All-time XI: Mourinho's most influential players
Friday, May 27, 2016
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New Manchester United manager José Mourinho has had a trophy-laden career to date, but which players have been most key to his success? UEFA.com picks out an influential XI.
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- Petr Čech (Chelsea)
Arrived at Stamford Bridge the same summer as Mourinho (first time round) and has become one of the Premier League's all-time greats.
- Javier Zanetti (Internazionale Milano)
Mainstay and captain of Inter's 2010 UEFA Champions League-winning side, Zanetti's relentlessness epitomised Mourinho's style.
- John Terry (Chelsea)
A warrior of a defender who formed an unbreakable bond with Mourinho despite briefly being dropped during the Portuguese's second spell.
- Ricardo Carvalho (Porto, Chelsea & Madrid)
A classy centre-back who played a key role in Porto's 2004 triumph and then followed Mourinho to west London and, later, Madrid.
- Ashley Cole (Chelsea)
Another model of consistency, Cole provided energy and solidity for much of Mourinho's most successful years at Chelsea.
- Frank Lampard (Chelsea)
A Mourinho player if ever there was one. Lampard barely missed a game for years and had a tireless work ethic. Prolific in front of goal, too.
- Deco (Porto & Chelsea)
Perhaps marginally less robust than the typical Mourinho player, Deco nevertheless played a key role at Porto and Chelsea.
- Esteban Cambiasso (Internazionale Milano)
Another hugely reliable cog in one of Mourinho's most well-drilled teams, Cambiasso was pivotal in 2009/10.
- Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid)
Goals, goals and more goals.
- Didier Drogba (Chelsea)
Strong and confrontational, Drogba was the perfect spearhead for a Chelsea side which based its success on a counterattacking style.
- Diego Milito (Internazionale Milano)
Scored two goals in the UEFA Champions League final that set the seal on a prolific campaign that was crucial to Inter's unexpected treble.
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