Chelsea
23 ‘World-Class’ PL players you’ve probably forgotten about – Part 2: featuring Chelsea and Newcastle United stars
Pierluigi Casiraghi – Chelsea
10 Premier League Appearances, 1 Goal
The Italian striker arrived at Chelsea in 1998 for £5.4 million but was desperately unfortunate to sustain a cruciate ligament in only his 10th appearance for the club.
After 10 operations over the course of the next four years Casiraghi was forced to retire from playing professionally.
Didier Deschamps – Chelsea
27 Premier League Appearances, 0 Goals
One of the most decorated players in the game, Deschamps moved to Chelsea in 1999 on a free transfer from Juventus.
Although many, including Deschamps, thought his playing style didn’t suit the English game, his Chelsea team still managed a fifth place finish and the FA Cup in 2001 in his only season at the club.
Marco Materazzi – Everton
27 Premier League Appearances, 1 Goal
Long before he gained notoriety for winding up Zinedine Zidane in the 2006 World Cup Final, Marco Materazzi played in the Premier League for Everton during the 1998-99 season.
His one season at Goodison Park will mostly be remembered for his poor discipline although he did show the odd glimpse of class with a magnificent goal from a free kick against Middlesbrough.
