Central Midfielders
6. Defensive Midfield: Nemanja Matic
Nemanja Matic has been brilliant ever since his transfer from Benfica bringing him back to his previous club. Mourinho has been praising him for his assured and solid performances in the Premier League. Next year he won’t be cup tied and it would also be exciting to see him the Champions League.
Having impressed a lot in his first comeback season as a top player, his next season will be key to the Club as Mourinho has already said that 2014-15 season is when Chelsea will actually contend for the title.
7. Defensive Midfield: David Luiz/Ramires
Chelsea have two options in this spot and that is Ramires or David Luiz. It is a 50-50 for the Brazilians and it would be that way next season as well. David Luiz has time and again shown that he is more technically gifted than most center backs and thus has the confidence to play in defensive midfield. His performance against Paris Saint Germain was commendable especially when he alone stopped the counter attacks after Chelsea were playing with 3 center forwards. Mourinho praised him by calling him a “monster” in the midfield.
Ramires has been the same incredible engine breathing down the opposition’s neck whenever they are in the midfield. Ramires has been used more as a destroyer as he is expected to break down plays and tackle too often. Despite many fans’ criticism about Ramires’ lack of quality, Mourinho will always have faith in him because of his stamina and work rate which is more than twice than that of any other player.
8. Central Attacking Midfield: Oscar
Oscar has been the first choice number 10 for Jose Mourinho and arguably, he has played well to justify his position. Oscar has learnt well to cope up with the extra pressure that Mourinho puts on his players and has worked hard both in attack and defense giving him more game time for his solidity as well. He is diminutive but he closes down opponents with unprecedented aggression and he’s someone who dives into tackles. His attacking attributes were never questioned, and now as he has put in his defensive attributes on show, Oscar will be a delight next season as he works under Mourinho for the second time.