LondonsFinest

Had a great game, but let's not get carried away. I feel like this forum has a tendancy to overrate any youngster that is half decent. 
Hopefully he will have chances this season to play.

All the hype about "world class" Costa (he's not world class) and Batman continue to make him look inept with not just goals but brilliant all round displays. It's a shame he didn't get a proper run in last season. He's a very talented player and I think we have a potential player on our hands. Conte needs to manage him properly next season. 

And the most ridiculous transfer rumor of the summer so far is born. Right there with people actually believing Cristiano will leave Madrid.
 

Let me start this long post off by saying: "I do not want Lukaku, as much, nor do I rate him as big as some people do."

However, Lukaku has massively improved. I was one of the people who was slating him, because he really was frustrating. But, Koeman has worked on his technical aspects. I will lay out my arguments on why Lukaku would be able to replace Diego and why he wouldn't, so please bear with me, here:
- Diego isn't better than him technically - Diego is as frustrating as you can get, when off form. Dire passing, no dribbling ability, rarely manages to hold on to the ball, can't shield with his body, no aerial pressence. He offers NOTHING. Basically like playing with 10 men. Lukaku, while not being the second coming of Suarez, is still an okay player with the ball at his feet. He also has a good aerial presence on him, good headers. He can shield and bully defenders. He also has okay passing on him, can name quite a few times he has managed to create fast counter-attacks, make one - twos or just combine with a teammate in no - way Diego would.
- He is playing in an above average Everton - He has nobody, who can constantly come up with something out of nothing. Barkley, Mirallas, Lookman , etc. are all inconsistent in their performances. He doesn't have the service, which he could have here. Difference with Hazard/Pedro/ Cesc in behind him, who all offer something different for him to be able to pounce on.
- Big Games - Above point being the main factor. People want Lukaku to be a nuisance and conquer big games. How can he? Against Liverpool, against United, Everton couldn't create anything. The one time, everything was clicking for them, was vs. City, and Lukaku and Davies were the main culprits, and unsurprisingly they won 4 - 0. And let's be honest, has Diego really been THAT unreal in big games? Or any striker in the league, maybe bar Aguero(who has also missed tons of chances in those games, which is worse), for that matter? Diego was unreal vs City. PSG last year. Pretty much it. His goals vs. Liverpool, United were tap - ins. Not saying they aren't goals, but would Lukaku miss? He could, but would he really? Diego has also went missing in big games, let's not act like it isn't true.
- Age - He is still relatively young. Much work can be done with him. He can develop even more. And as recent interviews from him and team-mates/coaches have came out, he always likes to develop and up his game. Reason why his overall play is SO MUCH different to before.
- Goals - This year us becoming champions has just again cemented the fact that wins vs. small sides guarantee you Championships. And Lukaku does guarantee goals. Especially with an increased batch of service.
- HG - Counts for the HG quota. Which is why I think we're targeting mostly him
- Lack of WC forwards - Belotti's amazing, but will cost even more perhaps. Icardi won't leave. Who else is out there?
Things that put me off the move:

Technicality -  What if, this his ceilling from a technical point of view? I doubt it, but what if? He will be a 50/50 player, who will create some and ruin some. Not much of an upgrade to Diego. Just a small one.
Lack of experience - He's yet to lead a line as big as Chelsea's. All props to Everton, but the expectations aren't as big as with us. He has to guarantee goals and creativity in order to be our new no. 9. And do it on a consistent basis for it to be the right choice and to please fans. Especially the ones who will be on his back, because of the fact they do not rate him. Plus, he's never really played in the CL. The only time he's been leading a line from the top level is Belgium, and he is hit and miss there, BUT there is the problem with Wilmots and the fact the whole Belgium squad is still hot and cold, despite all the potential.
Price tag - Yes, I know the inflation of prices. I realize he won't cost 30 mil. given the fact he's bagged 20 + goals on a regular basis, but in no way should he cost more than 50. Won't renew. Wants to leave. Should lower the price. We can't force ourselves to overpay for him. Would rather watch Alexis at the 9, if we get him, or just throw the money at Icardi and try for him.
 
 
 
Can argue about all of the Pros for hours, tbf,  so yeah.

Of course it would be silly this early in the summer to be worried about the lack of concrete links or movement, but it seems like one by one everyone we've so far been linked with is going elsewhere.
Bernardo Silva - gone to City
Van Dijk - looks certain to go to Liverpool now
James & Morata - strongly linked with United and PSG by reliable sources
Tolisso - now strongly linked with Bayern
Alexis - no chance at all Arse will sell to us
I'd love to give our board the benefit of the doubt that they're lining things up in total secrecy, but based upon recent transfer windows it's hard to do. This can't be another summer where we bring in shite or wait until it's so late that we panic and buy Conte's 3rd or 4th choice targets.

What you just said is wrong on socmany levels, lol. 
If they had one of Lemar, Fabinho or Silva that doesn't meant they are getting top 2. Quite the opposite. They don't chip in with 30 goals and assists individuay, lol. 
Not to mention that Bakayoko is good, you've just watched him vs Juve and you're basing yourself of that. As of Silva, Lemar or Fabinho were good then? They weren't. But it's just because Bakayoko is tasked with carrying the ball forward and a missplaced pass led to a goal, he is automatically bad. Which he isn't. While the others stood, doing next to nothing. Nor these three, nor Falcao. Nor Germain, nor Sidibe. 
Not to mention he is already superior to Matic. And this is his breakout season. People really need to get a grip. 

Hard to follow all the action here with so much work on my table and stuff to do. But i'll leave my two cents, most approriately on this thread 
Just want to say Antonio is the best thing to happen to Chelsea in the last 20 years besides Roman himself.
He's utterly dominated the "league of managers" and left Mourinho, Guardiola, Klopp and Pochettino in his wake.
No touchline bans - No FA conspiracies -  No dull football - No digs at other managers - No public shaming of players-  No cult of personality, causing division among fans - The focus on the club not the manager. 
Some said we couldn't do better (and there was none better out there) than the one we had here before but look at us now!
Antonio. Just brilliant man management, superb tactical acumen and unrivalled passion all season. He has only likeable traits. We have the best manager in the world right now in our possession. It's important Roman now does everything possible to bring in high calibre players that will IMPROVE the team. He deserves that.
God bless you and your family Signore Conte and thanks for the 6th. 🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆 (and the sweetest one I've witnessed to date, considering all the circumstances surrounding this season and the disaster of last).   

 

he won us the points on opening day (assist) and now the title clincher.

Came on in the 76th minute
Committed 3 fouls in 5 minutes
Scored the winner that won us the title
What a lad.

Semedo, Sanchez, Mendy & a striker. Then maybe a luxury signing at CB in Laporte. Now that would be a top window. 

Why are some slamming Morata though? He's a ridiculously talented striker, more talented than Costa for sure. Just because he doesn't get a game in Madrid doesn't mean shit. He's a better player than Benzema 100% but we know the politics in Madrid means Benzema starts. 

Kyle Walker reportedly available for £35+ after falling out with Pooh.. I dunno about you guys but to have the best RB in the league should be something our board should be all over.. And the icing is it could seriously hurt Spurs title chances going forward

He carries out the ball brilliantly and is fantastic in possession for a CB. He may lack height but that is literally the only chink in his armour defensively and that doesn't even get exposed as much as is made out. Would you have dropped prime Carvalho for lack of height or prime Terry for lack of pace?
Also (and most importantly) Azpi is a fundementally better defender than anyone else in the squad and the best since JT was in his prime, his only weakness should be worked around given all the upsides he brings.

From Pedro we seen last season and the one we seen this season there's has been a huge Improvement after the match Henry talk highly off him says he use do that alot in training his goal he scored

He didn't have that good of a game. He was okay. Again, highlighting the fact, that we have no midfield presence given the massive holes he leaves to be exploited.  Any decent attacking side would benefit from it. He managed to missplace a lot of simple passes too. Goal has given him some confidence, but he has to be moved/improved on.

Was awful for 65 minutes. Probably the worst player on the pitch. Missplaced passes, ruined attacks, dribbles. 
 
 
And then, he changed the game. Massive goal. Has been the story whole season, really. Popling up with massive goals when you don't expect him to. This one was just that. Opened up the game. Same as Tottenham, Bournemouth at home, etc. Great work!

It was metaphorically speaking. We have zero actual indication Hazard would want to leave and Conte seems intent on building around him, as he already is the focal point of our team. Hopefully, we manage exactly that. 

I'm really surprised. Why everyone has already sold him?
He's said many times he doesn't want to leave at the moment and he'll say if he wants to(as he did at Lille). He won't play in this RM team. He values his family a lot and it is reported he loves the fact they are settled in London. There is actually ZERO real indication that he, himself, wants to leave. On top of that, the club do NOT want to sell and want to give him a new contract. So, what am I missing here?
 
Note, that I have said, that at some point he will leave for Real, but let's be honest, why now? I just makes NO sense. And people actually want us to replace him with Isco? You know how reactionary people are, just because he's dropped fantastic performances in recent weeks. Isco is nowhere near Eden and I'm one of his biggest fans.

Let me start this long post off by saying: "I do not want Lukaku, nor do I rate him as big as some people do."

However, Lukaku has massively improved. I was one of the people who was slating him, because he really was frustrating. But, Koeman has worked on his technical aspects. I will lay out my arguments on why Lukaku would be able to replace Diego and why he wouldn't, so please bear with me, here:
- Diego isn't better than him technically - Diego is as frustrating as you can get, when off form. Dire passing, no dribbling ability, rarely manages to hold on to the ball, can't shield with his body, no aerial pressence. He offers NOTHING. Basically like playing with 10 men. Lukaku, while not being the second coming of Suarez, is still an okay player with the ball at his feet. He also has a good aerial presence on him, good headers. He can shield and bully defenders. He also has okay passing on him, can name quite a few times he has managed to create fast counter-attacks, make one - twos or just combine with a teammate in no - way Diego would.
- He is playing in an above average Everton - He has nobody, who can constantly come up with something out of nothing. Barkley, Mirallas, Lookman , etc. are all inconsistent in their performances. He doesn't have the service, which he could have here. Difference with Hazard/Pedro/ Cesc in behind him, who all offer something different for him to be able to pounce on.
- Big Games - Above point being the main factor. People want Lukaku to be a nuisance and conquer big games. How can he? Against Liverpool, against United, Everton couldn't create anything. The one time, everything was clicking for them, was vs. City, and Lukaku and Davies were the main culprits, and unsurprisingly they won 4 - 0. And let's be honest, has Diego really been THAT unreal in big games? Or any striker in the league, maybe bar Aguero(who has also missed tons of chances in those games, which is worse), for that matter? Diego was unreal vs City. PSG last year. Pretty much it. His goals vs. Liverpool, United were tap - ins. Not saying they aren't goals, but would Lukaku miss? He could, but would he really? Diego has also went missing in big games, let's not act like it isn't true.
- Age - He is still relatively young. Much work can be done with him. He can develop even more.
- Goals - This year, if we manage to become champions, it will just again cement the fact that wins vs. small sides guarantee you Championships. And Lukaku does guarantee goals. Especially with an increased batch of service.
- HG - Counts for the HG quota. Which is why I think we're targeting mostly him
- Lack of WC forwards - Belotti's amazing, but will cost even more perhaps. Icardi won't leave. Who else is out there?
Things that put me off the move:

Technicality -  What if, this his ceilling from a technical point of view? I doubt it, but what if? He will be a 50/50 player, who will create some and ruin some. Not much of an upgrade to Diego. Just a small one.
Lack of experience - He's yet to lead a line as big as Chelsea's. All props to Everton, but the expectations aren't as big as with us. He has to guarantee goals and creativity in order to be our new no. 9. And do it on a consistent basis for it to be the right choice and to please fans. Especially the ones who will be on his back, because of the fact they do not rate him. Plus, he's never really played in the CL. The only time he's been leading a line from the top level is Belgium, and he is hit and miss there, BUT there is the problem with Wilmots and the fact the whole Belgium squad is still hot and cold, despite all the potential.
Price tag - Yes, I know the inflation of prices. I realize he won't cost 30 mil. given the fact he's bagged 20 + goals on a regular basis, but in no way should he cost more than 50. Won't renew. Wants to leave. Should lower the price. We can't force ourselves to overpay for him. Would rather watch Alexis at the 9, if we get him, or just throw the money at Icardi and try for him.

Man of the match. Luiz - Christensen - Ake should be our 3 CBs next season. Massive talent. 

Man of the match. Luiz - Christensen - Ake should be our 3 CBs next season. Massive talent. 

Man of the match. Luiz - Christensen - Ake should be our 3 CBs next season. Massive talent. 

Let me start this long post off by saying: "I do not want Lukaku, nor do I rate him as big as some people do."

However, Lukaku has massively improved. I was one of the people who was slating him, because he really was frustrating. But, Koeman has worked on his technical aspects. I will lay out my arguments on why Lukaku would be able to replace Diego and why he wouldn't, so please bear with me, here:
- Diego isn't better than him technically - Diego is as frustrating as you can get, when off form. Dire passing, no dribbling ability, rarely manages to hold on to the ball, can't shield with his body, no aerial pressence. He offers NOTHING. Basically like playing with 10 men. Lukaku, while not being the second coming of Suarez, is still an okay player with the ball at his feet. He also has a good aerial presence on him, good headers. He can shield and bully defenders. He also has okay passing on him, can name quite a few times he has managed to create fast counter-attacks, make one - twos or just combine with a teammate in no - way Diego would.
- He is playing in an above average Everton - He has nobody, who can constantly come up with something out of nothing. Barkley, Mirallas, Lookman , etc. are all inconsistent in their performances. He doesn't have the service, which he could have here. Difference with Hazard/Pedro/ Cesc in behind him, who all offer something different for him to be able to pounce on.
- Big Games - Above point being the main factor. People want Lukaku to be a nuisance and conquer big games. How can he? Against Liverpool, against United, Everton couldn't create anything. The one time, everything was clicking for them, was vs. City, and Lukaku and Davies were the main culprits, and unsurprisingly they won 4 - 0. And let's be honest, has Diego really been THAT unreal in big games? Or any striker in the league, maybe bar Aguero(who has also missed tons of chances in those games, which is worse), for that matter? Diego was unreal vs City. PSG last year. Pretty much it. His goals vs. Liverpool, United were tap - ins. Not saying they aren't goals, but would Lukaku miss? He could, but would he really? Diego has also went missing in big games, let's not act like it isn't true.
- Age - He is still relatively young. Much work can be done with him. He can develop even more.
- Goals - This year, if we manage to become champions, it will just again cement the fact that wins vs. small sides guarantee you Championships. And Lukaku does guarantee goals. Especially with an increased batch of service.
- HG - Counts for the HG quota. Which is why I think we're targeting mostly him
- Lack of WC forwards - Belotti's amazing, but will cost even more perhaps. Icardi won't leave. Who else is out there?
Things that put me off the move:

Technicality -  What if, this his ceilling from a technical point of view? I doubt it, but what if? He will be a 50/50 player, who will create some and ruin some. Not much of an upgrade to Diego. Just a small one.
Lack of experience - He's yet to lead a line as big as Chelsea's. All props to Everton, but the expectations aren't as big as with us. He has to guarantee goals and creativity in order to be our new no. 9. And do it on a consistent basis for it to be the right choice and to please fans. Especially the ones who will be on his back, because of the fact they do not rate him. Plus, he's never really played in the CL. The only time he's been leading a line from the top level is Belgium, and he is hit and miss there, BUT there is the problem with Wilmots and the fact the whole Belgium squad is still hot and cold, despite all the potential.
Price tag - Yes, I know the inflation of prices. I realize he won't cost 30 mil. given the fact he's bagged 20 + goals on a regular basis, but in no way should he cost more than 50. Won't renew. Wants to leave. Should lower the price. We can't force ourselves to overpay for him. Would rather watch Alexis at the 9, if we get him, or just throw the money at Icardi and try for him.

Let me start this long post off by saying: "I do not want Lukaku, nor do I rate him as big as some people do."

However, Lukaku has massively improved. I was one of the people who was slating him, because he really was frustrating. But, Koeman has worked on his technical aspects. I will lay out my arguments on why Lukaku would be able to replace Diego and why he wouldn't, so please bear with me, here:
- Diego isn't better than him technically - Diego is as frustrating as you can get, when off form. Dire passing, no dribbling ability, rarely manages to hold on to the ball, can't shield with his body, no aerial pressence. He offers NOTHING. Basically like playing with 10 men. Lukaku, while not being the second coming of Suarez, is still an okay player with the ball at his feet. He also has a good aerial presence on him, good headers. He can shield and bully defenders. He also has okay passing on him, can name quite a few times he has managed to create fast counter-attacks, make one - twos or just combine with a teammate in no - way Diego would.
- He is playing in an above average Everton - He has nobody, who can constantly come up with something out of nothing. Barkley, Mirallas, Lookman , etc. are all inconsistent in their performances. He doesn't have the service, which he could have here. Difference with Hazard/Pedro/ Cesc in behind him, who all offer something different for him to be able to pounce on.
- Big Games - Above point being the main factor. People want Lukaku to be a nuisance and conquer big games. How can he? Against Liverpool, against United, Everton couldn't create anything. The one time, everything was clicking for them, was vs. City, and Lukaku and Davies were the main culprits, and unsurprisingly they won 4 - 0. And let's be honest, has Diego really been THAT unreal in big games? Or any striker in the league, maybe bar Aguero(who has also missed tons of chances in those games, which is worse), for that matter? Diego was unreal vs City. PSG last year. Pretty much it. His goals vs. Liverpool, United were tap - ins. Not saying they aren't goals, but would Lukaku miss? He could, but would he really? Diego has also went missing in big games, let's not act like it isn't true.
- Age - He is still relatively young. Much work can be done with him. He can develop even more.
- Goals - This year, if we manage to become champions, it will just again cement the fact that wins vs. small sides guarantee you Championships. And Lukaku does guarantee goals. Especially with an increased batch of service.
- HG - Counts for the HG quota. Which is why I think we're targeting mostly him
- Lack of WC forwards - Belotti's amazing, but will cost even more perhaps. Icardi won't leave. Who else is out there?
Things that put me off the move:

Technicality -  What if, this his ceilling from a technical point of view? I doubt it, but what if? He will be a 50/50 player, who will create some and ruin some. Not much of an upgrade to Diego. Just a small one.
Lack of experience - He's yet to lead a line as big as Chelsea's. All props to Everton, but the expectations aren't as big as with us. He has to guarantee goals and creativity in order to be our new no. 9. And do it on a consistent basis for it to be the right choice and to please fans. Especially the ones who will be on his back, because of the fact they do not rate him. Plus, he's never really played in the CL. The only time he's been leading a line from the top level is Belgium, and he is hit and miss there, BUT there is the problem with Wilmots and the fact the whole Belgium squad is still hot and cold, despite all the potential.
Price tag - Yes, I know the inflation of prices. I realize he won't cost 30 mil. given the fact he's bagged 20 + goals on a regular basis, but in no way should he cost more than 50. Won't renew. Wants to leave. Should lower the price. We can't force ourselves to overpay for him. Would rather watch Alexis at the 9, if we get him, or just throw the money at Icardi and try for him.

Apparently, I am still a clown for not understanding football. Oh, the irony. 
 
Garbage player. We were awful yesterday and nothing clicked. But NOTHING gets to me as much as this guy and Costa. Missplaced passes, zero presence in midfield, awful positioning. Tell me exactly WHAT does he contribute with? I don't know.