!Hazard!

Maybe they are willing to make an exception when they are getting certain Eden Hazard coming their way.

Not sure why people keep comparing Kovacic to Mount. Next season Kovacic is most likely backup for Kante and Jorginho. Mount is backup for RLC as I can't see Sarri playing Mount in the other two positions.

Attacking possession-based 4-2-3-1 (like this season's Ajax) only works when you've got good fullbacks overlapping and creating overloads in attacking third. With 4-3-3 you always have two wingers, striker and two midfielders attacking the box (in addition to overlapping fullbacks) where as in 4-2-3-1 you have one player less attacking the box and it also places more attacking responsibility to the central attacking midfielder so that player needs to be on top of his game or else the system falls apart. In Chelsea's case 4-2-3-1 would probably be the preferred tactic considering Kante is not exactly the most attacking-minded player in the first place but this tactic cannot be utilized as long as we don't have a right back who can provide width and proper attacking threat. On the left-hand side Alonso is seemingly very attacking when looking at this positioning but generally he's also very ineffective around the box. Give us Chilwell and Reece James (if he really is good enough offensively) and we'll look like a team reborn

Hahah that was my reaction as well to the email. Are they taking the piss

I guess they have some sort of contractual obligation for the organiser to play the stars for at least 45 minutes? I would expect the youth to play the second half tho

This although that release clause talk is nonsense and his price this summer will be around 40-50m. He offers more than Coutinho and because of his world class pressing ability will fit into Sarri's tactics like a glove. He's so hardworking he could play the Kante role against lesser teams but is best used either as a 10 or as RW wide playmaker who cuts inside to his favoured left foot. He has great passing ability and vision the likes of Willian can only dream of and we really need that creativity too after Hazard leaves so Ziyech would really be a nobrainer For the past few months Ajax fans have been solely singing Ziyech's name in an effort to make him stay. The fact that he stands out like that from a squad full of outstanding talents speaks volumes.

This. I like Luiz a lot and I see how important he is to Sarri's strategy. That being said, he shouldn't be a guaranteed starter every single game throughout the season. Christensen needs to step up his game cause this season he has been miles off Luiz's level. Maybe Zouma will come back and offer some competition but he's of course completely different type of player than Luiz and frankly I'm a little worried about his ability on the ball. Even if we can get transfer ban postponed, any CB that is even near Luiz's quality on the ball will cost 50-100 million euros and so I'm not sure if the club wants to go that route.

He has taken a huge leap forward in his defensive game. I'm expecting GREAT things from RLC - Jorginho - Kante midfield next season. Can't wait. Just really wish we could sign some fullbacks and a striker who can score goals

Wait what. Is this a joke? Friendly game before Europa final?

If Zappacosta looked dangerous then you gotta wonder what a truly world class attacking RB could achieve

TO THE FINAL! Three players stand out from todays game. Top class performances from Kepa (not just penalties but all around game), Jorginho (one of his best performances) and RLC (I love this man). Everyone else was either mediocre or pure shite.

Could have 2 red cards at this point

At least Arsenal has 2 top strikers

Jorginho and RLC. Everyone else has been quiet

Or Luiz is just getting worse. He was definitely in better form 6 months ago Thank God Pedro coming on, let's hope this was Willian's last game at SB ever

The progress RLC has made this season is just incredible

He's built like a tank tho. Jorginho, Christensen etc might wanna take few workout tips from Reece

I really hope rebuild of Stamford Bridge does happen and the club isnt relocated to some soulless suburb. Battersea was an amazing alternative but that idea is now long gone so how about just go with the rebuild plans that have been already made. Just save the 500m by playing the youth and selling the overpriced overpaid mediocre players. I can stand a few years of mediocrity if it means the best academy in the world finally gets the recognition it deserves and in the process Chelsea finally get the stadium the fans have been waiting for.

If there ever was a young player worth +100m it would be De Ligt. Give Ajax blank cheque for him

Alisson is better than Kepa right now but wait 3-4 years and it might the other way around. They are both great goalkeepers in my eyes

Just imagine how shit Liverpool would look like if they were playing Alonso/Emerson and Azpi instead of their current world class fullbacks

Well here we have it. The first starting XI player to come from the academy since Terry. That's pretty much guaranteed now

Play the youth in the final game? I'd like to see at least Ampadu, Gilmour etc. get a bit of game time

YESSSS I can't believe it really but it has happened. Top4

Wow that is quite some stat. How was Sarri's away record in Napoli?