, only time will tell.

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