John Terry is another whose form has improved since Mourinho’s return to Chelsea. At 33-years-of-age the Blues’ skipper had found himself out-of-favour under interim boss Rafa Benitez, and many believed last season would be his final year with the club.
But Mourinho has opted to restore the veteran to first team action throughout the first half of the campaign and he has rewarded his boss with a number of solid displays.
Terry has been ever present for the club, featuring in every single minute of Premier League action. During his time he has accumulated a Performance Score of 606 points, which sees him ranked as the club’s second best player, behind Eden Hazard.
He has contributed with an average of nine defensive actions – more than any other player at the club –whilst completing 67% of his headed duels and 54% of his tackles. With a passing success rate of 90% he has had an important stabilising effect in the back four.
Terry finally looks his old self again in the centre of defence and has even popped up with two crucial goals and an assist. He has often proved vital in Chelsea’s struggle to win points in what has been a turbulent season so far.
Ramires is now 26 and into his fourth full season with Chelsea, but finally he has re-established himself as one of the first names on the club’s team sheet.
He had of course been one of the standout players during the Roberto Di Matteo era, in which he had scored some crucial goals – with his finish against Liverpool in the FA Cup final and his Champions League semi-final strike versus Barcelona instantly springing to mind – but the Brazilian suffered a dip in form last term, which saw him draw criticism from some.
During the current campaign he has regained his form of the 2011-12 season and in the six months or so he has spent under Mourinho’s command he has earned a place at the heart of his new-look Chelsea side.
His speed and endless stamina make him a difficult opponent to get past in the centre and, whilst he lacks the freedom to go forward at times, he fulfils his duties to perfection. He is by far the club’s most dynamic midfielder.
Ramires has become an unsung hero for the Blues and, having missed just one league match this season, it is clear Mourinho has quickly recognized his incredible ability.
Such has been his improvement, he has even worked his way back into Luiz Felipe Scolari’s Brazil squad, amongst competition from the likes of Sandro, Paulinho, Luis Gustavo, Lucas Leiva and Fernandinho – a good sign ahead of this summer’s World Cup.