Antonio Conte has not inherited a Chelsea side with as much quality as his predecessors…

Over the years, Stamford Bridge has been home to some of the best players in European football.

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Roman Abramovich, of course, brought wealth and glamour to the club – but Stamford Bridge has often been a hotbed of top European talent even before his Russian millions gave rise to a new era of success at Stamford Bridge.

Antonio Conte’s Chelsea is, of course, the same – but there is definitely room for improvement.

The Blues have struggled over the last 18 months, slipping to a 10th place finish last season and continuing to disappoint under Conte this year.

The Chelsea team of 2016 lacks the passion and desire of years gone by, and Antonio Conte could really do with a few ex-Chelsea legends to get his team back on their feet.

Known for much more than their technical ability, these Chelsea stars of years gone by have cemented  their legacy at the club for their heroics and dedication on the field.

With that said, here are 3 former Chelsea players that Conte could do with right now…

Dennis Wise

Dennis Wise was the man that defined a generation at Stamford Bridge.

The English veteran is often remembered as a hard-tackling and gritty midfielder – but he was so much more than that.

He offered passion and determination – and he was often the player to make the decisive move or decision that would determine the outcome of the game.

Always willing to give 110% – very few have ever displayed as much passion for the club as Dennis Wise.

He wouldn’t have allowed players to care more about a pay slip than a winners medal – and he would bring that winning mentality back to Stamford Bridge.

Frank Lampard

Frank Lampard only left Chelsea a few years ago – and the ramifications of his departure are still being felt today.

The Blues have never really replaced Lampard – and results on the pitch have proved that.

On an immediate level, Frank Lampard’s goals used to fire Chelsea to at least 10 points a year – and that would have seen Chelsea rise up the table significantly last season. But he was so much more than just goals…

Lampard displayed so much passion and determination for the club, and this was never more evident that en route to the 2012 Champions League final – where he took the reigns and lead the club to an historic victory.

Possibly the greatest player to ever wear the shirt – and a player that will never be replaced at Stamford Bridge.

Marcel Desailly

Before John Terry, there was Marcel Desailly.

The Frenchman taught the future Chelsea captain everything during his youth – and he played a key role in making him the player that he is today.

Defensively, there has never been a better player to wear the shirt than Desailly. Strong in the air, powerful in the tackle, and an uncanny ability to read the game – he was near unstoppable at the back.

But you also cannot undervalue the leadership he brought to the Blues – a notion that Antonio Conte lacks so dearly in the absence of John Terry.

He commanded the Chelsea first team in much the same way that John Terry does – and he could revolutionise Antonio Conte’s Chelsea.

For a manager that places defensive integrity so highly – there is nobody better than Desailly.

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