'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
#3. Nemanja Matic
Nemanja Matic has had the pleasure of being coached by Jose Mourinho at two clubs: Chelsea and Manchester United.
The Serbian midfielder is widely regarded as one of the best defensive midfielders of his generation. Matic was an integral part of the Chelsea side that achieved great success and has also been excellent at Manchester United.
Costing a mere £1.5 million the first time in 2009, Matic failed to make his mark at Chelsea. He then moved to Benfica in 2011, where he established himself as a world-class player, before rejoining Chelsea in 2014 for a reported £21 million.
Matic grew into one of the most important players in Mourinho's setup, even winning a Premier League title under him. Extremely strong and intelligent, Matic was arguably the best defensive midfielder in the league during his peak.
He moved to Manchester United in 2017 and continues to be an important member of their side, mentoring youngsters with his vast experience.
#2. Angel di Maria
Angel di Maria was one of the most important players during Mourinho's time at Real Madrid.
Together for three years between 2010 and 2013, Di Maria and Mourinho enjoyed great success. They even managed to break the dominance of Pep Guardiola's Barcelona in Spain winning the La Liga in 2012.
Di Maria is primarily a winger but can play in attacking midfield as well. Extremely effective in attack, Di Maria's direct style and technical abilities make him one of the best attackers of his generation.
With Real Madrid, Di Maria won one La Liga title, two Copa del Reys and one coveted UEFA Champions League title. He formed a deadly attacking partnership with Mesut Ozil and Cristiano Ronaldo which enabled the club great success. He made 85 assists and scored 36 goals in 190 appearances in all competitions for Los Blancos.
Di Maria is also one of the most decorated players in Argentina's history. He won the Copa America last year and was also a key member of the team that finished runner-up in the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
#1. Ricardo Carvalho
Ricardo Carvalho has had the privilege of being coached by Mourinho at three different clubs: Porto, Chelsea and Real Madrid.
Carvalho was an excellent defender who played primarily at centre-back. He seemingly followed Mourinho throughout the initial phase of his career, moving with him to Chelsea from Porto and then to Real Madrid as well.
Carvalho was incredibly intelligent in defense. His reading of the game and his technical abilities enabled his clubs great success. Carvalho was certainly one of Mourinho's most-trusted players.
Carvalho enjoyed an illustrious career with his clubs. He won several league titles with Porto, three Premier League titles with Chelsea and one La Liga in Spain. He also won the UEFA Champions League with Porto and the UEFA Euro 2016 with Portugal.
His partnership with John Terry at Chelsea is widely regarded as one of the best defensive partnerships in Premier League history.
