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Jose Mourinho’s second spell at Stamford Bridge has been somewhat underwhelming as Chelsea have quietly gone about their business picking up points in largely unspectacular fashion.
A lack of goals, shock defeats and the regular absence of Juan Mata has overshadowed the London outfit’s season to this point and, while the club are still in contention for this season’s Premier League title, there are plenty of improvements that can still be made.
Despite these problems, however, there has been a select number of Chelsea players who have impressed in their performances this term, having taken advantage of the Special One’s return to the Bridge as a chance to kick on their Stamford Bridge careers.
Oscar
Oscar stats
Samba star Oscar is the player who has been impacted the most since Jose Mourinho’s return to the club. The 22-year-old has benefited from the Portuguese coach’s decision to drop Juan Mata, playing superbly when given an opportunity in the ‘number 10’ role.
The young Brazilian is an outstandingly gifted talent. He can shoot, pass, and dribble with the highest quality, his work rate is fantastic and his selflessness makes him a dangerous creative threat.
Oscar has matured considerably since last season and his overall game has improved significantly. He has combined his South American flair with a hard working mentality, and this has seen him become a key player for the club.
Oscar stats
He is currently the club’s second highest scorer with six goals in 18 appearances and he has also contributed with 22 key passes and two assists.
Mourinho’s trust has enabled Oscar to prove his worth and he is already growing into a world class player. He will star in the Chelsea midfield for many seasons to come.
John Terry stats
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.
John Terry stats
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.
Ramires stats
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.
