For example, Marco Van Basten's strike in the final of Euro 88 propelled him into the public spotlight as a great player. Pele's consistently amazing performances in the World Cup make him, arguably, the greatest player ever. You could say that it really is a case of doing the right thing at the right time!
At Chelsea, I'd say we have had a couple of great players in the last ten years. Gianfranco Zola is the first that springs to mind. Franco scored the winning goal in the 1998 European Cup Winners' Cup final, 15 seconds after coming off the bench.
He also provided a magical back flick in the 1997 FA Cup Final, allowing Eddie Newton to secure the victory for us. Would he have been considered so great without doing these things? Well, maybe he's the exception to the rule!
Another is Robbie Di Matteo. What a legend! How can a guy who scores in two FA Cup finals and a Coca Cola Cup final not be a legend? Would he be a legend without these goals? Highly unlikely.... He would just be looked upon as a good Chelsea player, rather than a great one.
Gus Poyet was another who's popularity was mainly based around the clutch goals that he scored for us. The FA Cup semi final in 2000 against Newcastle was Gus' moment- he took it, with two magical goals. He also scored in the 1998 Cup Winners' Cup semi final win against Vicenza. Goals like these mean he will forever be a Chelsea legend.
The same goes for Mark Hughes. Without Sparky, Franco Zola might not have turned into the legend that he is. With 10 minutes to go in the above mentioned Cup Winner's Cup semi final, and Chelsea heading out unless we scored again, Sparky hit an incredible volley into the far corner of the Vicenza goal to send the crowd wild. Legend!
Who will be next to become a Chelsea legend? My money's on Mutu...
I can't possibly comment on events from the seventies (or fifties for that matter) but if anyone wants to share why Osgood, Charlie Cooke and co were so great, then let me know! You can contact me here.