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All-time XI: Mourinho's most influential players

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.

All-time XI: Mourinho's most influential players
All-time XI: Mourinho's most influential players ©Getty Images

  • 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)
Frank Lampard, José Mourinho and John Terry
Frank Lampard, José Mourinho and John Terry©Getty Images

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)
Frank Lampard was prolific under José Mourinho
Frank Lampard was prolific under José Mourinho©Getty Images

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)
Cristiano Ronaldo and José Mourinho
Cristiano Ronaldo and José Mourinho©Getty Images

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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