Gus Poyet
The acquisition of Gus Poyet on a free transfer in June 1997 proved to be one of Chelsea's best bargains of the Premier League era, with the attacking midfielder playing a crucial role in establishing the team amongst the main Champions League contenders year after year.
Having overcome a serious knee injury in his debut campaign, Poyet helped Chelsea to the Cup Winners' Cup and UEFA Super Cup in 1998, scoring the winner in the latter final against Real Madrid.
The Uruguayan scored 18 goals during the 1999-2000 season, including his memorable scissor kick against Sunderland and a brace in the FA Cup semi-final against Newcastle United as Chelsea went on to lift the trophy.
Claudio Ranieri's arrival in 2000 spelled the beginning of the end for Poyet at Chelsea, though, and he left for London rivals Tottenham Hotspur a year later having scored 49 goals in 145 appearances for the club.
