De Ligt.
He might be young but one does not become a captain of one of the biggest clubs in Europe at the age of 18 if he doesn't have exceptional leadership qualities.
If he's marked all the time then what are the other players doing? By definition if the opponents take all that time to mark one specific player then than leaves more space for the other 9 players
Indeed. A younger but proven striker of similar quality would cost 100 million or more and I don't think the club is willing to spend anywhere near that much. Rather take the option to buy Higuain for 25 million and buy another younger striker (like Belotti or Jovic) who fits the system but doesn't cost a fortune. Some say Batshuayi could be good enough for that 2nd striker role but I don't buy it – he isn't anywhere near good enough to play at this level
Yep. He should really have a surgery on his back and come back strong for next season (if the back problem really is something that requires a surgery to be fixed for long-term). This current thing cannot continue.
Even if they had the passion they wouldn't have the tactical awareness or technical ability to play that type of football. Mazraoui and Tagliafico are miles ahead of Alonso and Azpi in their attacking ability for instance
Today Ajax shall once again show that they are a big European side and not a pushover. Very interesting match ahead. Ajax fans have also showed the proper way to welcome the opponent to their city
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-6696471/Chelsea-team-stars-beaten-youth-players-practice-match.html
Chelsea first-team stars concede last-gasp equaliser in practice match against youth players in training match in further blow to Maurizio Sarri
Play the youth!