Ranking the 5 greatest players coached by Jose Mourinho

#3 Didier Drogba

Jose Mourinho instructs Didier Drogba and John Terry.

Jose Mourinho has always turned to powerful, physically intimidating strikers to lead his attacking line. Chelsea legend Didier Drogba is one of the finest players to have operated under the Portuguese manager. The Ivorian forward played 186 games under Mourinho, scoring 73 goals and recording 40 assists.

Although Drogba's consistency often came under the scanner, he was undoubtedly a man for the big occasion, scoring in numerous finals and important games. His powerful frame, clever hold-up play and willingness to cover every blade of grass on the pitch was a vital part of Mourinho's defence-oriented approach.

Drogba played a role in all eight of Mourinho's trophy wins at Chelsea and was also the top scorer during the 2006-07 Premier League season.

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#2 Frank Lampard

Frank Lampard celebrates a goal for Chelsea.

Chelsea's all-time record goalscorer with 211 strikes, Frank Lampard flourished under Jose Mourinho's tutelage. The England midfielder played 215 games under the Special One, scoring 71 goals and providing 60 assists.

Mourinho's defensive strategy allowed Lampard to push up the pitch and gave him the freedom to make driving runs into the opposition's box from midfield. The Englishman terrorized defenses and established himself as arguably the greatest goalscoring midfielder to have graced the game.

The duo won two Premier League titles, two League Cups, an FA Cup and a Community Shield.

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#1 Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo (L) and Jose Mourinho in discussion at the Bernabeu.

Compatriots Cristiano Ronaldo and Jose Mourinho joined forces at Real Madrid in 2010. It is difficult to evaluate their partnership, especially since there remains a tinge of disappointment around Mourinho's time with Los Blancos.

Yes, they won trophies but it could have been so much more. Nonetheless, there is no doubt Ronaldo became a better player while operating under the controversial manager. The Portuguese superstar played 164 games under Mourinho, scoring a sensational 168 goals and laying out 49 assists.

Their pairing peaked in the 2011-12 season as Real Madrid romped to the La Liga title, beating Pep Guardiola's formidable Barcelona side. Los Blancos scored an astonishing 121 goals in 38 league games, which remains the highest-ever return by a team in a single La Liga campaign.

Meanwhile, Ronaldo netted 60 goals and provided 22 assists, including 46 league goals, the second-highest tally of his career so far.

Despite forming one of the greatest attacks of all time, Ronaldo and Mourinho won only three trophies together. In addition to the La Liga title, they also won a Copa del Rey trophy and a Spanish Super Cup.