3. Michael Essien
Cost: £24,400,000 Appearances: 247 Goals: 29 Michael Essien was undoubtedly one of Jose Mourinhos finest purchases, trademarked by a sort of sinister consistency, which resembled a machine in a factory rather than a human playing a sport. Although his nickname is 'Bison' due to his reputation for strong tackling, Essien is also very gifted on the ball, including being a threat from long range; a fine example being his memorable strike against Arsenal in the 2006/07 season, which would go on to win Chelsea's goal of the season (an award he won twice). After winning 8 major trophies at the club, he is currently out on loan at Real Madrid, but you feel he could still make some sort of return to Stamford Bridge in the future. Sources:
Chelsea Website
2. Didier Drogba
Cost: £24,000,000 Appearances: 337 Goals: 155 Drogba could have done nothing for his entire stay at Chelsea apart from his last kick of the ball, which won the Champions League on penalties and still have been remembered as a club legend. It just so happens that the other 8 years he spent at the club were just as incredible. In November 2012 Drogba was named Chelsea's greatest ever player in a poll of 20,000 fans conducted by Chelsea Magazine, but he will be remembered as one of the best buys of the Premier League era and not just from Chelsea. Drogba has amassed a vast list of personal awards during his playing career, including twice winning the Premier League Golden Boot, African footballer of the year twice and, interestingly, he was named in Time Magazine's 100 most influential people list in 2010 for his huge involvement in Ivory Coast's peace process. Drogba's first season at Chelsea saw the club win their first league title in 50 years, with success coming consistently from then until now. It is this period of success that will come to define his legacy in years to come, along with the player's terrific strength and of course his scoring record. Drogba is Chelsea's 4th all time top goalscorer and is the only player to have scored in 4 different FA Cup finals, as well as being the club's top goalscorer in Europe. source -
soccerbase