On this day, 11 years ago, Jose Mourinho left Chelsea for the first time. The Portuguese gaffer departed after having built one of the strongest teams this country has ever seen.
Here, we ask who would have made it into Mourinho’s great side from today’s team.
Goalkeeper: Petr Cech
Cech’s early Chelsea years were the best of any goalkeeper to play at the Bridge. Kepa has a long way to go to match Cech.
Right Back: Cesar Azpilicueta
Paulo Ferreira was excellent during Mourinho’s first spell. Azpilicueta, however, has managed to remain first choice for far longer than Ferreira.
Right CB: Ricardo Carvalho
Antonio Rudiger has the tools to eventually surpass him. But Carvalho was utterly masterful for Mourinho’s Chelsea.
Left CB: John Terry
One of Chelsea’s best ever players. His partnership with Carvalho was the best defensive pairing ever seen at the bridge.
Left Back: Ashley Cole
Although Cole was only signed in 2006, he still qualifies as a Mourinho player. The best left back to play for Chelsea.
Defensive Midfield: Jorginho
Claude Makelele was so effective that he had a position named after him. Jorginho does not snuff out danger quite as well but his range of passing makes him too good to leave out.
Right CM: Michael Essien
Michael Ballack at Chelsea was slightly past his best so he misses out. N’Golo Kante is even more of an energetic force than Essien. However, the Ghanaian’s superior passing edges it.
Left CM: Frank Lampard
Lampard is simply one of the best midfielders ever.
Right Wing: Arjen Robben
When he was fit, Robben destroyed teams. Pedro and Willian have never reached such a level.
Left Wing: Eden Hazard
Hazard has a good claim to be the most talented Chelsea player in history. Damian Duff and Joe Cole were important for Mourinho’s team, but Hazard is a shoe-in.
Striker: Didier Drogba
Drogba only really began to excel in Mourinho’s final full season of his first spell. That Drogba was a truly great striker, which Alvaro Morata and Olivier Giroud are not.
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