In the unveiling of Jose Mourinho’s ultimate XI, the absence of former Ghanaian midfielder Michael Essien, despite his pivotal contributions under Mourinho’s managerial helm, marks a notable exclusion.
Mourinho, the esteemed Portuguese coach renowned for his tenures across top football leagues, has guided an array of elite players throughout his illustrious career spanning Portugal, England, Spain, and Italy.
While Mourinho has nurtured numerous African talents, including Sulley Muntari, Salomon Kalou, and John Obi Mikel, the singular representative from the continent in his dream team is Ivory Coast’s iconic striker, Didier Drogba.
This revelation unfolded during Mourinho’s guest appearance on the Obi One Podcast, hosted by former Chelsea player John Mikel Obi, as reported by the British media outlet Daily Mail.
Despite Essien’s instrumental role in Chelsea’s triumphant 2005-2006 Premier League season under Mourinho’s tutelage, his name did not secure a position in Mourinho’s preferred 4-3-3 formation Dream Team.
The exclusions also extended to prominent figures such as Harry Kane from Tottenham Hotspurs and Sergio Ramos, a key player in Mourinho’s intense El Clasico encounters with Real Madrid against Barcelona.
Mourinho’s Dream Team, primarily composed of players from his coaching spells at Real Madrid, Manchester United, Chelsea, AS Roma, Tottenham Hotspurs, and Inter Milan, boasts an imposing lineup. Petr Cech stands guard between the posts, supported by a stalwart defensive quartet comprising Javier Zanetti, John Terry, Ricardo Carvalho, and William Gallas.
In the midfield, the trio showcases the indomitable Claude Makelele, the prolific Frank Lampard, and the creative Mesut Ozil. On the flanks, the dynamic duo of Cristiano Ronaldo and Eden Hazard assume their roles as wingers, while the formidable Didier Drogba spearheads the attacking force.
Essien, a player Mourinho signed from Lyon in 2005 and also collaborated with at Real Madrid, finds himself excluded from this prestigious lineup, underscoring the fiercely competitive nature of Mourinho’s selections for his all-time best XI.
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