Who is Chelsea’s Player of the Season?

Ultimately, a disappointing season on the pitch was a stark contrast with Chelsea’s off-field activity as a glut in the January transfer market marked the arrival of the fourth most expensive player in world football – Fernando Torres.

Unfortunately for Roman Abramovich, his £50 million outlay has resembled that of his side’s campaign, as the Spaniard has failed to ignite Stamford Bridge since his exit from Liverpool, leaving Carlo Ancelotti with a selection conundrum in his attacking ranks.

Chelsea’s blushes, however, have been partly salvaged with the acquisition of David Luiz from Benfica. The Brazilian has settled in quickly at the heart of the Stamford Bridge rear guard alongside John Terry and looks set to flourish in west London next term.

After a barnstorming start, having lost just once in their opening 10 league fixtures, Ancelotti’s charges faltered as the winter closed in, and their five-point advantage over eventual champions Manchester United had diminished by early January following a run of two victories from 11 league outings.

The turn of the year sparked a mini revival but Chelsea fell at both domestic and European hurdles to Sir Alex Ferguson’s side and ended the campaign trophyless, as well as a few pounds lighter in the bank account.

Below are Goal.com’s three nominees for Chelsea’s player of the season in alphabetical order. We then cast our vote at the bottom before leaving it up to you, the readers, to have your say.

Age: 30 Appearances: 46 Goals/Assists: 0/3 Cards: 4 0

Often seen bombing down Chelsea’s left flank, Cole has been one of Ancelotti’s most consistent performers this term. His tireless work ethic has been a catalyst on so many occasions in Chelsea’s attack, while defensively only a handful of wingers can genuinely claim they pinned down the England international for the majority of their encounter. His only blemish on a solid season was his off-field escapade which involved a work experience student being shot with an air rifle at the club’s training ground.

Age: 33 Appearances: 45 Goals/Assists: 13/15 Cards: 7 0

Second in Chelsea’s scoring charts only to Florent Malouda, it’s arguable that the Ivorian would trump the French winger had he had not suffered from malaria, or been dropped following the arrival of Torres. At 33, Drogba has showed no sign that his presence in Ancelotti’s side should be questioned, and a series of influential performances forced his manager’s hand, and subsequently saw the club’s £50m acquisition among the substitutes. Physically drained after suffering from malaria earlier in the season, the striker required time to regain fitness, but his ability to score and lead the line for Chelsea quickly re-established itself towards the end of the campaign.

Age: 27 Appearances: 45 Goals/Assists: 6/4 Cards: 12 0

Undoubtedly Chelsea’s biggest defensive asset once injuries began to deplete the squad, the Serbian’s versatility has been a valuable attribute for Ancelotti this term. Having made the right-back position his own, Alex’s lengthy injury saw the 27-year-old move into the heart of defence alongside John Terry, but looked comfortable in his transition. The arrival of David Luiz has seen Ivanovic move back out to the right flank, but his ability to buccaneer down the channel has not been lost and his contribution to Chelsea’s cause will be once again indispensible next term.