We are well aware that the Chelsea of old and the Chelsea of now are made up slightly differently and have played with different formations. Today in Fan Park, we compare the two sides Mourinho has had.
Goalkeepers: Petr Cech now Thibaut Courtois
It’s interesting to see that both keepers were 22 when they made their Chelsea debut, but Courtois is more the finished article at that age and he is already one of the best three goalkeepers
Right Back: Paulo Ferreira now Branislav Ivanovic
Ivanovic is recently a converted central defender but the Serb has been formidable right-back. Ferreira was a loyal Mourinho signing, an example to others but more limited in terms of talent.
Center Back: Ricardo Carvalho now Gary Cahill
Carvalho was recruited by Mourinho to organize his defence and support John Terry. The Portuguese had a fierce competitive edge and had to win at-all-costs approach. Cahill has developed phenomenally and is currently showing us he could be the next John Terry for club and country.
Center Back: John Terry still John Terry
The John Terry of old was absolutely amazing but the one of 2014 is even better than a decade ago. Then, Terry was not the best central defender in the Premier League. Now he may have lost some pace, but is probably is the best around.
Left Back: William Gallas now Cesar Azpilicueta
Neither of these were natural left-backs, but Azpilicueta has picked the role and has followed Mourinho's instructions carefully. Gallas, a true legend of the Premier League, had the ability to play across the backline.
Central Midfielder: Claude Makelele now Nemanja Matic
The Serb has been great for Mourinho since joining and enjoys getting forward. Makelele, who was so good he had a role named after him, and was the engine for many years.
Central Midfielder: Frank Lampard now Cesc Fabregas
Frank has now moved on and his gap has been filled by former Arsenal/Barcelona playmaker Cesc. This has pretty much been a like for like replacement with Fabregas bring a bit more flair!
Right Winger: Arjen Robben now Willian
The Dutch winger was vital to Chelsea's attacking prospects with his ability to run with the ball, while Willian has grown into this role and has become increasingly important but is not as creative.
Attacking Midfielder: Eidur Gudjohnsen now Oscar
The Brazilian is something of an unsung hero, but he can do everything. His work-rate is phenomenal as is his passing and he has an eye for goal. Gudjohnsen was a wonderfully adaptable player for Chelsea and probably got himself on the score sheet a bit more.
Left Winger: Damien Duff now Eden Hazard
Duff fit and in full-flow was a powerful, hard-working attacking threat, but Hazard has all of that and the ability to develop into the best in the world.
Striker: Didier Drogba now Diego Costa
Drogba took some time to settle at Chelsea while Costa has made a huge immediate impact, Drogba took seven months to score 12 goals and Costa did that in almost 2 months.
Which side did you prefer?
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