Jose Mourinho Called British Star ‘the Best Player in the Premier League’ For a Decade

 Jose Mourinho is one of the most iconic managers in Premier League history, having lifted the English top-flight trophy three times across two spells at Chelsea. The self-appointed 'Special One' has guided some of the finest players of the past 25 years during his long and storied career in the dugout.

While his spells with Manchester United and Tottenham weren't as fruitful as his time at Stamford Bridge, Mourinho spent many years in the Premier League. During his time in England, the Portuguese icon saw players such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney, Steven Gerrard and many more world-class stars.

However, it was one of the players he managed that Mourinho believed was the best in the entire league for 10 whole years. It was a bold claim by the 62-year-old, but that's exactly what fans have come to expect from the charismatic boss.

Mourinho Waxes Lyrical About Frank Lampard

'The best player in the Premier League for one decade'

Mourinho had the highest praise possible for one of his former Chelsea superstars, Frank Lampard. The retired Blues legend has more goals than any other midfielder in Premier League history (177), and is held in high regard by his old boss.

Speaking to Straits Times (per Mail Sport), the current Fenerbahce manager waxed lyrical about the ex-England international. Mourinho made the huge claim:

"At Chelsea, in my first period, I had Frank Lampard, probably the best player in the Premier League for one decade."

Despite labelling Lampard the greatest Premier League player across a 10-year spell, Mourinho refused to pick him out as the best player he ever managed, continuing to say: "Who was my best player? It's so difficult to say, and I coached some of the best players in the world. 'I went to Inter [Milan], I had [Zlatan] Ibrahimovic, I got [Javier] Zanetti. I got to [Real] Madrid, I had [Cristiano] Ronaldo. I come back to Chelsea and I find other top players."

Frank Lampard: Mourinho My Best Manager

'He made us believe'

The feeling between the pair is mutual, as Lampard has hailed Mourinho as the best boss he ever had during his playing career. Having worked under the likes of Fabio Capello, Carlo Ancelotti and a long line of incredible tacticians, that is some compliment.

Per the Premier League website, Lampard was full of praise for his old master, saying:

"Jose is the best manager I've been fortunate enough to play under; he's brilliant, a real man-manager, and he made us believe we could win the league that season."

Beyond the tactics in football, Mourinho seems to be loved by many of his former players for his ability as a man-manager. Didier Drogba has described the ex-Chelsea leader as his father in the sport. Building such a special bond with his players is what has helped Mourinho become one of the most successful coaches the beautiful game has ever seen.