The majestic Portugese defender doesn’t get the same headlines or praise as ‘JT’, but he’s easily one of the world’s top defenders
A Champions League winner with Porto in 2004, the Chelsea number six arrived at Stamford Bridge that same year in a £19.85m deal.
With John Terry earning most of the plaudits, Carvalho was something of an unsung hero as Chelsea won back-to-back titles, but when Terry was sidelined by a string of injuries in 2007/08, the Portuguese emerged from the shadows to some well-earned recognition.
A model of consistency at the heart of Portugal’s sometimes shaky defence, he was named Chelsea’s Players’ Player of the Year for 2008 after a domestic season in which his pace, reading of the game, precise tackling and indefatigability took Chelsea to surprise runners-up spots in the title race and the Champions League.