Atlas Lion

In comparison to now and almost 10 years ago was the mere fact our board and Roman were looking for instant success. Buying players that were in the prime of their game and guaranteed 2-3 years at top level and continuing to buy buy buy. What is different now, is the fact the last 3 years our facilities have focused primarily on youth level academies and to hopefully formulate a method of introducing youth potential on to the side. That is why we have the likes of Piazon, Ake, Loftus Cheek, Kane, Chalobah, etc, players with such a high potential that we couldn't find nor develop players nearly as brilliant back in 2002-07. Bertrand and Ake are primarily example of players from our academy that will eventually break into the first team. When you give the lads a chance, they might just surprise you. That is why I was absolutely thrilled when Mourinho during his press conference stated that he is hoping to develop youth and transition them into the first team, methods like this guarantees stability so that we can become a sustainable club. We are heading in the right direction for once with a great future ahead of us so I fail to see any point of finding something to be cautious about.

Cousin. Got Lugano's autograph as well. He actually spent the entire time (pre match warm up) starting at one section of the stands, going all the way across to the other side. Class guy.

Was our Village Idiot back in Totalfootballforums, I hope he is behaving himself here

Why would Luiz want to leave? He has Brazilian connections at Chelsea, a fan favorite, future captain possibility, and a starting spot. Not to mention he has a comfortable living environment here in London, I can't see him leaving to join a Barca side imo that are currently crumbling within the squad and appointed a manager with zero experience in top flight football. Sure the weather is a massive upgrade there and you have the chance to play along side Messi, Iniesta, and Xavi, but on a realistic view, our future at Chelsea looks much more promising than at Barca.

Rooney or no Rooney, we have a squad and a manager capable of anything. One of the most exciting squads we've had in years. My only concern is Mikel, he has one year to make it or break it imo

In General Hello (Swifty), So this is your new 'alias'

Has an Iniesta esque approach to him, but much more physical. For some reason, I feel he will play a more important part for the future of this squad than Mata, Hazard, and Oscar.

Has potential 'captain' character in him. I feel many people around the globe don't rate his as high down to the fact that they are influenced by the mainstream media in which they base their judgment. Plus Gary Neville's comments a couple years back which he later retracted yet many still deem Luiz as an 'average' defender when infact he has been our best defender last season and is a better footballer than any other centre back in the world. Anything under 40mill, Forget it. Anything associating with Barca in regards to selling our potential players, IE, Mata, Courtois, Luiz, should not even be considered.

Rooney really isn't a necessity and anything higher than 30mill we should back down imo. Mourinho has proved that he doesn't need a prolific goal scorer to win titles and our 05/06 back to back titles proves this. A stabilized back line, a consistent midfield, and rotation between the strikers can fundamentally bring this club to more domestic success. Mourinho's first task before the season must instill a winning mentality and confidence in the players, and it is already showing by our friendlies performances.

Attended the Messi and friends charity match held in Chicago, which is about 2 hours away from Iowa (currently in the states attending Palmers Chiropractic) Had some nice shots

-----------Lukaku------------- Hazard---Mata---DeBryune -----Oscar-----Ramires----- Cole------------------Ivanovic ---------Terry--Luiz------------ --------------Cech--------------- Think this would be our strongest lineup imo

Supports Madrid and Chelsea?