This July will mark the 14th anniversary since Roman Abramovich bought Chelsea Football Club.

"We are delighted to agree this deal to acquire what is already one of the top clubs in Europe," Abramovich said at the time, per BBC Sport.

"We have the resources and ambition to achieve even more given the huge potential of this great club."

The Russian’s prediction proved spot on. He’s spent more than £1 billion since his arrival at Stamford Bridge and the trophies have poured in.

Abramovich’s ruthless style has brought about four Premier League titles - likely to become five in May - four FA Cups and success in the Champions League and Europa League.

And fans wouldn’t want it any other way. Especially when they cast their eyes towards the north of London and see the dire state of Arsenal.

Abramovich took over a solid team

Chelsea finished fourth in the season prior to Abramovich’s arrival, so it’s not as if he was taking over a club that had a rocky foundation. All that was needed was some investment and a capable manager in the form of Jose Mourinho and the Blues would end Manchester United and Arsenal’s time at the top.

Their time came in the 2004-05 season. Petr Cech, Didier Drogba and Arjen Robben were all brought in and Chelsea cruised to the title, finished 12 points ahead of second-placed Arsenal and setting records for fewest goals conceded, most clean sheets and most wins in a Premier League season.

Before the money

But let’s remember the time before the money. When Ken Bates was in charge and Celestine Babayaro played in defence.

Chelsea’s final game before Abramovich came in was on May 11, 2003. Liverpool were the visitors to Stamford Bridge and goals from Marcel Desailly and Jesper Gronkjaer gave Claudio Ranieri’s side a 2-1 win.

Here is their squad from that game.

Starting XI:

Carlo Cudicini | GK

Mario Melchiot | RB

William Gallas | CB

Marcel Desailly | CB

Celestine Babayaro | LB

Jesper Gronkjaer | RM

Emmanuel Petit | CM

Frank Lampard | CM

Graeme Le Saux | LM

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink | ST

Eidur Gudjohnsen | ST

Subs:

Ed de Goey

Mario Stanic

Jody Morris

Gianfranco Zola

Carlton Cole

Chelsea's current XI

That’s a pretty impressive side. But compare it to Chelsea’s current XI and there’s only one winner.

This is the squad that Antonio Conte picked in the 2-1 win over Stoke City last week.

Starting XI:

Thibaut Courtois | GK

Gary Cahill | CB

Cesar Azpilicueta | CB

David Luiz | CB

Marcos Alonso | RWB

Victor Moses | LWB

N’Golo Kante | CM

Nemanja Matic | CM

Willian | RW

Pedro | LW

Diego Costa | ST

Subs:

Asmir Begovic

Cesc Fabregas

Kurt Zouma

Nathan Ake

Ruben Loftus-Cheek

Michy Batshuayi

Nathaniel Chalobah

Which Chelsea XI is better? Let us know in the comments section below!