RICARDO CARVALHO
An important part of Chelsea's rock-solid defence in his first two Chelsea seasons when back-to-back championships were won, Ricardo took his performances onto a new level last campaign.
Rising to the challenge of a holding together a rearguard in danger of being blown apart by injury, he was the outstanding defender of the year, also making vital contributions when striding up the pitch.
The new man's reputation as a central defender dominant with both feet and head was enhanced at Euro 2004 where he was selected for UEFA's All-Star Squad of the Tournament.
A remarkable 2004 was capped by the winning of UEFA's European Football Award for Best Defender.
