5. Michael Essien
Jose Mourinho first brought Michael Essien to Stamford Bridge when he became Chelsea manager in 2004. The Ghanaian became an integral figure in each of the Blues' two back-to-back Premier League winning seasons in 2004/05 and 2005/06 and also won four FA Cups. However, he was omitted from the Blues' squad for their UEFA Super Cup clash with Atletico Madrid last year and fell out of favour under Roberto Di Matteo. He subsequently went out on loan to Real Madrid for the whole of the current campaign, but is likely to return alongside the man
he calls "daddy" when Mourinho replaces Benitez in the summer. The two have a close relationship and Essien could once more become a key member of the Chelsea midfield next season. In total he has scored 25 goals for the Blues in 247 appearances.