Claude Makelele gets plenty of plaudits at Chelsea but this man plays really well in that role as well.

BBC: SPORT | Football | Europe | Graham Taylor's verdict

As well as Essien, central midfielders Claude Makelele at Chelsea, Esteban Cambiasso at Inter and now Xabi Alonso play a vital role for Mourinho tactically on the pitch.

BBC: Jose Mourinho's unbeaten home league run remembered