Chelsea: Power Ranking the Blues' 5 Best Players in October

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October has been an eventful month for Chelsea to say the least.

Superb wins over Nordsjaelland, Norwich City and Tottenham Hotspur signalled a return to peak form for the Blues, as four goals were scored in each.

But recent defeats to Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League and somewhat controversially to Manchester United in the Premier League, have brought Roberto Di Matteo's high-flying side closer to earth.

Here are the five players who most excelled these past few weeks for Chelsea, ranked in order of their performance and consistency.

September Rankings:

1. Juan Mata

2. Petr Cech

3. John Terry

4. John Obi Mikel

5. Ashley Cole

5. Oscar

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The dashing Oscar may look like the innocent type of lad you wouldn't mind your sister or daughter bringing home, but he's actually shown an impressive tenacity and desire to mix it with the more physical bodies in the Premier League these past few weeks.

The Brazilian attacking midfielder has already become a key part of his team's attacking quartet, combining well with Eden Hazard and Juan Mata behind Fernando Torres to give opposition defences a torrid time.

His deft cross to set up Ramires' leveller against Manchester United was understated brilliance, and typical of his usual guile under pressure.

I expect Oscar to continue to improve through November, especially in games against the likes of Swansea and Liverpool—smaller, passing-orientated teams more suited to his style.

4. Gary Cahill

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Gary Cahill's role in the Chelsea first team has grown of late, as John Terry is forced to watch his national team counterpart fill in from the Bridge box.

Cahill's goal against Tottenham in the London derby was one of the team's best in October, whilst his strike in the Capital One Cup helped down bitter foes Manchester United.

At the back he may be getting caught out of position by the wandering David Luiz on occasion, but he has still provided a sturdy presence in a defence trying to make the best of playing behind a very attacking midfield.

Recent 2-3 and 5-4 scorelines may not look too good on the CV, but to have watched Cahill in action, he may very well be the better option to partner Terry once the Captain Fantastic returns.

3. Ramires

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Ramires will be difficult to displace in the Blues' first team once Frank Lampard returns from injury—he has been a reliable mainstay in a well-functioning midfield.

Three goals in his side's last six games isn't a bad contribution—his towering header over a dominated Tom Cleverley made him seem more like Peter Crouch than a sub-six-foot-tall, box-to-box midfielder. 

His passing and movement continues to improve, whilst his energy and desire remains as dedicated to the cause as ever.

According to WhoScored.com, he was man of the match in the 4-0 victory over Nordsjaelland by some distance, with 90% passing accuracy and an 8.4/10 game rating.

2. Petr Cech

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For the second month running, Petr Cech is forced to make do with being his team's second best monthly performer, but let that not take away from his quite brilliant performances.

A towering presence in the Chelsea box, the Czech keeper has rolled back the years with his barnstorming displays. Some of his saves, most notably in the Champions League, have been purely gravity defying.

His omission from the 23-man shortlist for the Ballon d'Or was quite frankly disgraceful, especially considering the inclusion of the likes of Gerard Pique and Mario Balotelli on the list.

But personal accolades be damned, Cech may not be the most fashionable player of his position in world football, but he is certainly one of the most consistent.

1. Juan Mata

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Who else?

Not only is Juan Mata currently playing the best football in Britain, he may just be the most in-form player in Europe.

Seven goals in his last eight games isn't bad, but the attacking midfielder has truly been an effervescent presence in a team that can't stop scoring.

Allowed the creative freedom to roam the middle of the park by Di Matteo, Mata has been devastating with his vision and clinical finishing in front of goal.

Is there anyone in the Chelsea squad capable of dethroning the Spanish superstar in November?

 

Who do you think have been Chelsea's five best players this past month? In what order?

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