Looking back at the dawn of the Roman Abramovich era, Gary Neville has highlighted Damien Duff as the silent gem of a Chelsea front three alongside Arjen Robben and Didier Drogba.
Damien Duff’s three-year tenure at Chelsea remains the gold standard for selfless, high-impact wing play in the Roman Abramovich era. Arriving from Blackburn for £17 million, the Irishman initially provided a spark under Claudio Ranieri, but it was under Jose Mourinho that he became truly indispensable.
His contribution to Chelsea’s back-to-back league titles was brilliant; he amassed 19 goals and 28 assists in 125 appearances, including a vital strike in the iconic 4-2 Champions League win over Barcelona.
Beyond the numbers, Duff was loved for his relentless work rate and defensive discipline, qualities that earned him the total trust of Mourinho.
While he eventually moved to Newcastle in 2006 for £5 million, Duff left Stamford Bridge as a two-time Premier League champion.
Do you think Chelsea should sack Liam Rosenior? Or are you willing to give him more time?🤔
Chelsea FC v Paris Saint-Germain FC - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Round of 16 Second Leg
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Gary Neville appreciates what Damien Duff did for Chelsea
Off The Ball Breakfast had Gary Neville talking about everything involving Manchester United, but he couldn’t help but touch on Jose Mourinho’s side at Chelsea.
However, Damien Duff was the main talking point.
“When he was at Chelsea at that point, where he was, I think at his best he was a hell of a player, by the way.
“That Jose team that had him and Roben wide and they could move by the way, they could switch wings with Drogba up front, that was a hell of a front three to play against. He was a good player, Damien Duff, he doesn’t get the credit he deserves.”
It’s time to bin the five-year plan, Todd 😡
Joe Cole is absolutely right.
Gary Neville and Damien Duff’s record against each other
Gary Neville and Damien Duff faced each other 12 times between 2001 and 2010.
The former Manchester United defender got the better of that exchange in terms of results, with Neville winning seven, drawing one and losing four.
Duff scored a vitally important goal for Chelsea from 50 yards against a Gary Neville-led defense in the 2005 League Cup Semi-Final, which saw the Blues win 2-1 on aggregate.
Considering the players that Neville played with and against, this is high praise for the winger.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox