Patrick van Aanholt

Patrick van Aanholt - Early Career

Patrick John Miguel van Aanholt (born 29 August 1990) is a Dutch footballer who plays as a left back. He Joined De Graafschap in 2004 - 2006 as a youth player and PSV Eindhoven in 2006 - 2007.

In 2007 he joined with Chelsea Youth Academy.

Patrick van Aanholt - Chelsea

He was first selected for Chelsea in an FA Cup tie away to Preston North End in the 2009–10 edition of the Cup, wearing the squad number 52, but did not make an appearance, remaining on the bench. He made his Chelsea debut, on 24 March 2010, in a 5–0 away win at Portsmouth, when he replaced Yuri Zhirkov at left-back. He then made his home debut, on 27 March 2010, against Aston Villa in a 7–1 victory, again as a sub. He scored his first career goal on 22 September 2010 in the 4–3 defeat to former club Newcastle United in the League Cup.

Loan to Coventry City

He made his professional debut on loan to Coventry City on 9 August 2009 starting in a 2–1 Football League Championship win over Ipswich Town. He was recalled to Chelsea in December due to the exit of many players due to the African Nations Cup.

Loan to Newcastle United
On 29 January 2010, van Aanholt joined Newcastle United on a one-month loan deal after regular left back José Enrique suffered injury. He had been cover for the Spaniard, sustaining Newcastle's productive left flank with Jonás Gutiérrez. He played his last game in the 2–1 away victory at Watford.

Loan to Leicester City
On 26 January 2011, Van Aanholt joined Leicester City on loan until the end of the season. He made his debut in a 1-0 win over Sheffield United on 1 February 2011, and suffered a torn muscle in his thigh at the end of the month after playing six games.

Van Aanholt scored his first senior league goal in a 4-0 victory over Burnley on 9 April 2011.

Carlo Ancelotti

Carlo Ancelotti (born 10 June 1959) is a former footballer who played for the Italy national football team, and is current manager of Chelsea. Nicknamed Carletto, Ancelotti played as a midfielder and had a successful career with Roma – captaining the team – with whom he won one Scudetto and 4 Coppa Italia and was part of the legendary late 80's Milan team, with whom he won two Scudetti and two European Cups in a five-year period. He was capped 26 times and scored one goal for the Italian national team and appeared at the 1986 and 1990 World Cups.

Carlo Ancelotti Biography - Early Managerial Career

Carlo Ancelotti was a student at Coverciano, where he penned a research article entitled "Il Futuro del Calcio: Più Dinamicità" (English: The Future of Football: More Dynamic)

Carlo Ancelotti Biography - Reggiana
Ancelotti began his managerial career with Reggiana in 1995, where Reggiana achieved promotion to Serie A. However, he left the following year for Parma.

Carlo Ancelotti Biography - Parma
In 1996, Ancelotti was appointed manager of Parma, which included Gianluigi Buffon and Fabio Cannavaro. Parma finished 2nd in the 1996–97 season, which guaranteed them a Champions League place. The following season, Ancelotti guided them to a fifth place, qualifying for the UEFA Cup.

Carlo Ancelotti Biography - Juventus
In 1998, he was appointed Juventus manager, where he both succeeded and preceded Marcello Lippi, who returned to the club when Ancelotti left. Ancelotti's season began promisingly, winning the Intertoto Cup by beating Rennes 4–2 on aggregate. However, the following season, he went trophyless, finishing runner-up twice in Serie A.

Carlo Ancelotti Biography - Milan
Ancelotti was appointed Milan manager in 2001, after Fatih Terim was sacked, due to poor results. He was inheriting another recently trophyless team in Milan, as the Rossoneri had floundered domestically and in Europe since their last Scudetto victory in 1999. In his first full season, Ancelotti soon had Milan back in European competition, leading them to the semi-finals of the 2001–02 UEFA Cup.

The following season, Ancelotti, who was heavily criticized by Silvio Berlusconi, due to his defensive tactics, was able to adopt a creative play in Milan while making several roster changes. He made Dida, still maligned for his 2000–01 Champions League howler against Leeds United, his new starting goalkeeper barely a month into the 2002–03 season, while converting budding attacking midfielder Andrea Pirlo to a defensive playmaker and playing him behind Rui Costa. At the same time, Filippo Inzaghi and Andriy Shevchenko were dominant and dynamic. Milan won the 2003 Champions League, beating Juventus 3–2 on penalties at Old Trafford and the Coppa Italia and took home the Scudetto in 2004.

Under Ancelotti's reign, Milan were also back-to-back Serie A runners-up to Juventus in 2004–05 and 2005–06 (both Scudetti were later wiped from the record books due to Juventus' involvement in the Calciopoli scandal), and lost the 2005 UEFA Champions League Final to Liverpool losing 3–2 on penalties after leading 3–0 at halftime. Two years later, though, Milan avenged their defeat to Liverpool with a 2–1 win at the Olympic Stadium in Athens on 23 May 2007, leading to Ancelotti's second Champions League trophy as Milan coach and his fourth title overall, having also won it twice as a Milan player in 1989 and 1990. Ancelotti announced his resignation from Milan less than an hour following their 2–0 victory over Fiorentina on 31 May 2009, after the club terminated his contract by mutual consent with one year remaining.

Carlo Ancelotti Biography - Chelsea
Carlo Ancelotti celebrates Chelsea's first League and Cup Double with team captain John Terry

He was confirmed as the new Chelsea manager after agreeing to a three-year contract worth £9 million. Ancelotti, succeeding temporary replacement Guus Hiddink, became the club's fourth permanent manager in 21 months, following José Mourinho, Avram Grant, and Luiz Felipe Scolari. He is also the third Italian to manage Chelsea, after Gianluca Vialli and Claudio Ranieri.

On 9 August 2009, Ancelotti won his first trophy as Chelsea manager, the Community Shield, beating Manchester United on penalties, following a 2–2 draw. His first Premier League game in charge of the Blues ended in a 2–1 home victory over Hull City on 15 August 2009. Chelsea lost their first game under Ancelotti at the DW Stadium against Wigan Athletic on 26 September, losing 3–1. They were eliminated from the League Cup on 2 December, reaching the quarter-finals stage after a penalty shootout defeat to Blackburn Rovers after a 3–3 draw at Ewood Park. Chelsea crashed out of the Champions League on 16 March 2010 after a 1–3 aggregate loss to Internazionale, having lost both home and away, in the Round of 16 stage.

On 9 May 2010, Ancelotti led Chelsea to win the Premier League title, beating Manchester United by one point and setting scoring records. The team finished the campaign with 103 goals, becoming the first team to score more than 100 goals in the top flight of English football since Tottenham Hotspur in the 1962–63 First Division season (Tottenham finished second). Chelsea secured the title with a 8–0 victory over Wigan Athletic at Stamford Bridge. Ancelotti also became the first Italian manager to win Premier League; and only the fifth manager overall in the league's eighteen seasons.

On 15 May 2010, Ancelotti led Chelsea to win the 2009–10 FA Cup, beating Portsmouth 1–0 in the final at Wembley. This was the third time Chelsea had won the FA Cup in four years, equalling the record set by Arsenal between 2002 and 2005. This also accomplished the club's first ever domestic double within the one season.

Though having lost to Manchester United in the Community Shield in August, Ancelotti led Chelsea to the top of the table on the first weekend of the new Premier League season thanks to a 6–0 rout of newly-promoted West Brom. Chelsea followed this result with another 6–0 win, this time over Wigan, whilst Stoke were beaten 2–0. Chelsea had a good start to the season, winning the first five matches. However, his success was easily forgotten, as he failed a second time in the League Cup, losing 4–3 to Newcastle United on 23 September 2010. He then went on to lose against Manchester City in the Premier League, on a 1–0 loss due to a cleverly taken strike by City skipper Carlos Tevez. He made a good start in Europe by beating Marseille and MSK Zilina 2–0 and 4–1 respectively. After a disappointment at the City of Manchester Stadium, Chelsea beat 4th placed Arsenal 2–0, thanks to a goal from Didier Drogba and a free-kick by defender Alex.

His next defeat of the season came against Liverpool at Anfield where they lost 2–0. A week later, Chelsea suffered their second Premier League defeat in three matches with a remarkable 3–0 home defeat to Sunderland.

On 5 January 2011, Chelsea suffered a shock 1–0 defeat at struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers, leaving them fifth in the Premier League and in real danger of missing out on a Champions League place for the first time since 2002. This result led to Ancelotti ruling out Chelsea's chances of retaining the title, but he insists that he does not fear that he will be sacked.

However, since 15 January 2011, Chelsea's form began to turn with a 2–0 home victory against Blackburn followed by emphatic away wins against Bolton and Sunderland putting them fourth, still 10 points behind leaders Manchester United.

On January 31, Chelsea signed Liverpool striker Fernando Torres for a British record £50 million and Benfica defender David Luiz for £22 million. Chelsea lost 1-0 to Liverpool at Stamford Bridge but beat league leaders Manchester United, on 1 March 2011 in a 2-1 comeback that saw Luiz get his first Chelsea goal, which was followed by a 3-1 win away to Blackpool.

Joshua Mark McEachran

Joshua Mark McEachran Biography - Early Career
Joshua Mark "Josh" McEachran was born in Oxford, England (1 March 1993). He began playing football for Garden City F.C. in the Oxford Mail Boys League, where he was spotted by a Chelsea scout. He then joined the Blues as an academy player at the age of 8 and rose through the ranks while juggling his academic responsibilities at Marlborough School in Woodstock.

Joshua Mark McEachran Biography - Chelsea

 McEachran made his competitive first team debut for Chelsea against MŠK Žilina on 15 September 2010 as a substitute.[4] He became the first player to be born after the UEFA Champions League started on 25 November 1992 to take part in the competition. McEachran made his home debut in a League Cup tie against Newcastle United, where he again came on as a substitute. His impressive performance, successful dribbles and high pass completion coinciding with reversal of fortune in the second half in which Chelsea F.C were ultimately eliminated. He made his Premier League debut on 25 September in a 1-0 defeat to Manchester City. On 23 November 2010 manager Carlo Ancelotti announced that McEachran would make his first start against MŠK Žilina in which he did. He followed this up by playing the entire game away to Marseilles in a UEFA Champions League group game, receiving yet more rave reviews for his performance.

Joshua Mark McEachran Biography - International Career

McEachran represented England at U-16 level and was part of the England U17 side to win the 2010 European Under-17 Football Championship. He quickly progressed through the ranks and has since gone on to become a regular in the England U19 side and was further rewarded for his good early season form with Chelsea's first team with a call up to the England U21 side to face Germany on 16 November 2010 in which he made his debut.

Gaël Kakuta

Gaël Kakuta (born 21 June 1991) is a French footballer of Congolese descent. He is a French youth international and has represented them at under-17, under-18, under-19 and under-20 levels, scoring a total of 15 goals in 45 games throughout all levels.

Gaël Kakuta Biography - Early Career
Kakuta first started playing football at the age of seven, after seeing his uncle play for the reserve team of Lille. He began his career with local club US Lille-Moulins. In his first match with the club, they lost 17–1, however, the defeat was not enough to put him off. In 1999, he joined Lens as a youth player, and spent five years there. In 2004, Kakuta was selected to attend the Centre de Préformation de Football in nearby Liévin, a training center exclusively for players brought up in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region. He spent two years at the center training there during the weekdays and playing with Lens on the weekends. One of his trainers at the facility was former Polish international Joachim Marx. "The easiest way to describe him is a phenomenon," said Lens scout Marx. "I was director of a French Federation football school when I first worked with him. Between the ages of 13–15 you could see he had everything. "Perhaps one criticism was that he didn't try very hard sometimes in training – because he didn't need to! He could already do everything."

Gaël Kakuta Biography - Chelsea

Kakuta moved to Chelsea in 2007 and became a key player for the youth team. He impressed at Chelsea after his first reserve game along side teammate Michael Ballack. The German international told journalists, "Go see the French lad, he is the star". Kakuta soon began to flourish earning the Academy Scholar of the Year award after his first season with Chelsea. He was also voted Academy Player of the Year after finishing as the top scorer in the youth side finishing his first Chelsea season with 12 goals in 24 appearances. This included a hat trick against Port Vale in the FA Youth Cup.

For the 2008–09 season, Kakuta was given the opportunity to train with the first team, though he was still limited to playing with the club's reserve team. In February 2009, Kakuta saw his progress come to a shuddering halt when he suffered a double ankle fracture in a friendly against the Glenn Hoddle Academy. Kakuta missed six months returning to the team in August for a youth game against local side Queens Park Rangers. On 1 September 2009, Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti added Kakuta to his Champions League squad. Kakuta made his much anticipated Premier League debut during a home match against Wolverhampton Wanderers on 21 November 2009 as a substitute replacing Nicolas Anelka on the hour, impressing largely with his tricks, skills, pace and enthusiasm. On 2 December 2009, he came on as a half-time substitute for Joe Cole during the quarter-final match of the League Cup against Blackburn Rovers losing on penalties when he missed the decisive penalty in the shoot-out.

On 8 December 2009, he made his Champions League debut against APOEL. He became the youngest Chelsea player to ever represent the club in the Champions League. He played 73 minutes before being substituted by Fabio Borini. The match ended in a 2–2 draw. Carlo Ancelotti was not satisfied with the team's performance but was very positive about the French youth international: "We had no intensity and no concentration, it was a very bad game from us. The only positive of the night was Gaël Kakuta. He played very well, he showed his fantastic talent. He trains very well everyday and will be the future of Chelsea."

On 11 September 2010 he played his second Premier League game for Chelsea in a derby against West Ham United, coming on as a substitute for Nicolas Anelka in the 76th minute. Kakuta also made an appearance in the Champions League match against MSK Zilina on 15 September 2010. On 22 September, Kakuta started a match in the League Cup and coming off at halftime in a match which ended 4–3 to Newcastle. He then provided the assist for a seventh minute John Terry goal in a 2–0 win over Olympique Marseille.

On 21 December 2010, Kakuta signed a new four-and-a-half year contract with Chelsea, committing himself to the club until 2015.

On 25 January 2011, Kakuta had a medical at Fulham with a view to joining them on loan until the end of the season. Kakuta passed his medical on Wednesday, 26 January 2011 and joined Fulham for the rest of the 10/11 season. He was assigned the number 24 shirt.

On 3 September 2009, it was announced by the FIFA Dispute Resolution Chamber, that Kakuta would be banned for four months and be fined €780,000 due to a breach of contract with his old club Lens in order to sign for Chelsea in the summer of 2007. Chelsea were also banned from signing any players in the next two transfer windows due to their involvement in inducing the player to break his contract at Lens, meaning they would have been unable to buy or sell players until January 2011. Further to this they received a €130,000 fine, payable to RC Lens.

The club stated that they would "mount the strongest appeal possible" and described the behavior of FIFA as "extraordinarily arbitrary decision". Chelsea believed "the sanctions are without precedent to this level and totally disproportionate to the alleged offense and the financial penalty imposed". Chelsea appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, who subsequently lifted the sanctions on the club and the player after ruling that Kakuta did not have a valid contract with Lens, and therefore could not have breached it. Chelsea's transfer ban was suspended later in the same year, and was lifted in February 2010.

Gaël Kakuta Biography - International Career

Kakuta is a French youth international and has represented his country at all levels. He has scored a total of 15 goals in 45 maches from under-16 level up to the under-20 level.  With the under-16 team, he scored on his debut in a 1–1 draw against the Republic of Ireland. In the Tournoi de Val-de-Marne, Kakuta netted two goals in the competition against Italy and Portugal. On 15 March 2007, he was one of five players who scored a goal in the team's 5–0 thrashing of Poland in Saint-Aubin-lès-Elbeuf. Kakuta finished the under-16 campaign making 12 appearances and converting five goals.

With the under-17 team, Kakuta was a regular selection of coach Francis Smerecki. He made debut with the team on 4 October 2007 in a 1–1 draw against Switzerland.[20] In qualification for the 2008 UEFA European Under-17 Football Championship, Kakuta scored a goal in the team's 6–0 thrashing of Albania in the first qualifying round. In the Elite Round, he was clinical in the team's final group stage match against Russia scoring a double in a much-needed 3–1 victory. The win assured the team a place in the UEFA-sanctioned tournament. In the tournament, he went scoreless, but contributed to the team's finals appearance converting the 3rd penalty for France in their 4–3 penalty shootout victory over Turkey in the semi-finals. In the final, France were defeated 4–0 by Spain. With the under-18 team, Kakuta only made 5 appearances, but scored three goals, which included a brace against the Republic of Ireland in the Tournio de Limoges and the lone goal in the team's 1–0 win over Turkey in a match that was played at the Stade Mayol.

Despite the FIFA investigation into his transfer, on 2 September 2009, Kakuta was selected to the under-19 squad, for the first time, to participate in the 2009 edition of the Sendaï Cup, held in Japan. In the opening match against the hosts, he scored two goals. At the 2010 UEFA European Under-19 Football Championship, which France hosted, Kakuta scored the opening goal in the team's opening group stage match against the Netherlands. France won the match 4–1. Kakuta also scored against Croatia in the semi-finals. The goal drew the match at 1–1 and France went on to win 2–1. In the final, France came from behind against Spain to win the title 2–1 with Kakuta providing the assist for the winner scored by Alexandre Lacazette. On 2 August 2010, Kakuta was awarded the Golden Player award for his performances at the tournament.

Due to France's victory at the UEFA Under-19 championship, the nation qualified for the 2011 FIFA U-20 World Cup, which merited under-20 team appearances for Kakuta. He made his debut with the team on 7 October 2010 in a friendly match against Portugal, which ended 3–3.

Ramires

Ramires Biography - Early Career

Ramires Santos do Nascimento (born 24 March 1987 in Barra do Piraí, Rio de Janeiro), commonly Ramires, is a Brazilian footballer. In January 2008, Ramires agreed to a five-year deal with Cruzeiro in a permanent move from Joinville for a fee of $300,000, giving Cruzeiro 70% of the players' economic rights. Joinville kept 30% in the event of any transfers in the future. He was referred to by the fans and media during his time there as the "Queniano Azul", or "Blue Kenyan", due to Cruzeiro's blue kit and his endurance, which was considered reminiscent of Kenyan runners, who are famous for winning many Brazilian running marathons. 

Ramires Biography - Benfica
On 21 May 2009, Ramires joined Portuguese club Sport Lisboa e Benfica for €7.5 million on a five-year contract with a minimum fee release of €30 million. Ramires was everpresent staring as a important player for Benfica through out the season as the Portuguese giants won the league title after a five-year wait. Ramires in his first and only season with Benfica also won the Taça da Liga beating FC Porto 3-0. In June 2010, Benfica sold 50% of the economic rights to Ramires to Jazzy Limited for €6 million.

Ramires Biography - Chelsea
On 4 August 2010, Benfica announced they had agreed a deal with English Premier League champions Chelsea and his third-party owner for €22 million. Ramires completed his move to Chelsea on 13 August 2010, on a four-year contract. He was handed the number 7 shirt, previously worn by Andriy Shevchenko.He made his debut on 28 August 2010 against Stoke City, coming on as a substitute in the 84th minute, replacing Michael Essien. On 11 September 2010, he made his full Premier League debut, starting against West Ham United. He started in Chelsea's 2-0 win over Arsenal on 3 October 2010, winning possession and then putting Ashley Cole through to cross to Didier Drogba for Chelsea's first goal. He recently started in Chelsea's 1-0 win over Bolton Wanderers on 29 December 2010, where his performance was praised and was known to have his best game with Chelsea to date where he made several runs forward and strong tackles winning the balls several times in the midfield. On Chelsea's return fixture at Bolton Wanderers, Ramires scored his first goal as a Chelsea player in a 4–0 win. On 20 March 2011, Ramires scored his second Premier League goal in a 2-0 win over Manchester City, he scored alongside fellow Brazilian David Luiz and made a superb individual effort dribbling past 3 City defenders and scoring past Joe Hart in the top-left corner. Recent performances have garnered him a fan favourite amongst Chelsea fans. 

Ramires Biography - International Career

On 21 July 2008, Ramires was named the replacement for Robinho on the Brazil U-23 team for the 2008 Summer Olympics at Beijing. He appeared four times at the Olympics, as Brazil went on to achieve bronze medal.

On 21 May 2009, he was called up for the first time to the Brazilian national team for 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification and the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup.

He played his first game for the national team on 6 June 2009, a 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification game against Uruguay, in which he came as a substitute for Elano.

Ramires scored his first International goal on 7 June 2010, against Tanzania leading up to the World Cup finals. He scored again later on in the game setting the score to 5–1. In the Round of 16 at the 2010 FIFA World Cup Finals he made a run past three Chilean defenders to set up Robinho for the third goal in a 3-0 victory. Dunga, then Brazilian coach, blamed their loss to Netherlands in the quarter-finals to Ramires absence who was serving suspension.

Yuri Zhirkov

Yuri Zhirkov Biography - Early Career 

Yuri Valentinovich Zhirkov (Russian: Юрий Валентинович Жирков; born 20 August 1983 in Tambov) is a Russian footballer who play on the left flank or as an attacking left-back. His first coach was Valery Sharapov who signed him for the Tambov Regional Children and Youth Sports School.

Zhirkov started his career at FC Spartak Tambov where he scored 26 goals in 74 games playing as a winger before leaving to CSKA Moscow.

Yuri Zhirkov Biography - CSKA Moscow

Zhirkov joined CSKA Moscow in January 2004. His first participation in an official game was on 7 March 2004 in the Russian Super Cup against Spartak Moscow. CSKA's 3–1 victory gave Yuri his first trophy. Zhirkov made his debut in the Champions League on 27 July against Neftchi Baku PFC. He also appeared in the third qualifying round against Rangers F.C.

Zhirkov won the 2004–05 UEFA Cup with CSKA, and scored in the final as the team beat Portuguese side Sporting 3–1. His goal against Hamburger SV in the UEFA Champions League 2006-07 was chosen as best goal of the competition by UEFA Magazine "Goal". He made six appearances in the group stages, scoring once.

He made his debut in the Commonwealth of Independent States Cup against FC Gomel and was replaced in the 70th minute. The final score was 2–2. In his second game, against FC Pakhtakor Tashkent, he played all 90 minutes, with the final score being 2–1. In the last qualifying match against Regar-TadAZ Tursunzoda which also ended 2–1, Yuri played all 90 minutes. After the Cup, Yuri Adzhem claimed that Yuri had a good chance to receive a permanent place in the squad.

Although Zhirkov missed the first game against S.L. Benfica, he participated in the return game. He also took part in both games vs. FK Partizan and made a save in the second game. After beating Auxerre and Parma CSKA made its way to the final. On 18 May 2005 in Lisboa at the Jose Alvalade Stadium, Zhirkov scored a goal in the 65th minute and CSKA took the lead 2–1. The final score in that game was 3–1, making CSKA the first football club from Russia to win the UEFA Cup.

Zhirkov participated in all six games of the group stage in the 2006 Champions League. On 6 December 2006 he scored a brilliant goal against Hamburger SV, which was selected as the best goal of the competition by UEFA's official magazine. In the 2007–08 season, however, CSKA lost almost every game in Europe.

Zhirkov began his participation in the following season of European competition on 18 September 2008, against Croatian club NK Slaven Belupo. CSKA came from behind to win their first match 2–1. In the next game, CSKA beat Deportivo, 3–0. Zhirkov provided goal assists against AS Nancy, Feyenoord and scored in the game with Lech Poznań. It was his third goal in European competition.

In 2009, Zhirkov participated in three games in European competitions, two against Aston Villa and one against Shakhtar Donetsk. In the second game, he scored his first goal in the 2009 tournament. In the third game, he was cautioned by the referee and, therefore, missed the next game.

Yuri Zhirkov Biography - Chelsea

Zhirkov playing for Chelsea against Spartak Moscow in the UEFA Champions League on 19 October 2010

On 6 July 2009, Zhirkov joined Chelsea on a three-year contract for a reported fee of £18m, exceeding the £15 million that Arsenal paid for Andrei Arshavin in January 2009, thus making Zhirkov the most expensive Russian football player of all time. He scored on his debut, in a friendly against AC Milan, that ended as the winning goal. Yuri Zhirkov in race to make Chelsea opener after struggling to shake off knee injury. After regaining fitness from a knee injury, he made his competitive debut at left back against Queens Park Rangers in a Carling Cup tie on September 23.

After battling a knee injury he made a his full Champions League debut for Chelsea on November 25 against F.C. Porto playing as left back setting up the goal for team mate Nicolas Anelka in a 1–0 win, and made his Premier League debut as a substitute for Joe Cole against West Ham United on 20 December 2009.

He made his first Premier League start in a 2–1 victory over Fulham on 28 December. Due to Ashley Cole's injury against Everton on 10 February, which ruled him out for three months, Zhirkov became first choice left back.

He was one of Chelsea's best players in the Champions League round of 16 second leg against Inter Milan denying several scoring opportunities from the Italian side's strikers, but it wasn't to be for Chelsea as they were defeated 1–0 on the night and 3–1 on aggregate to end their European dreams again.

On 13 April 2010, Zhirkov put on a man on the match performance against Bolton Wanderers despite receiving an injury which lead to him getting four stitches in his head and had his head bandaged for the remainder of the first half after a clash with the Bolton captain Kevin Davies. In his first season at the club they won the league and FA Cup double making it the club's most successful season ever. His first goal for Chelsea came on 19 October 2010, a volley in a UEFA Champions League match against Spartak Moscow.

He also started in the first team as a replacement for the injured Ramires against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Stamford Bridge and Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park providing two crucial assists. On 1 March, he came on as a substitute in the 60th minute, replacing Florent Malouda against rvials Manchester United. Zhirkov won a penalty in the 78th minute, taken and scored by Frank Lampard, which led to be the match winner. He also hit the post that caught a defletion of Vidic. The final score was 2-1 to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Daniel Sturridge

Daniel Andre "Danny" Sturridge (born 1 September 1989) is an English footballer. Part of a footballing family, Simon Sturridge and Dean Sturridge are his uncles, Sturridge started his professional career at Manchester City, where he played in two FA Youth Cup finals. He made his first team debut in 2007, and scored his first goal in January 2008. Over the course of 2008–09 season, Sturridge became the only player ever to score in the FA Youth Cup, FA Cup and Premier League in the same season.

Daniel Sturridge Biography - Early Career
Sturridge began his playing career in earnest at local club Aston Villa. He then moved to Coventry City in 2002, from where he joined Manchester City's Academy in 2003, aged 13. A Football League committee later ordered Manchester City to pay Coventry £30,000 compensation, with further payments up to a maximum of £200,000 based upon appearances and international honours. The following year, he was the leading scorer and voted player of the season (the only other person to achieve this was Argentine footballer Carlos Tévez) as City won the Nike Cup, the world's largest under-15 tournament. At 16, he played for Manchester City Youth during their 2006 FA Youth Cup run. The youngest player in the side, he scored four goals en route to the final, and another two in the final, though they were insufficient to prevent a 3–2 aggregate defeat to Liverpool. That summer, he signed his first professional contract, which came into effect when he turned 17.

Daniel Sturridge Biography - Manchester City
From the start of the 2006–07 season, Sturridge began to train with the City first team. A hat-trick in a reserve match was rewarded by a place on the substitutes' bench for the senior side's match with Reading in February 2007. He duly made his debut from the bench, replacing Georgios Samaras for the final quarter-hour. He made a second substitute appearance a month later, but then suffered a hip injury which sidelined him for the remainder of 2007.

He scored his first goal for City on 27 January 2008 in an FA Cup match against Sheffield United, followed three days later by his first league goal on his full debut, against Derby County. However, first team opportunities were sporadic, so Sturridge continued to play for the youth team in the FA Youth Cup. City again reached the final, with Sturridge the leading scorer in the competition. This time City won the final, with Sturridge scoring in the first leg. In the 2007–08 season, Sturridge became the only player ever to score in the Youth FA Cup, the FA Cup and the Premier League in the same season.

As of 1 May 2009, after 16 appearances in the 2008–09 Premier League season, Sturridge had scored four goals and provided three assists. At the end of the 2008–09 season, the Manchester City fans voted Sturridge as the Manchester City Young Player of the Season, in which he dedicated the award to his family and his uncle Dean.

Daniel Sturridge Biography - Chelsea

With Sturridge's contract at Manchester City expired, he signed for Chelsea on a four-year contract on 3 July 2009. As Sturridge is under the age of 24, and the two sides were unable to agree a deal, the fee for Sturridge was decided by a tribunal. The Professional Football Compensation Committee decided on 14 January 2010, that Chelsea would pay an initial fee of £3.5 million with additional payments of £500,000 after each of 10, 20, 30 and 40 first-team competitive appearances. There will also be a further payment of £1 million if the player makes a full international appearance, and Manchester City will receive 15 per cent of any sell-on fee if Sturridge is transferred.

His first goal for Chelsea was on his debut, a friendly match against Seattle Sounders on 18 July 2009, in the twelfth minute of the match he scored the first goal. Chelsea won the match 2–0. Sturridge played his second game for Chelsea against former Chelsea manager José Mourinho's Internazionale, during which he won a penalty that player Frank Lampard scored from. He made his Premier League debut for Chelsea on 18 August 2009 against Sunderland, coming on for Didier Drogba. On 16 September 2009, Sturridge scored a hat-trick in a reserve game against Ipswich Town. On 28 October 2009, he made his first start for the club in a League Cup win against Bolton Wanderers at Stamford Bridge.

On 20 December, Sturridge came on as a substitute at half time against West Ham United and won Chelsea a controversial penalty which Lampard converted. He made his first start in the Premier League for Chelsea away against Birmingham City on Boxing day. He scored his first two goals for Chelsea against Watford in the FA Cup third round on 3 January 2010. He continued to show his ability with a real poachers effort in a 2–0 victory in the FA Cup against Preston North End, scoring his third goal for Chelsea in January.[citation needed] On 13 February 2010, he netted again against Cardiff City, as Chelsea won 4–1. He became the only player to score in the third, fourth and fifth round of the FA Cup that season. Daniel is one of only five English forwards to have played in the Champions League that season (the others being Michael Owen, Wayne Rooney, Danny Welbeck and Matt Derbyshire).

Sturridge scored his first League goal for Chelsea on 25 April 2010, in a 7–0 victory over Stoke City at Stamford Bridge, by latching onto a through ball, before rounding the goalkeeper, Asmir Begovic, and slotting the ball home.

During the 2010 FA Cup Final he came on as a 90th minute substitute for Chelsea, as they won 1-0 against Portsmouth. Sturridge finished the 2009-10 FA Cup campaign as the leading scorer for Chelsea with four goals.

On 15 September, 2010 Sturridge made his full UEFA Champions League debut against Slovakian side MŠK Žilina. He scored on his debut (thus his first UEFA Champions League goal) in a 4-1 away victory. In the Premier League, in a 1-0 loss to his former club Manchester City, Sturridge came on as a substitute for striker Didier Drogba. He scored his second goal in the Champions League against Žilina, which Chelsea went on to win 2-1. Later on that season he scored two right footed goals against Ipswich Town F.C.


Daniel Sturridge Biography - Bolton Wanderers
On 31 January 2011, Sturridge agreed to join Bolton Wanderers on a loan deal until the end of the season. He made his debut, coming on as a substitute, two days later at home to Wolverhampton Wanderers, scoring his first goal in the process. He followed this with another goal in the defeat to Tottenham Hotspur the following weekend, in which he made his first start, before scoring his third goal in three games in the 2-0 victory over Everton.[30] When Sturridge scored the equaliser against Newcastle United in his fourth game, he became only the sixth player to score in his first four games for a club in the Premier League.

Daniel Sturridge Biography - International career

Sturridge has represented England at youth level from under-16 upwards. Most notably he scored at the European Under-17 Championship in the final against Italy, twice against Holland for the Under 18 side in 2007, he netted again in the Under-19 European Championships against Holland. He scored the only goal for England U-21 in a 1–1 draw against Greece U-21 in Greece and scored his second U-21 goal in the 1-0 win over Portugal.

Fabio Borini

Fabio Borini Biography - Early career
Fabio Borini (born 29 March 1991) is an Italian footballer. Borini first started playing football at the age of nine, he and his father were avid Bologna supporters. He joined Bologna side in 2001, as a youth player.

Fabio Borini Biography - Chelsea

Borini joined Chelsea in the summer of 2007 from Bologna. During the 2008–09 season, Borini was made first choice striker for reserves. He was the top scorer for the reserves with 10 goals from 11 appearances. Borini scored against Manchester United in the FA Youth Cup. On 1 September 2009, he was added to Carlo Ancelotti Champions League squad and he made the bench against Porto. He made the substitutes bench again a few days later on 20 September, replacing Nicolas Anelka as a substitute in the 89th minute to make his first team debut for Chelsea against Tottenham Hotspur. His full debut came against Queens Park Rangers in the League Cup third round. He scored twice in a reserve game for Chelsea against West Ham United. He made his second appearance against Wolverhampton Wanderers, coming on as substitute for Salomon Kalou on the 77th minute. On 8 December 2009, Borini made his Champions League debut in the 2–2 draw against APOEL. He played his first FA Cup game against Cardiff City in the fifth round, coming on in the 88th minute as the Blues won 4–1. Borini underwent a hernia operation which put him out of action for quite some time.

Captain Fabio Borini netted an amazing five times to bring Chelsea Reserves back from 3-0 down on a cold afternoon in Birmingham, against West Bromwich Albion Reserves on 20 Oct 2010. Chelsea Reserves won the match 5-4.

Fabio Borini Biography - Swansea City

On 17 March 2011, Borini joined Championship side Swansea City on loan until the end of the 2010–11 season. He links up with his former Chelsea youth team boss Brendan Rodgers. Borini began his loan spell with the Swans by scoring a brace against Nottingham Forest. On the 9th of April, 2011, he opened the scoring against Norwich City, with a free kick in a match which the Swans went on to win 3-0.

Fabio Borini Biography - International career
On 13 November 2009, he made his debut with the Italy U-21 squad in a 2–0 loss against Hungary. Borini was named captain of the Italian team for the 2010 UEFA European Under-19 Football Championship, although they exited the tournament in the group stage without scoring a single goal. On 29 March 2011 he scored his first goal for the U21 team in a friendly game against Germany.

David Luiz

David Luiz Biography - Early Career

David Luiz Moreira Marinho known as David Luiz born in Diadema, São Paulo (22 April 1987), David Luiz arrived in Esporte Clube Vitória at the age of 14 after being released by São Paulo FC, and started playing as a defensive midfielder, almost leaving the club for his poor performances in that position. However, he was soon moved to central defender and adapted well. Luiz made his official debut for Vitória in 2006, and excelled against Santa Cruz Futebol Clube for that season's Brazilian Cup, in a 2–2 draw. 

As Vitória promoted to the second division at the end of the season, after finishing in second position, Luiz appeared in eight of the club's last nine games, scoring his only Série C goal on 3 September 2006, in a 2–0 home win against Clube Atlético do Porto.

David Luiz Biography - Benfica

On 31 January 2007, Luiz joined Sport Lisboa e Benfica as a replacement for Tottenham Hotspur-bound Ricardo Rocha, on loan. He made a somewhat tumultuous debut for the club in a UEFA Cup match against Paris Saint-Germain at the Parc des Princes, partnering compatriot Anderson in the center of the defense, replacing the injured Luisão. Benfica lost the match 2–1, but managed to go through to the next round after winning 4–3 on aggregate. 

On 12 March 2007, he played his first league match for Benfica, against União de Leiria. At the end of the season, Luiz signed a five-year deal with the club and, on 5 August, scored his first goal for the club in the Torneio do Guadiana friendly tournament, against Sporting Clube de Portugal. However, he only managed eight appearances in the league due to injury, as Benfica finished fourth.

On 11 January 2009, David Luiz netted his first official goal for Benfica, the game's only in a home success against Sporting de Braga. He played most of the campaign as a left back, at the expense of Portuguese international, Jorge Ribeiro.

In the 2009–10 season, Luiz was everpresent, appearing in 49 official matches (three goals, 4,206 minutes), as Benfica won the league after a five-year wait. In the season's League Cup, in a 4–1 away win against Sporting, he opened the score in the 8th minute, with Benfica also eventually winning the competition.

On 30 September 2009, Benfica sold 25% of Luiz's economic rights on any future transfer to a third party owner, Benfica Stars Fund, along with other teammates. He was tagged at €18 million, with the fund paying €4.5 million; his contract was also renewed in October, with a release clause of €50 million.

David Luiz Biography - Chelsea

On 31 January 2011, David Luiz completed a €25 million move to Chelsea, with Nemanja Matić joining Benfica at the end of the season after his loan spell away at Vitesse. He made his official – and Premier League – debut on 6 February, replacing José Bosingwa in a 0–1 home loss against Liverpool. Eight days later, he made his first start for Chelsea, in a 0–0 draw against Fulham at Craven Cottage. He was awarded the Barclays Man of the Match award for his performance, despite giving away a penalty in the 93rd minute of the game, which was saved by Petr Čech.

On 1 March, Luiz scored his first goal for Chelsea, firing in a half volley to help the Blues come from behind to win 2–1 against Manchester United, at Stamford Bridge. On the 20th, he scored his second goal for the Blues, heading in from a freekick against Manchester City (2–0 home win), and again receiving the Man of the match award, which eventually granted him the Premier League Player of the Month award.

Branislav Ivanović

Branislav Ivanović Biography - Early career
Ivanović began his career in his home town with Srem, before transferring to OFK Beograd in December 2003, during the 2003–04 winter transfer window.


Branislav Ivanović Biography - Lokomotiv Moscow
After three years of playing in the Serbian Superliga, the first division of football in Serbia and previously Montenegro, he was signed by Lokomotiv Moscow in January 2006. Coached by compatriot Slavoljub Muslin, 22-year-old Ivanović made an immediate impact, appearing in 28 league matches, scoring two goals, and picking up five bookings along the way. He was substituted only twice during the entire league season and contributed greatly to Lokomotiv's legitimate title challenge that ultimately ran out of steam near the end of the season. He sealed his place as a regular in the Serbian national team during his career in Russia.

In the following season, Ivanović, by now an established squad member, made 26 league appearances and scored three goals. During his time with Lokomotiv Moscow, the only major honour he won was the Russian Cup in 2007.

Branislav Ivanović Biography - Chelsea 2007–08
On 15 January 2008, Chelsea confirmed that the club had agreed terms with Lokomotiv for Ivanović's transfer subject to the agreement of personal terms and the passing of a medical, having beaten competition from the likes of Milan, Ajax, Juventus and Internazionale for his signature. Though the transfer fee hadn't been disclosed, it was speculated to be in the £9 million range. Lokomotiv Moscow announced the transfer fee for Ivanović was €13 million (£9.7 million). According to the club, the transfer was the largest in Russian football history. Ivanović signed a three-and-a-half year contract with Chelsea the following day. He was given the number 2 shirt.

Despite the substantial price tag, Ivanović did not make a first team appearance for Chelsea during the 2007–08 season under manager Avram Grant. The reason given by the club was a lack of match fitness as a result of the Russian league season's conclusion several months before his signing. However, he did play twice for the Chelsea reserve side.

Branislav Ivanović Biography - Chelsea 2008–09
All throughout the summer 2008 off-season, Ivanović was linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge, most notably to Milan and Juventus. However, he got the vote of confidence from new manager Luiz Felipe Scolari, who said Ivanović featured in his plans for the new season.

More than eight months after becoming a Chelsea player, Ivanović finally made an appearance for the club's first team, getting a start against Portsmouth in the Carling Cup on 24 September 2008. He later went on to make his Premier League debut against Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge on 5 October, which Chelsea won 2–0. He played a total of nine games in the early part of the 2008–09 season under Scolari's tenure which ended in February 2009.

Towards the end of the January 2009 transfer window, Ivanović became a transfer target for another Serie A club Fiorentina. On 27 January, his agent Vlado Borozan confirmed ongoing negotiations with the club, however, on 1 February, Italian player manager Ernesto Broseti said that Chelsea appeared unwilling to sell Ivanović and that he will likely remain in London, which is what happened in the end.

His first start under new manager Guus Hiddink came on 4 April away at Newcastle United. It was Ivanović's first league appearance in more than three months for the club and it happened only days after he scored the winning goal for the Serbian national team in a 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifier away at Romania.

He scored his first goal for Chelsea against Liverpool in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter-final at Anfield. He later went on to score a second goal which like his first, was a headed goal off a corner. These two goals proved to be decisive, as Chelsea left Anfield leading 1–3 on aggregate, and would go on to win the tie by two goals with an aggregate score of 7–5. Ivanović's two goals also earned him a regular starting place for the time being in Guus Hiddink's side, as well as making him an instant fan favorite among Chelsea supporters with the nickname Branislav 'two goal' Ivanović announced before games. Still, by the end of the season Hiddink relegated Ivanović back to the bench after Champions League semi-final 1st leg at Barcelona, meaning that he didn't play in the controversial second leg that Chelsea lost in heartbreaking fashion, and he also sat out the 2009 FA Cup Final.

Branislav Ivanović Biography - Chelsea 2009–10 

Ivanović made his first start in a Chelsea cup final the next season in the Community Shield against Premier League winners and Chelsea rivals Manchester United. He was substituted at half time for José Bosingwa and Chelsea went on to win 4–1 on penalties. In mid August 2009 Ivanović made his first Premier League appearance of the season against Sunderland, which Chelsea went on to win 3–1, with goals from Michael Ballack, Frank Lampard, and Deco. In September, Ivanović made his first Champions League appearance of the season against FC Porto in the absence of Chelsea's first choice right back, José Bosingwa. Ivanović scored the first goal of his Premier League career against Bolton Wanderers with a shot from inside the penalty area on October 31, 2009. His goal was Chelsea's third in a 4–0 victory at the Reebok Stadium. As his main competitor for a defensive spot, Bosingwa, went down with a season ending knee injury in October, Ivanović became an automatic choice in the Chelsea defence.

Though much more settled into the Chelsea first team than in previous seasons, Ivanović continued to figure as a transfer target for various European teams, highlighting his recent form. On December 22, 2009, a week before the opening of 2009–10 winter transfer window, he was placed on the cover of MARCA, influential Spanish high circulation daily sports tabloid that maintains strong links to Real Madrid. The accompanying piece claimed that Real is after Ivanović as a replacement for their injured centre back. As the 2009/10 season continued, so did Ivanović as a regular in the Chelsea first team. In the UEFA Champions' League second round first leg away at Inter Milan, the latter winners of the compition, Ivanović ran a majority of the pitch before passing to Salomon Kalou who scored Chelsea's equaliser. His great run of form during the season led to him being named in the PFA 2009/10 Team of the Year in the right-back position.

Branislav Ivanović Biography - Chelsea 2010–11
Ivanović started the season at right back but eventually moved back centre back due to injuries to his team mates Alex and John Terry and the return to fitness of first choice right back Jose Bosingwa. His first goal of the season scored in an away game against Blackburn Rovers in the Premier League, on 30 October 2010, a late header that secured Chelsea 2-1 win. He then scored a brace in a 4-1 win in the Champions League against Spartak Moscow on 4 November 2010, netted by a powerful header and a neat shot. His second goal in the Premier League, or fourth in all competitions, came with a header during the 3-1 loss to Arsenal.

Early in 2011, Ivanović scored his first goal of the year on 15 January 2011, in a 2-0 home win in a Premier League match against Blackburn Rovers at Stamford Bridge, by a shot from close range. On 6 February 2011 he started and played the full 90 minutes against Liverpool at Stamford Bridge in a disappointing 1-0 defeat partnering John Terry at centre-back. He has currently made 34 appearances and has scored five goals in total.

On 10 February 2011, Ivanović signed a new five-and-a-half year-contract with Chelsea Football Club, keeping him at the club until the summer of 2016. After signing this new long-term deal, he said: "It is good news for me, it is a very big step for me in my career and I want to try to help Chelsea win a lot more trophies," according to Ivanović. He said again: "These things take a little time but my first vision was always to stay with Chelsea. There were not a lot of problems because I wanted to stay, the club wanted me to stay and I want to thank everyone who helped with the deal. I am very happy with that." During his three years at the club Ivanović has won two FA Cups as well as the 2009-10 Premier League title, and has scored eight goals in total.

Petr Cech

Petr Cech Biography - Preview
Not a lot of goalkeepers get their biographies written, mainly for the fact that they don't shine out like a striker or a midfielder does and they are much more prone to mistakes than any other player on the pitch.

Still, this Cech biography was inevitable, as we are talking about one of the best soccer goalkeepers of today and one of the most prominent figures at Chelsea FC. So let's begin this Petr Cech Biography with a short review of his early period, his time at Rennes and his boost to stardom at Chelsea.


Petr Cech Biography – Early Career
Being born in the Czech town of Plzen, his local team, FC Viktoria Plzen was his obvious first choice. However, few know that Peter Cech didn't start out as a soccer goalkeeper, but he was actually a midfielder or striker for the youth team of FC Viktoria Plzen.

After breaking his leg at age 10 however, he was often set in the goal of the team, until he fully recovered and began to like this position.

At age 17, he moved to FK Chmel Blsany in 1999, which was a step forward, getting his first professional contract, but still wasn't the big break Petr Cech had hoped for.

After playing 27 matches in 2 seasons for Blsany, Cech shone out as a talented young goalkeeper and it was AC Sparta Praha, one of the most important teams in the Czech league that sought to profit from the young goalkeeper's talent and signed him in an expensive deal for the Czech league (especially for a goalkeeper), 700 000 euros.

He immediately won a first team place for Sparta Praha and had a great season with the team, managing to set a national record of going 855 minutes without conceding a goal and having a great campaign in UEFA Champions League.


Petr Cech Biography – Rennes
Petr Cech's performances at Sparta and especially his awesome games in UEFA Champions League with the team brought him in the attention of several big European clubs, but it was Stade Rennais FC (you can just call it Rennes if your French is not up to date) that finally clinched a deal with the Czech team, signing Peter Cech for 5 million euros, a big sum for a goalkeeper in 2002.

Admittedly, Rennes wasn't a top team in the French league, but it was definitely considered a launch pad to soccer stardom, as many of the team's components found themselves moving to bigwigs Olympique Lyonnais, Paris Saint Germain, Girondine Bordeaux or Auxerre.

In 2 years at Rennes, Petr Cech managed to help the team avoid relegation (the usual objective with which Rennes started the season back then) and not only that, but his brilliant goalkeeping brought the team in the French Cup's semi finals in 2003 and managed to finish ninth in the following season. His big break was yet to come however…


Petr Cech Biography – Chelsea
In 2003, Carlo Cudicini, Chelsea's first choice goalkeeper was considered one of the best in the English League, but since the glory of a soccer goalkeeper is usually short, a string of mistakes on his part sent the Chelsea officials looking for a replacement goalkeeper, or at least someone that could spark some competition for what they thought was an unmotivated Cudicini.

They found this replacement in Peter Cech and signed the Czech goalkeeper in the summer of 2004 for a fee of 10 million euros. Although still considered the second choice for Chelsea's goal, Petr Cech quickly won his first choice status as Cudicini kept on making mistakes that would cost his team points and the fans' support.

Being in the forming dream team of Chelsea meant a lot of pressure for the young goalkeeper, but also the chance to rise to fame. Given the chance, he showed the World what he can do, setting a personal and Premiership record, not conceding a goal for 1025 minutes. That season also had him win another award, the Golden Gloves, for earning an impressive 21 clean sheets during the entire season.

Currently, Petr Cech is still on top of his game and has the full support of the fans and staff of Chelsea, despite suffering a grave injury during a Premiership match against Reading, when he fractured his skull after colliding with an opponent.