Jose: Carvalho is unsung hero

Jose Mourinho has paid tribute to Portuguese defender Ricardo Carvalho.

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho feels Portuguese defender Ricardo Carvalho doesn't get the credit he deserves because of the focus on the bigger players in his squad.

Carvalho, who will play his 50th game of the season against Newcastle at St James' Park on Sunday, has been key to Chelsea's defence this season and Mourinho feels his performances are often overlooked.

The Blues will go into Sunday's match off the back of a 4-1 win over relegation threatened West Ham, a result Mourinho was more than happy with.

"The West Ham game was very difficult but we played very well and, with the fourth goal, the game was over," said Mourinho.

The Blues boss was full of praise for his side's performance, but paid tribute to Carvalho in particular, adding: "It is Ricardo's best season with me.

"For a long period there was no Petr Cech behind him, no John Terry alongside and no Michael Essien in front and he was amazing."

Adding credit to the team performance, Mourinho said: "The team as a whole are committed and professional.

"You talk about Lamps [Frank Lampard] and Didier [Drogba] in the win over West Ham but I think everybody played well.

"Everybody had a rest towards the end of the 90 minutes because we passed the ball well."