5) Ricardo Carvalho (Chelsea)
The Portuguese international moved from Porto at the same time as Jose Mourinho and he struck up an almost instantaneous understanding with captain John Terry.
Chelsea conceded just 15 goals as they won their first Premier League title in 2005 and Carvalho was also instrumental as the Blues won their second consecutive Championship a year later. The centre-back won three league titles in total during his time at the club before leaving for Real Madrid.