See how Chelsea’s current side match up with the Blues team from Jose Mourinho’s first season…
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GK) Petr Cech v Thibaut Courtois
Cech went on to become a Chelsea legend and one of the best goalkeepers in the world. But in 2004 he had yet to really establish himself, and had to fight off the challenge of Carlo Cudicini, who was also a fan favourite.
Courtois on the other hand is already a champion, with huge amounts of top level Champions League and international experience under his belt, so despite Cech’s fantastic legacy, Courtois wins.
Winner: Thibaut Courtois
LB) Wayne Bridge v Cesar Azpilicueta
Wayne Bridge was never one of Mourinho’s favourites, with William Gallas often played out of position at left back, and Ashley Cole was eventually signed to replace him.
Azpilicueta on the the other hand is a true Mourinho player, endlessly determined and hard working, and impossible to beat one on one. This is perhaps the easiest decision in the team.
Winner: Cesar Azpilicueta
CB) John Terry 2004 v John Terry 2014
John Terry of 2014 remains in the top few centre-backs in world football, and it is astonishing how little – if at all – his performances have declined over the last decade.
2004 Terry takes it purely on the strength of his added youth – that extra spring in the jump and yard of pace, but the difference is negligible.
Winner: John Terry 2004
CB) Ricardo Carvalho v Gary Cahill
Gary Cahill has exceeded all expectations for Chelsea since arriving from Bolton, and will soon be stepping into John Terry’s shoes as the English heart of the side.
Ricardo Carvalho takes the spot though, just because of his amazing partnership with 2004 Terry and his wonderful technical ability with the ball at his feet.
Winner: Ricardo Carvalho
RB) Paolo Ferreira v Branislav Ivanovic
Paolo was one of the trusted Porto lieutenants that Jose Mourinho brought with him when he moved to England, and he did a good job, was never particularly outstanding.
Ivanovic is one of the Premier League’s top full-backs, and is full of energy and quality both going forward and at the back.
Winner: Branislav Ivanovic
DM) Claude Makelele v Nemanja Matic
An incredibly hard decision. Matic is the only player who Chelsea have had who is able to match Makelele’s ability as a defensive midfielder, and the Serb has incredible energy and athleticism.
However Makelele just nicks it because of his astonishing ability to read the game. There are few in the history of world football who could do it better.
Winner: Claude Makelele
CM) Tiago v Cesc Fabregas
Tiago was never too firm a choice, and Mourinho often opted to play Eidur Gudjonsson instead of the Portuguese midfielder. Fabregas on the other hand is completely integral to this Chelsea side, and he is an easy choice for our Ultimate XI.
Winner: Cesc Fabregas
AMC) Frank Lampard v Oscar
Oscar is a hard working and skilful player, and there can’t be many players in world football better suited to the role Mourinho likes him to play than the former Internacional man.
Frank Lampard was the embodiment of that duality though, scoring ridiculous numbers of goals while still competing all over the pitch. Lampard is perhaps the greatest player in Chelsea’s history, and even Oscar wouldn’t have many complaints about losing his place.
Winner: Frank Lampard
AML) Damien Duff v Eden Hazard
Damien Duff was direct and effective for 2004 Chelsea, but he is no match for the mighty Eden Hazard. The Belgian is Chelsea’s key threat in the final third, and his dribbling ability is on a level with Lionel Messi’s. Duff was a hard worked on his flank, but Hazard is picking up those good habits too, and could soon be the complete winger.
Winner: Eden Hazard
AMR) Arjen Robben v Willian
Willian brings a lot to Chelsea, he works hard and has great speed on the counter-attack. Arjen Robben was a class above though, and his electric pace and finishing ability make him much more of a threat than the occasionally blunt Willian. His injury proneness meant Chelsea ended up letting him go for a meagre fee to Real Madrid, a move that the Blues now sorely regret.
Winner: Arjen Robben
ST) Didier Drogba v Diego Costa
Much like Cech, Didier Drogba went on to become a Chelsea legend in his time at the club, but on his arrival was still somewhat unproven. He only managed 10 league goals in his first season, and came in for a lot of critisism. It was only after a couple of seasons that he settled in properly. Costa on the other hand already has 9 league goals, and has settled in at the Bridge without a snag.
Winner: Diego Costa
Overall: 2004 5 – 6 2014
The modern day team squeezes out the 2004 side, an ominous sign for the rest of Europe considering the strength of that side from decade ago. This combined side… is pretty incredible.