This has probably been done but taking players in their prime, who do you think Jose would pick as his best ever 11 from the 2 periods with us? I'd go with Cech Ivan Terry Carvalho Cole Maka Ballack Lampard Robben Hazard Drogba I've cheated a little as Robben and Hazard's best positions are wide left but they are by far the 2 best wide forwards we've had so I'm sure he'd play one the 'wrong' side. Fabregas instead of Ballack is the only other maybe for me.
Replying to my own post but...based on my side that would mean 8 players from his original era and 2 from this and Terry covering both (Cech and Drogba obviously still play for us but I would be taking their ability 2004-07 not current - Terry though is evergreen so spans both )
I went Essien over Ballack as The Bison was a different animal at his peak pre-injury. Was tempted to go Gallas at right back over Ivan but will persist with the Serb. Despite what you think of Billy G, he was a phenomenal player for us, whether at CB or FB. As for Hazard, tremendous as he is I would think Damien Duff might push him for a place in there, but like you I'd stick with Hazard for his sheer ability, with the best still to come. Cech Ivan (Gallas) - Carvalho - Terry - Cole Makelele - Essien (Ballack) Robben - Lampard - Hazard (Duff) Drogba
Some good shouts there. Kind of forgot about Essien though I think Ballack just edges it for his leadership and goal scoring ability. Gallas was a great player but I went for Ivan due to his big game mentality and knack for big goals as well. But I can see a case for Gallas or even Ferrera.
Robin was pants at Chelsea, he only really started to be very good after he left Chelsea, you have him in that 11 because of his form since leaving Chelsea
Are you for real? He was one of the best players I've ever seen at the bridge. He had injuries problems but he was ripping up the premier league in his first 2 years when fit. Absolutely brilliant talent and went past people for fun.
For six months before injury 04/5, he was the best winger I have ever seen in a blue shirt. That goal v newcastle from a standing start one of the best I have ever seen. Maradona-esque:
Never like Lamps in 4231. So same team, just 433, rotating Costa/Matic for lesser games and maka/Drog for big games at least until Matic and Costa get improve their big game mentality for Chelsea, which will happen soon .
