Chelsea: Former Blues who would be welcomed back at Stamford Bridge

2. Nemanja Matic (2009-11 & 2014-17)

Another of whom was handed back the keys to the Bridge was Nemanja Matic. The Serb was snapped up early in his professional career. Yet, after three appearances, he was first loaned out to Vitesse Arnhem, a breeding ground for Chelsea ex-pats, and then sold to Benfica in 2011.

In Portugal, Matic made his name as a combative and technically gifted midfielder, transformed from an attacking option into a defensive unit. Like Courtois, he excelled in his new surroundings, winning the league and cup double, alongside his LPFP Primeira Liga Player of the Year accolade.

Mourinho was the master behind Matic’s move, although originally it was a bemusing one considering he was nothing more than a £3m sweetener for the signing of David Luiz. His new £20m price tag was more than repaid, driving Chelsea to a pair of Premier League championships and a couple of cup victories. Such was the admiration for the 32-year-old, Mourinho brought him along to Manchester United. Matic, not Mourinho, still resides at Old Trafford, often deployed as the protector behind the flashier types of Paul Pogba or Bruno Fernandes.

Chelsea does have N’Golo Kante for exactly that role, however, the Frenchman has struggled with injury and in his absence, the Blues offered very little in terms of an option in front of the back four. Matic is still an excellent screen despite his age, adding composure and experience to instigate attacks or disrupt the opposition’s own attempts. With Lampard’s defensive fragilities still at large, Matic would be a sizable presence both on and off the pitch. He and Kante formed a formidable partnership in 2016/17 and who’s to say they could not repeat that little and large combo that was foundations for a title-winning team.