***The Official Chelsea FC Thread***

[KG]

Re: ***The Official Chelsea FC Thread***

Pretty good run of form for us lately. I think unbeaten in 9 or 10 with *knocks on wood* no major injuries. A couple of random thoughts on some players Hazard - good to see him pick up his play. I thought he was really poor for a while with the ball just sticking to his feet and him trying to dribble through everyone Terry - reading the game better than ever and still England's #1 CB even though he'll probably not play in the WC Oscar - quiet in the Citeh game but overall has looked every bit the part of a premier #10. I think the threat of Mata behind him will only push him to greater things Ivanovic - Bane is just a really good reliable player for us. Great on set pieces, aggressive in the tackle, and positionally sound for the most part. Ramires - Our little Brazilian engine has picked up where Lampard has tailed off some in old age. Even though he's not suited for a double-pivot he always puts in a hard shift and just the thought of his burst in the middle puts fear in opposing defenses. Slowly becoming my favorite Chelsea player Torres - Saving the best and most controversial for last. Every time he scores there are rumors of he's back but the truth is that he will never be the Liverpool Torres of old. What he's morphing into is a better overall player. Better at holding the play-up, more desire in chasing down, and becoming very solid in the air off corners and set-pieces. We don't need him to run at defenders because we have Hazard, Willian, Schurrle, etc... for that. We need him to be a poacher, something that was expected of Et'o. If he keeps up this desire we will be a formidable side. We really should be able to take care of business until the trip to the Emirates. With Arsenal's upcoming schedule and mounting injuries I expect us to be top of the table come late Dec.

[Perceptor]

Re: ***The Official Chelsea FC Thread***

I think you make a lot of good points KG. You guys have really stepped up and as a neutral, have enjoyed the recent games I've watched. Hazard is one of my favs and seeing him step up has been great. Also, in my mind, Ramires has been very very good for you. His running and energy is just fun to watch.

Looking forward to the Emirates showdown, but hoping we're still ahead of you guys

[Brahvocado]

Re: ***The Official Chelsea FC Thread***

As much as I love the three of them individually, I think today highlighted why Hazard/Mata/Oscar can't play at the same time in Jose's system. In a possession based system those three together were lethal, but as a deep-lying counterattack machine we need the extra speed and direct play of Schurrle and Willian. I actually think Schurrle is going to become one of our most important players this season, he is practically custom-built for Jose's team.

In that regard, I'd love to see more of KDB and Willian to see what they can do with some decent, regular game time.

I also think Lampard needs to get benched for a while, and maybe Hazard as well.

[KG]

Re: ***The Official Chelsea FC Thread***

As much as I love the three of them individually, I think today highlighted why Hazard/Mata/Oscar can't play at the same time in Jose's system. In a possession based system those three together were lethal, but as a deep-lying counterattack machine we need the extra speed and direct play of Schurrle and Willian. I actually think Schurrle is going to become one of our most important players this season, he is practically custom-built for Jose's team.

In that regard, I'd love to see more of KDB and Willian to see what they can do with some decent, regular game time.

I also think Lampard needs to get benched for a while, and maybe Hazard as well.

Agree on the trio comment. Oscar & Mata are too slow to both play if one is forced out wide. I've liked what I have seen so far from Willian & Schurrle.

I agree about Lamps but not Hazard. He's starting to round into shape and getting better in the attacking 3rd.

We always struggle with Newcastle, their one of those clubs that you're supposed to beat but have enough talent to beat anyone when they put it together.

Oh well, short week with a big home tie against Schalke on Wed. A win and we're pretty much clear which will be pretty good considering how we dropped the first group match. It could give us 2 group matches to rotate the squad. I wonder if Hunterlaar will play.

[Brahvocado]

Re: ***The Official Chelsea FC Thread***

I would bench Hazard for different reasons than Lampard though.

Lampard just needs a rest and honestly shouldn't feature as much as he does. Hazard I would bench just to light a bit of a fire under his ***. He seems to be well aware that he is more or less guaranteed a starting spot and often times doesn't look like he is trying very hard.

[KG]

Re: ***The Official Chelsea FC Thread***

So glad to see Mata back in there. We needed creativity and tbh, Oscar hasn't played that well lately. Not well enough IMO to park Mata on the bench for this long.

[Brahvocado]

Re: ***The Official Chelsea FC Thread***

Likely only because of the Costa injury, but we are being linked with Jackson Martinez again. Honestly would prefer him to a lot of other options, though I dunno if I'd have him over Mandzukic.

Still think we done goofed not getting Bony at an obscenely low price.

If we can snag one of Costa/Mandzu/Martinez, have Lukaku as second striker, and grab an actual DLP (unless he is planning on moving Oscar into that role, which I still maintain would be his best position), we will be monstrous next season.

[Brahvocado]

Re: ***The Official Chelsea FC Thread***

Get this thread rolling again

[ERA]

Re: ***The Official Chelsea FC Thread***

Get this thread rolling again

I was wondering what happened to this thread... I'm on Tapatalk, it was no where to be seen..

I read an article today where Elaquim Mangala said he prefers a Chelsea over Manchester City and he'd be happy to join Chelsea. Mourinho needs to jump on this. Imagine Mangala and Zouma... I think a Luiz-Mangala swap would be beneficial to both squads.

Sent from my DROID BIONIC using Tapatalk now Free

[Brahvocado]

Re: ***The Official Chelsea FC Thread***

Mangala is good but expensive and I doubt Luiz would want to go back to Portugal.

I actually think we are fine at CB. Cahill is amazing and Terry will likely play one more year. Then we have Bane who will likely go back to playing CB once we get a new LB and move Dave to the right. After that we have Kalas/Omeruo/Zouma. Most people would mention Christensen but, as fantastic as he is, Omeruo is miles ahead of him and criminally underrated by most Chelsea fans. Omeruo will be in the first team long before Christensen will.

I think we have the CB position pretty well handled for the future tbh.

Imo our main areas of focus should be, in order of importance:
1. Striker situation/DLP
2. Left back
3. Finishing school for all AMs not named Schurrle

Having a proper DLP is just as important as getting a striker because without a proper DLP the counter-attacking 4-3-3 Jose wants us to play doesn't really work, just look how important Modric has become at RM.

[KG]

Re: ***The Official Chelsea FC Thread***

Mangala is good but expensive and I doubt Luiz would want to go back to Portugal.

I actually think we are fine at CB. Cahill is amazing and Terry will likely play one more year. Then we have Bane who will likely go back to playing CB once we get a new LB and move Dave to the right. After that we have Kalas/Omeruo/Zouma. Most people would mention Christensen but, as fantastic as he is, Omeruo is miles ahead of him and criminally underrated by most Chelsea fans. Omeruo will be in the first team long before Christensen will.

I think we have the CB position pretty well handled for the future tbh.

Imo our main areas of focus should be, in order of importance:
1. Striker situation/DLP
2. Left back
3. Finishing school for all AMs not named Schurrle

Having a proper DLP is just as important as getting a striker because without a proper DLP the counter-attacking 4-3-3 Jose wants us to play doesn't really work, just look how important Modric has become at RM.

Modric, IMO, is the "one that got away". I love Matic but Modric transitions from defense to attack with passing range, dribbling, and creativity better than almost anyone else right now. If it weren't for Yaya's versatility and goal-scoring ability now I'd rank Modric as the world's best in that role.

Agree with that list spot on although the Luiz-Matic partnership worked quite well. I guess we'll find out how much Mou rates Bertrand this summer. As a #2 LB I think he's quite capable. With regards to our ST situation, I'm not too picky when it comes to Mandzukic or Costa. Costa's scoring rate this year has been impressive but it's first year with such good results. Mandzukic's has been pretty solid but he's 2 years older. Both have incredible work-rates and are positionally solid. Both good at hold-up play with the edge going to Costa. Both also solid in the air although Costa feasted on shorter La Liga CBs. I think it comes down to potential swap deals involving Luiz & Courtois. I'd hate to see either go but I'd rather depart with Luiz although the crazy Brazilian will always have a place in our hearts. I don't want to see Courtois go. I think he's already a Top 3 keeper in the world right now but then again we already have a Top 5 keeper in Cech.

It's a good problem to have.

[Brahvocado]

Re: ***The Official Chelsea FC Thread***

Matic would still be a pretty much undisputed starter, he just needs a DLP playing next to him. Do agree that Luiz/Matic worked very well, and Luiz certainly has impressive passing range for a CB, I just don't think he's good enough to be our DLP. I would love for him to stay, he's always seemed to have at least minor loyalty to the club, it just all depends on whether or not he wants to play first team soccer as a CB.

I'd love to see Bertrand be given a chance honestly, I think he's actually good enough to be our #1 with some special attention from Jose.

[Bezzey]

Re: ***The Official Chelsea FC Thread***

Keep Lukaku and Courtois then bring in a striker, don't care if it's Mandzukic, Costa are Martinez. Grabbing a midfielder would also be nice, that would make me happy going into next season.

Think it's time we start tapping into our growing youth system. Kalas played excellent when he got his chance, would also like to see Loftus-Cheek and Baker get a look, both had great seasons. Baker's goal against Arsenal last month was pretty special.

[Brahvocado]

Re: ***The Official Chelsea FC Thread***

I don't know if RLC is ready as he is still quite young, however I have always said he is our most talented youth player and I think he can be a straight - to - first - team player.

[Bezzey]

Re: ***The Official Chelsea FC Thread***

I don't know if RLC is ready as he is still quite young, however I have always said he is our most talented youth player and I think he can be a straight - to - first - team player.

I'm not saying he needs to be around the first team always, just some minutes in a cup game, much like Ake a couple years ago. Can't truly know if these kids are ready until you give them a shot, might just surprise us. Also, I'd like to see Bamford get a game in the preseason. He tore it up on loan last season in both League 1 and the Championship.