Supermonkey92

I agree somewhat, and especially last year. There was a strange relationship between reliance and being built for him last year. But there was no doubt the team was setup to basically give the ball to hazard and win the game. This year it has defiantly changed but it's hard to distinguish when the players obviously see him as the most dangerous player

Robben in his best forum for us couldn't touch hazard's dribbling. But, he could score and it was natural to him from a young age. Not so with Eden.

I don't know about the points comparison, but I can bet you there are more factors than just bale. Manchester United were incredibly weaker, and none of the top teams were playing consistent enough to show the gulf in quality through a gulf in points. Factor in the change of manger and therefore style. Also, you could see the difference in the big games. I'm just going from memory here, but they were no where nears as bad v the top six with bale as without. They were getting spanked like 5-0 home and away by city and Liverpool, and couldn't take points of a moyes united team at home. As for Madrid, of course he would score less when he is not the main every one gives the ball to shoot, that position is already taken! Ronaldo scores so many because he's a greedy bastard hell bent on stats and reputation rather the team, that's going to affect bale's stats but didn't stop hi scoring in the most important games. The transfers these days are ridiculous, but because they overpaid does not mean he is up there as a top 5-10 player.

Yes, but to be honest an overwhelming number of professional footballers can capitalise on our mistakes, that's just premier league and champions league football. Still, the majority are not and would not be considered Chelsea quality. On salah specifically, he showed signs of potential of playing a part in our squad last year. But to be honest, in those ten games he played last year he steadily got better for the first few and then dropped off consistently for the remainder. There is giving a player a chance but you have to remember this is the top of football. Throughout football academy's players are told you must take your chances. Salah started to but ultimately didn't last season. Didn't play particularly well in the pre season. All these games were the time for him to put a stamp on but he didn't. Capital one games? Played ok. But ok doesn't get you into a team where Oscar and William provide more in the same games. He should move on. For his sake and for our own, you cannot have all your options being in the 20-24 age category.

27 to 35. That's the amount of goals Oscar has scored compared to hazard since they have played for chelsea. That's with Oscar taking 1 penalty to Hazards 10. Appearance wise, they are almost identical, Oscar's 126 to eden's 129. Although hazard and 15 more starts than Oscar. Didn't see any stats for total assists in the stats thread, which is where you would probably see the major difference between the two. I have to say as someone who thought of Oscar as a quite decent player but one that had terrible consistency as an attacker player, terms of assists and goals, I'm shocked by this!

Scoring against us twice doesn't mean anything though, I don't know why this is seen as a sign he is a good player? Cahill almost always scored against us but no one would argue he was chelsea quality. Same with Robbie keane and countless other. Also, I bet if you see the reaction at the time, we never played particularly well against Basel during these times.

Hey I never said we should buy him, but he is a better than you are giving him credit for. In his last year at spurs he shingle handedly kept them in the charge for top four, and towards the end when teams were sitting deep he win games by himself, with shots that were out if this world, and for games on the trot. Real are stupid but don't break their transfer record for a guy who does nothing for 80 minutes then hits a screamer

To be fair, those long shots were all he needed in his last season here to kill teams in the last 10 minutes who parked the bus. My word those shots were unbelievable

I agree. None of this is new, his ability is always there. Importantly though, this isn't a game which will some turning point. He needs to show this more often.

I think it's his worse aspect, but only when you figure in his control and technique. At beating players he is average in our squad I think

Big thumbs up

Isn't one less of a ball carrier and more of a space maker?

Oh man I'd struggle lol. Running back is the guy who quarterback gives the ball to run with rather than throw up field?

That's my gripe with the story. Jose I think has vested something in Andre, I think he will give him time.

Is thiago better than Zola?

Here is all you need to know. The quarterback is only on the offensive team. Nothing to do with defence. Tells you everything ?

I was watching carefully to see if there is any difference, seeing as we always play him on the right rather than in a cm 3. I actually think he makes much better off the ball runs into dangerous areas than willian, who always seems to be wanting it to feet.

The first point would definitely be matic

He was good defending but world class going forward. Matic is the man defensively

He is better than Toure

Yes as a satisfactory return from his level. But as an individual who wants to become the best player in the world, he should focus on his strengths which is creativity rather than goal threat. I think 5 years ago if you said you had to score the amount if goals messi and Ronaldo do you'd have said that was impossible. For the record I think an exceptional creative player who is one of the best in the world can get 20 assists a season. And I mean the very very select few because I agree how hard this is in a regular basis

When I think about it, one on one he is better than Ivanovic. This fb dilemma is so hard. I think Azpi can walk into either spot. I don't give in to Ivan being better offensively. I think that Azpi produces better crosses, although I think Ivan is more direct. The bottom line, what pairing would be best for cfc? A technical and strong defensively duo or a powerful duo with strong ability in the air at both ends

Just get three points. I can't remember us ever playing particularly well after an international break, maybe because all of our players are international