Postmortem of Mourinho’s Men ...

Here is an in depth analysis of Chelsea players in this record breaking season for the Blues. The rating given is on the scale of 1 to 10. The ratings and comments mentioned below are based on a thorough study of each player’s performance this season.

Petr Cech ….. 9.5
Simply, the best goalkeeper not just in England but in whole Europe. Outstanding reactions, great positioning sense and terrific handling. Though Chelsea has got one of the best defenses in league, whenever this man has called upon, he has responded wonderfully well.
Things to improve : In this season, apart from the one goal conceded against Birmingham City, has not put a foot wrong. The biggest test will be to take this form into next season.

Paulo Ferreira …. 7
He is a surprise package. Disciplined at back and, for me, second best right back after Gary Neville. Injuries have hampered what was turning out to be a really good season him.
Things to improve : I feel his wing play is a weak link in his game. Up and down on right flank with quality crosses will make him a perfect right back.

Glen Johnson …. 4
Probably the weakest link in this Chelsea defense. Outstanding as far going forward is concerned but not the best defender at all. Makes too many rash tackles and does not have the best of positioning sense. However, here is a food for thought, Glen Johnson as an attacking midfielder. Considering his pace and his dribbling skills, I feel he will really blossom in this role.
Things to improve : If he wants to continue in the right back position then he has to tighten up at the back. More use of the head will help him no ends. Has to keep his cool should not easily commit himself into any tackle.

Ricardo Carvalho …. 8
There indeed was a reason why he was rated as the best defender in last years Champions League campaign. Has adjusted to English game very well. Compliments Terry to perfection. The way he attacks the ball instead of sitting back is something which the best defenders in world can learn from. All and all a wonderful buy by the Blues.
Things to improve : He has a really bad tendency to switch off at times. Since he plays with some of the best defenders in the world, these mistakes might not be that highlighted but this habit of his has cost Chelsea thrice this season (as I remember).

John Terry …. 10
Great defender who leads by example. In my books, the perfect footballer. Has deserved all the awards and accolades he as got this season. Outstanding in air and best positional sense in the business. Is a huge threat from the set pieces. Simply, the best defender in Europe this season. One important fact which everyone forgets is the fact that he is only just 24 years of age. We can say he is a Raul in defense !!
Things to improve : The only thing which he can improve is add a yard or two as far his pace is concerned.

Robert Huth … 8
This giant German is a typical old fashioned center back. Huge in size and wins almost everything in air. Showed against ManU that is good on the floor too. Has had limited opportunities this season but has proved his worth in the Chelsea defense and why he is so highly rated. He is very young too and surely is one the for long run.
Things to improve : Just doesn’t seem to be a finished article. However, by playing alongside people likeTterry and co, will surely improve.

William Gallas … 9
He has been a real unsung hero of this season. Is a world class center back with great pace. But the way he has performed in the stand-in left back position is commendable.
Since he is naturally right footed, not be the best going forward on left flank but has done outstanding job in defense after injury to Wayne Bridge. Is hugely underrated this season. Quintessence of sacrifice for the team !!
Things to improve : Nothing significant to point out only he may have to sharpen his center back skills since he has played as a left back for the last third of the season.

Wayne Bridge …. 5
Started off well but then the horrible injury has kept him out of almost half the season. For me, he is second best left back after Ashley Cole and can put in precision marked crosses. Has good defensive qualities too.
Things to improve : The way he defends, he might have some serious problems when he plays against good dribblers. Has to look out for that.

Arjen Robben …. 8.5
What a talent !! He was the one because of whom Chelsea started scoring freely. Everyone would remember how Chelsea were struggling to find the back of the net early in the season but then he came in and change the whole complexion of Chelsea’s attack. It is really sad that he was plagued with injuries and did not play even half of Chelsea’s matches but he was the one who instigated belief in the Blues.
Things to improve : The kind of football he plays and the kind of built he has, he always will get physically hammered. Has to find a way to keep himself fit and avoid tackles from strong defenders.

Tiago Mendes … 5
Makelele mould of player. Has had a decent season but will have to improve his allround game. Will be found out when people like Scott Parker get fit. Did have a gem of a match against ManU … hope that it is beginning of something good.
Things to improve : Just doesn’t seem to be part of a champion side. Considering his game, not comfortable enough on the ball.

Claude Makelele … 9
A great footballer. Is best in the business in what he does. Huge mistake by Real Madrid to let go this man and surely is one of the reason for why they are struggling. Has had a major hand in Chelsea’s terrific defensive record.
Things to improve : If one really has to find a fault then one might say that he is a very one dimensional player. Can possibly improve on his long range passing ability.

Frank Lampard … 10
Some say he is the perfect replacement when Zidane retires. This proves everything about the man. He is a tiger when it comes to defending and is a fox when it comes to attacking. Best long range shooter in Chelsea’s line up. For me, the best midfielder of the season in Europe. One thing which people tend to forget is his vision and passing ability. May it be long range passes or short passes, he his Chelsea’s Beckham. Also salute to his fitness. For me, he is the fittest player in EPL.
Things to improve : Lately, has developed this weird tendency to miss sitters. This might be due to bit of fatigue. Apart from this, NONE.

Damien Duff … 6
I actually feel that he was much better last season. Apart from that, a perfect winger with a great eye for goal. The pairing of Robben and this man can threaten the hell out of opposition. However this season, I feel, he gave away the ball far too much in most of the matches. Don’t know if this is Mourinho’s plan but this season Duff just did not give enough width to the side. I don’t remember him putting his precision marked crosses which people like Drogba thrive on.
Things to improve : Should try to play more on wing to give Chelsea width. Should concentrate to play more of an assist role instead playing lead role and With his natural skill and ability, he is bound to score.

Joe Cole … 8
A revelation far second half of season is concerned. Robben got injured and this man grabbed the opportunity with both hands. If he had the first half of season as good as the second half then he would have been right up there with Frank Lampard to be best midfielder of the season. After receiving heavy criticism from manager about his defensive play, he has improved no ends in that aspect as well. Regular place in England squad is testimony of his performance.
Things to improve : On occasions should curb his instincts and should try to play a more percentage game.

Didier Drogba …. 4
This rating which I have given takes into consideration the amount of money spend on him. Has got great body strength and is excellent in air. But as far as finishing is concerned, he was mediocre this season to say the least. Chelsea have used his strength in air to its fullest as demonstrated in the Bayern Munich game but. Though he has scored decent number of goals, if he would have converted half of the chances which he got then he would have been right up there with the top scorers in the league.
Things to improve : Has to improve his finishing skills. He is a very expensive striker and his performance in front of goal was not upto the mark atall.

Mateja Kezman … 2
The biggest disappointment of the season ! Before the start of the season there were huge expectations from this man whose goal scoring record in Holland was even better than Rudd Van Nistelrooy. Seems to have a very good work ethic but his performance this season is abysmal to say the least. May be he has found it hard to adjust himself to the English game. Has to show a huge improvement if he wants to stay at Stamford Bridge.
Things to improve : He is a striker and so he has to improve everything he is paid for.

Eidur Gudjohensen … 8.5
Underrated is the word for this man. A very percentage player. This season he has played in a more of a midfield role instead of out and out striker and the tactic from the manager has worked to perfection. Clinical in front of goal is one of his major asset.
Things to improve : Should improve his long range shooting and off the ball play.