hjperdeath

€40-60 million is the range that the tabloids have predicted for Barcelona to shell out on our own David Luiz - The Geezer who was responsible for the smiles in our most direst of times - and gone are the days when center-backs can hide behind the gigantic transfer fee's of world-class attackers. The world of football is such that every tiny little rumor regarding transfers are beaten around the bush while the people in question do not openly come out and say anything resulting in a lot has been made out of this small yet irritating rumor. Lets reminisce for a second. Chelsea's defense was leaky, so leaky that no amount of duct tape could stop the balls creeping into Cech's net. Rafael Benitez's arrival, *cough* menu please *cough*, strengthened the defense due to simple reasons. He told Luiz to get his act right and quit trying to take risks while helping Cahill out on his reading ability. We all remember the phenomenal game Cahill had against Manchester City in the Premier League. Luiz's performance did improve, with notable performances in the Europa League and against Manchester United in the FA Cup. The point is that the reason we would want to sell Luiz should never be based on the fact that he makes mistakes at his age. That's equivalent to selling Mata cause he couldn't provide accurate through balls in a few games. Luiz has had his share of good moments as well, though it's a lot more on Mata's side. Yes he's eccentric and at times over the top with everything he does, but when he has set his mind right, there are hardly any defenders who could be compared to him. Mind you, when we talk about comparing defenders, I'm not just talking about attributes but also of certain values. Luiz is passionate and this stems from his Brazilian roots. Moreover he is passionate about Chelsea, the club, the fans and the jersey. Selling this for anything around 60 million and expecting to get it back is stupid, as the value of such characteristics are priceless. Chelsea will never be out-muscled when it comes to money, thanks to the Russian rubles. The only way a move could be forced through is if the defender himself forces a move through and I do not really see him as the type of player who would hand in a transfer request. Now let's for a moment say that we do sell Luiz. Then what? We are obviously expected to go into the market for another world-class center-back. Finding a center-back like that would be a rarity but not impossible. Chelsea would probably use the same amount of money to get somebody else. Luiz is just about to enter his prime and getting someone who is young and in-experienced would be stupid. So that narrows it down to defenders who are experienced, at their peaks and well capable to fit into the squad. I'm sorry, but I wouldn't really appreciate the idea of bringing in a 30 year old at a time when the club is aiming for stability and a future with a solid foundation. Let's say that Chelsea go for a top center-back. We can form a comparison between arguably the best center-backs in the world(in common opinion) . This includes Luiz who is 26 years of age, Hummels (24) , Subotic (24) , Vidic(31), Silva (28), Ferdinand (34) , Pique (26) and Kompany (27). As can be seen, only Subotic or Hummels could be seen as realistic transfers from this list. Though we aren't comparing other targets, we can clearly see how Luiz doesn't fare that bad. Keep in mind that Luiz has played more games last season, totaling 47 as compared to that of others who have played 38, 36, 20, 39, 29, 39 and 32 games. His tackles per game were 7th best while interceptions per game were second best. He had committed 1.4 fouls per game last time around, the highest among the rest. What I'm trying to convey is that, Luiz still has time to become something phenomenal. Carvalho, Drogba, Makelele erupted into world-class players under the guidance of Mourinho. There isn't a better manager at this time to show a young player the right path. Mourinho has reitereated how Luiz is integral to the squad, and there is very little reason why you would disagree with him. Luiz also has been lucky to have two mentors on his side, namely John Terry and Thiago Silva. Two roads diverged in a yellow wood, and David Luiz took the one less traveled by cause of two senior players blocking the other road, the land more fertile on the road less traveled by and the sun a little brighter without the shade. Think about it. Click here to view article

He would just turn around mid-game , take of his shirt that reveals the words "Fuck this , I'm out" and walk off down the tunnel with two fingers aloft. Better tell him he has an injury then let him play.

Oh and I will be using charts and graphs. so it will be kind off like an analysis.

I'll probably go for the Luiz article.

If we get the Schurrle that helped Leverkusen survive in the Bundesliga, then we have an exceptional player for the future in our hands.

I think I'm probably still in denial cause I'm afraid of another expensive failure. I'll agree. hopefully it goes through without us stretching our financial abilities.

Agreed. getting a striker should be our priority. we should have promoted Bruma this year instead of letting him go imo.

Exactly my point. Why do we need a signing like him then? Half of the reasons are cause of what happened against Real today, and the point I made was only against that.

But that too doesn't happen always. and I'd prefer a slower and smoother transition to stability. even if it means we don't win anything this season.

Honestly I don't think it's a striker problem. The problem arises when we have to make a transition from defense to attack. The same problem we have been having for years now. Getting any sort of marquee striker won't solve our problems if he isn't getting anything to feed on. But yeah if Rooney can do something out of nothing then, maybe.

Hey, if no one else is doing any of the others should I take something up?

Needs to get rid of this weird habit of backing up. Putting your body on the line is like the first thing that comes in his mind. Brave but unnecessary.

I would take Lacina Traore in a heart-beat. Class on Football Manager anyway.

Think it will be rude if I butt into what you guys are talking about so, yeah I came across this today http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2030885/Assou-Ekotto-I-play-football-money-else.html

Exactly. Luiz has bucket loads of potential and has the perfect mentors in the form of JT and Thiago Silva. The way he talks about us is more than enough to realize that he loves the club. Chelsea will never be outmuscled on money anyway and I don't see him handing in a transfer request. What is he, Wayne Rooney?

Haha , but tbh he had a horrible game against Brentford, and Rafa lost all confidence on him that day.

True that. There are a few players who can provide depth in multiple positions. talk about value for money. Andre's lucky there are so many good players around him in a way. Not many people will have high expectations from him on the first day. He can settle in slowly.

Yeah, the way he controls the tempo is phenomenal for his age. The moment we bought him in, everyone forgot about Modric !

Done with mine ! Oh and around 550 words.

The first in a series of short essays focusing on the stars of pre-season, this article looks at the impact German international winger André Schurrle has made in his short time at Chelsea. Our most expensive signing of the transfer window so far - at a heady £18 million - should perhaps have already been in the Stamford Bridge locker room a year before. The player has been a part of Chelsea's successful pre-season so far; playing an important role in a side that has notched five consecutive wins; scoring 17 goals and conceding only twice in the process. André's most significant contribution during this fine run of pre-season form was a goal against AC Milan. He volleyed the ball into the back of the net from 15 yards after receiving it from Moses. It was a magnificent finish and is testament to the player's under-rated technical ability. The young German had scored 14 goals (three of which were long-range howitzers) and picked up 10 assists for Bayer Leverkusen last season. He is most widely- known for his blistering pace down the side-lines, and is an excellent catalyst in initiating fast-paced counter-attacks. He is a classic left winger because of his ability to cut in onto his stronger right foot. Many have argued that his main role is as an inside forward, due to his ability to pass quickly and pick out the incisive final third pass. Watching him dart down the sides brings back memories of Arjen Robben and Damien Duff doing it in a vintage Fly Emirates kit. His strengths remain his pace and ability to make decisions quickly. His ability to play as a front-man has also been long talked about at both club and international level - if Joachim Low didn't have Mario Gomez and Miroslav Klose as options upfront, then Schurrle would surely have had a shot as Germany's number nine. Moreover, his work-rate should never come into question, as Leverkusen's philosophy revolves around wingers coming back to defend. He is basically an improvement defensively on the flank for Chelsea, whereas last season of all the players to be employed out wide, only Oscar was truly willing to come back when compared to Hazard and Mata. With more than 40 tackles and interceptions last season in Germany, he seems a natural fit into Jose's system. So where exactly is the best place to employ this versatile attacker? Afterall, he provides depth on the left-wing and upfront, and if needed he could also operate in the number 10 role in place of Juan Mata. Looking at his skills set - his defensive contribution, his prolific ability to attack on the counter, and his natural tendency to cut inside from the flank and shoot at goal, I would slot him on the left; with Mata in the centre and Hazard on the right. The German can cut in with his right foot, the Spaniard is most comfortable in the centre, whilst Hazard is frankly brilliant wherever he is played. The only problem we have is with fitting Oscar in. Until Schurrle proves that he does indeed deserve the left flank, Mata could be used while Oscar picks up the attacking midfield position. Another viable option would be to convert Oscar into a pivot player or as one of the midfielders in a 4-3-3. This would give Schurrle, Mata and Hazard a permanent position in a 4-2-3-1 while spending rest of their time focusing as the front 3 in a 4-3-3. While this topic of converting Oscar has been long discussed, many don't see a future to it. In conclusion, Schurrle provides depth in multiple positions, which makes this transfer an all the more exciting prospect for the future. Multiple tactical philosophies such as the false 9, inside forward, defensive or fake wingers pop up thanks to this prudent investment. As we saw at Leverkusen, we saw that thanks to his goalscoring prowess and creative ability, he was decisive in the outcome of almost every game. Click here to view the article

Hey guys ! I'm kinda new to this, so thanks to Alex to pointing me here . I think I can be useful here. To start of, I think I'll do something on Schurrle. what kind of title should I use? And where do I post it when I'm done with it?

I would absolutely love to PM you, but I'm still trying to get past the 50 post barrier.

Ah my bad, will do it next time, and thanks !

I did a write up for sportskeeda.com. Feedback would be much appreciated ! http://www.sportskeeda.com/2013/08/07/chelsea-football-club-201314-season-preview/

Agree except the part about privacy and friends. I'd like to walk into a market or crowded street and not be recognized. Plus having a few friends that I'd trust my life with.