quickpassnmove

I didn't know about this kid. That's a special player for us, in the U.S. Finally some East African who lived in the U.S. is getting a chance.

Yes, I understand that. Drmic IMO will probably not become a Suarez in terms of creating something through his dribble (probably more with less touches and more passing in the case of Drmic), but could be a bit of both of these kinds of player (even if he has not yet scored those Inzaghi headers yet). From my point of view, even though Suarez will create more than the poacher Inzaghi, in terms of finishing, I have not seen so many forwards that have such ability and awareness. Raul was another. I'm speaking of finishing in the context of Inzaghi, Suarez, and Drmic.

You mean that one is slow and cannot finish with every part of his body and every part of his foot? I know why you would say 'they are polar opposites," but I don't think you know why I mention both of them just now.

anyone liked Pippo Inzaghi in his day? If Drmic becomes the player he could be, I think he is the next Inzaghi or Suarez. Arsenal ready to buy him apparently.

yep. too many skeptics on the other Chelsea online forum didn't like the Bony suggestion last summer either. He's not the greatest of strikers, for certain, but he offers more IMO than any of what we ended up with this season--which was the reason I was urging interest in him last summer. Strong and he used to be a central midfielder. has good control and vision. will play up against any center back. proved he's not afraid of any Premier League center back in his first season. This guy that Arsenal have been linked with, Drmic at Nuernburg is certainly an interesting one too. He has a good shot with both feet and scores with every part of his body. less than 6 feet tall, but looks like he could be the next big thing (after Suarez). Notice in this video that he scores using many different areas of his feet and notice his agility, his control. He can put a good shot on goal from any spot, with any part of his feet (reminding me of Suarez in that regard). He's only 21. Frankly, this guy should make a fan salivate with memories of Pippo Inzaghi.

Guingamp win the Coupe de France and a stereotypical Englishman writes a nice piece on it, admitting that he's never heard of Guingamp because, "[i've] never paid much attention to French domestic football..." He could have just written: "I've never paid much attention to any football outside of the U.K., Madrid, Barca, and MIlan (or just England, full stop)." http://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2014/may/05/allez-guingamp-the-market-town-in-brittany-celebrates-more-cup-glory?commentpage=1

I would not and was not suggesting that Jose and CFC were ready to play more "expansive" football this season--and win enough. fullback and center midfield were inadequate from August last year--let alone the striker problem. But I will keep repeating the need for more quality in center midfield than just one new player this summer and the need to play quicker passes to pull and penetrate the opponent. Chelsea have LOST this ability and have shown it far too infrequently for years. It's going to be ugly if CFC go into the next season playing slow possession and get destroyed by a quick-passing, rejuvenated ManUtd squad. I don't want the Blues to be stuck for another 10 years with the label of billionaire club that cannot play above 3rd gear, unable to scare an opponent with attack speed and combination play.

I was admittedly 50-50 on Jose returning, but I have no problem with backing him right now. The squad has lacked quality in center midfield and still lacks quality in center midfield, striker, and in fullback. I am pleased that Chelsea have CL next season, but it appears that one big reason CFC HAVE CL next season is not because of talent and "just enough" from the squad and Jose; it's because some other clubs have stumbled through the entire season. I don't think Chelsea will have such a pass into the top four next season. It will only get harder next season (even if Liverpool fall in the table after hypothetically losing Suarez and playing more matches, etc.). Chelsea need better players (plural) in center midfield, striker and fullback(s) and need to play some effective, quick attacking football. We already know we can defend, so let's see some of the quick combination play up top that will take the tension and slow, distrustful habits away from this squad. vanGinkel could be a promising young player for the Prem, but he is an entirely unknown quantity -esp. after the knee injury. One center midfielder this summer is far from adequate. My feeling on Mourinho is that he needs some time, but I also don't feel like he will be the one who stays long either unless Chelsea begin to play quick, accurate passes in possession. CFC need to become a side that is confident in playing quick passes more often, taking a little risk and trusting one another despite any breakdowns in such quick attacks. To become a side that can score in any match, at any moment--not just park the bus and wait for the opponent slip-up nor play too much dribble-and-look or ponderous possession play. This is the play that gives Chelsea low confidence and a bad reputation around the world. To get beyond this poor possession play and break opponents down with accuracy, speed, and a little risk is the challenge for Chelsea Football Club's future and for Jose --and for any subsequent managers.

If Chelsea don't get this transfer window right and start playing football instead of dribble-n-look or -park two buses-, I don't see all young players really having the heart to stay. Sure, they will stay for money, but as soon as Chelsea fall out of the Champions League, what have CFC got other than the money? Chelsea did not have the squad (strikers, center midfielders) at the beginning of this season, so it's no surprise how they've played this season. Another season like this one and I don't see a reason for some of these big name young players to stay. Doesn't matter if that sounds like a lack of heart or dedication; it's just how it is. Sorry to say, but if you think players should WANT to wait around while Chelsea continue to play as poorly as they have for years since Duff and Robben were with us in 2005 (aside from some moments under Ancelotti, I suppose), you will be asking too much from a bunch of internationals who have more on their minds in life and their careers than just CFC --let alone that this generation of footballer is not mentally like the Golden Generation nor others before. It's up to CFC and Jose to get a balanced squad in this summer and get this club to start playing football again instead of being the 2 billion-pound club that is afraid to lose its CL spot and that cannot play some quick passes in transition and the final 3rd to cause problems for opponents. Stop being the slow club, the ponderous attack side.

Gianfranco should stay at SB as an assistant.

nothing to see here, move along.

mediocre player and not young; don't care to see him at SB.

I like him, but if it were one or the other, I would choose Diame. Get both if Barry is available for free. Barry, Diame, plus one big CM signing this summer. center midfield is fixed. Luiz, Mikel and Lampard out. If someone offers good money for Ramires, I might take that too.

3.5 million gets you one of the best squad players around. http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/everton-transfers-west-hams-mohamed-3479860

we're all much older after 9 years. whew. 2005 is still my favorite time as a Chelsea fan.

All those minutes on the bench and waiting in the stands; he deserves some appreciation today.

"apparently?" which young player has Chelsea given plenty of minutes in the past 2 or 3 seasons? aside from Oscar.

this week has been the all-time high for mid-April B.S. rumours.

Haunting memories of January 2011 as this thread began on 10 January 2011.

I would say there is no Lampard successor or that a 20 goals/season central midfielder is not a priority; MORE THAN one or two strong all-around midfielders (we have just ONE in Matic now) should be the priority. But, where Oscar is concerned, either he fetches a very good transfer fee or we definitely keep him to develop into a center midfielder; not an attacking midfielder behind the striker. He is not Kaka version2 and I don't expect him to be. I think it's a big mistake to give up on Oscar so soon after his arrival in Europe at CFC. Still has a lot of potential and Chelsea have not been the place for him to flourish due to Chelsea's poor forward play, poor center midfield players and overall poor build-up play most weeks since Oscar joined.

Difference is Everton can pass and move quickly, thus people enjoy their play, unlike CFC first team with too much hesitation, ponderous play. Everton still lack enough in the striker position though.

get some good CMs, attacking fullbacks, and a real top striker and start playing quick then the neutral viewer will enjoy CFC a bit. Chelsea are "doing what's necessary" not just because it's practical away at Madrid but also because Chelsea are inept and have been inept for years as a squad. Some of you Chelsea fans should recognize that this is the CL semi-final and a lot of people watch it regardless of the club they support, so when Chelsea continue to be the 1.7 billion GBP club that can't play football, the reputation is deserved. Get some better players and start playing quicker, more incisive and the club's image will improve along with many Chelsea fans' feelings about the way Chelsea play.

Got a question for all of you who think Chelsea should be buying just ONE new center midfielder this summer: if Chelsea are in the quarter finals or semis of the CL next year, how would like another poor center midfield, like today's CM options next year? This is what the billionaire Blues have to play at the end of April 2014, 10 years on from the Roman purchase. the criticism isn't about "parking the bus;" it's the fact that chelsea don't have any other option than parking the bus regardless of circumstances. oh, sorry, plan B: hoof it to Demba Ba.

Well, he's not Raul, he's not an Inzaghi, and he's not a Drogba and he's not smooth as some would like, but he is strong and persistent, so all i can say is he's something else and he could be exactly what Chelsea need to lead the attack. I don't see better options out there at the moment, but I'm honestly not watching as much football as I used to. I've also not watched much La Liga this year; same as last year and the year before.

good point. one would hope he's better than Ramires on the ball as a forward, but I can find that Ramires characterization someone else made agreeable too at times (not every time he has the ball though).