Carvalho is Chelsea’s unrecognised hero

RICARDO Carvalho stepped out of the shadows to score one of the most important goals of Chelsea’s season as the champions cut Manchester United’s lead at the top of the Barclays Premiership to just three points.

The former Porto defender has enjoyed an immaculate season but his efforts have often gone unnoticed as Chelsea’s more high profile stars have hogged all the attention.

But, more than any other player this season, Carvalho has been the rock at the heart of Chelsea’s defence.