Chelsea: Ranking the 5 Most Important Players for Blues Next Season

Chelsea's success as a team depends on the successes of its individuals.

Chelsea's lineup is full of world class players. However, those players don't always play up to their abilities (see: Torres, Fernando). Then again, that's how football works sometimes. Players play well. Players play poorly. It happens.

Some players, however, are more important to a team's success than others. Depending on their position, playing style and roster depth, teams might rely on certain players more than others.

Chelsea are no different.

For this slideshow, I have compiled a list of five (or so) players who are imperative to Chelsea's success this season. Feel free to let me know what you think of each player's inclusion, or if I missed somebody!

5. Petr Cech

All great teams start with a solid defense. If a team has a good goalkeeper, that team will always stand a chance.

Luckily, Chelsea have Petr Cech.

Cech has slowly become a legend at Stamford Bridge. He has made over 300 total appearances for the Blues, and he looks like he will be the 'keeper for a few more years.

At age 29, Cech is still arguably the best goalkeeper in the EPL. More importantly, he's been on the big stage before and won't crumble under the pressure.

As long as Cech plays well, Chelsea has a chance to win any match.

4. Wing Players

Okay, so this isn't a specific person, but Chelsea's wing play is extremely important.

Whether it is Florent Malouda or Salomon Kalou up top, or Ashley Cole pushing forward, Chelsea need to have width. Last year there were times when they only played straight up the pitch.

No team will score goals trying to go straight up the middle.

When Chelsea have width, they are incredibly dangerous. When Didier Drogba or Fernando Torres have space in the middle of the field, they can each create some serious havoc.

With the wing players playing well, Chelsea (quite literally) add a completely different dimension to their play. Without it, the Blues are stuck with ugly draws or embarrassing losses.

3. John Terry

John Terry may be a little older and a little more banged up, but the Chelsea skipper remains one of the best central defenders in the world.

Mr. Chelsea continues to anchor one of the best defenses in the Premier League and he is still nearly impossible to beat in one-on-one situations. He is good in the air and he steps into passing lanes as well as anyone.

Essentially, Terry is still a monster.

That being said, Chelsea need him to continue playing at a high level. If the center of their defense starts to lag, the team will sputter. Without Terry's presence in the back, Chelsea would be in a lot of trouble.

Terry may be on the back end of his career, but he still remains one of Chelsea's most important players.

2. Frank Lampard

There have been whisperings that Frank Lampard may have lost a step or two; that the Chelsea legend is too old; that he might be on his way out.

True or not, those talks need to be brushed aside. Lampard is one of the greatest midfielders of his generation and he hasn't shown serious signs of falling off.

Sure, he isn't in as great form as he once was. The man is 33, by the way. Still, he has plenty left in the tank to play at a high level.

It might take some adjusting for Lampard to get accustomed to Andre Villas-Boas' style, but I trust that he will make a smooth transition. He is a smart player, he just needs some time in the system. Lampard has made strides in the preseason and now, he just needs to keep improving as the season wears on.

Lampard is a great player and Chelsea rely on him to make great plays. Once again, he will have to be a serious contributor in order for Chelsea to win some silverware.

1. Didier Drogba/Fernando Torres

Chelsea need goals. It's as simple as that.

Chelsea have two of the best central strikers in the world—now one of them needs to step up.

Andre Villas-Boas is set at most of his positions. However, his situation at striker is slowly becoming dire and the Blues need to figure out something. Fast.

Didier Drogba and Fernando Torres are each world class players. Unfortunately for Chelsea, neither player has consistently shown that in over a year. Their age may be a factor, but I think it's confidence.

Obviously, each player is confident in his ability. However, having confidence while you play is another story. At times, each player seems disinterested or lost while on the pitch.

That can't happen.

AVB needs to figure out his rotation for his strikers. If he can find the right combination, Chelsea will score loads of goals. But again, in order for that to happen, one of these players needs to step up.

If they don't, Chelsea will have a tough time finishing in the top four. If one of these players does step up, Chelsea could win multiple trophies this year.