Player-by-player comparison of two superb sides.
One down, two to go! Chelsea beat Tottenham Hotspur in the Capital One Cup final this weekend to continue their quest for the treble. Jose Mourinho’s side sit comfortably top of the Premier League table and could be in a good position to win the Champions League as well if they carry on their superb form.
SEE ALSO:
England’s Ten Most Successful Clubs: Chelsea Still Way Behind Arsenal, Liverpool & Man United Despite Capital One Cup Win
Six Things We Learned From Chelsea’s Efficient Capital One Cup Final Win Over Tottenham
Chelsea transfer news
It might not be an indentical treble to the one Sir Alex Ferguson’s legendary Manchester United side won in 1999, but as the season goes on comparisons will inevitably be drawn between the two highly dominant teams. So who wins in a player-by-player battle for the best XI?
GK: Peter Schmeichel vs Thibaut Courtois
Two superb goalkeepers, but while Chelsea’s Courtois still has his best years ahead of him, Schmeichel is an established legend of the game and more proven.
Vote: Schmeichel
DR: Gary Neville vs Branislav Ivanovic
A close call again, but Chelsea’s Ivanovic just gets the nod for his immense contributions going forward for the Blues, while Neville was a more safe and solid defender.
Vote: Ivanovic
DL: Denis Irwin vs Cesar Azpilicueta
Once again, two superb players, but United legend Irwin narrowly beats Azpilicueta for being a more natural left-back, as well as showing great longevity.
Vote: Irwin
DC: Jaap Stam vs John Terry
Whilst Jaap Stam was undoubtedly one of the best in the world at the time, Chelsea’s John Terry has arguably been world class for over a decade in the team now.
Vote: Terry
DC: Henning Berg vs Gary Cahill
More of a rotation player for United, Henning Berg is perhaps not in the same league as Chelsea star Gary Cahill at the back.
Vote: Cahill
MC: Roy Keane vs Nemanja Matic
No contest, however good Matic may have been for Chelsea so far this season, he still has a way to go before matching Keane’s amazing career for United.
Vote: Keane
MC: Paul Scholes vs Cesc Fabregas
Two similarly creative players, Scholes’ torphy cabinet sees him edge past Fabregas in this lineup, though the Spaniard has also been one of the top midfielders in the world for much of his career.
Vote: Scholes
MR: David Beckham vs Eden Hazard
A complicated comparison due to their different roles and the differing formations used by the two teams, but the world class and more well-rounded Eden Hazard is still arguably a cut above David Beckham, even at his peak.
Vote: Hazard
ML: Ryan Giggs vs Oscar
Again, a strange comparison due to their different roles, but it’s safe to say Ryan Giggs at his best would get into most teams ahead of Oscar.
Vote: Giggs
FC: Andrew Cole vs Didier Drogba
Although Chelsea don’t play two upfront, Didier Drogba currently looks second choice to Diego Costa, but is not currently as good as Andrew Cole was in 1999.
Vote: Cole
FC: Dwight Yorke vs Diego Costa
An extremely close call as it looks like Diego Costa may not quite match Dwight Yorke’s 29-goal tally of the 98/99 season, but his impact in his first season at Chelsea looks like being similar and he is perhaps a better all-round player.
Vote: Costa
