Mourinho's team still better than Conte's Premier League winners, claims Neville

        

The Blues have brought the Premier League crown back to Stamford Bridge, but the class of 2017 have been told they have nothing on that of 2004-05.

Antonio Conte may have Chelsea back at the Premier League summit, but Gary Neville insists Jose Mourinho’s first squad at Stamford Bridge was better.

The Blues have been the best team in the English top flight this season, winning more games, scoring more goals and collecting more points than any of their rivals.

That has allowed the title celebrations to start early in west London, with Conte still looking to end his debut campaign with a league and FA Cup double.

For all of the Italian’s success, however, Manchester United legend Neville believes the team pieced together by Mourinho during his first stint at Chelsea still tops the class of 2017.

He told Sky Sports on the champions of 2004-05: "It was probably the hardest team I ever played against, 15 goals conceded. That's an incredible statistic. 

"If you think of that team, (Petr) Cech, one of the best in the world, (William) Gallas one of the best defenders in the world. 

"(John) Terry and (Ricardo) Carvalho probably two of the best defenders in Europe at the time, (Paulo) Ferreira was a fantastic right-back, (Claude) Makelele was the best holding midfield player in the world.