DYC.

Drogba is one of my football heroes but I don't suffer from amnesia. Drogba was an inconsistent striker who never produced consecutive world-class level seasons for Chelsea. Yeah, I said it. Out of nine seasons in Chelsea colours he only broke the 20-goal barrier twice. He also went through droughts and poor spells. At times he was downright awful and terribly frustrating. Excluding his final season, he scored 0,46 gpg. In his first three seasons for Chelsea he averaged the same rate (0,46) and won two league titles during the time. This is Costa's third season. He averages 0,50 gpg and is on his way to win his second league title. Drogba was a much better performer in Europe from what I remember from those first three campaigns though. Yes, I know Drogs was more than a goal-scorer (Diego also has a bigger impact on Chels than merely putting the ball in the net) and yes, he's better than Costa, but I don't understand why it's always so exaggerated. And it took Drogs a while to really take off so why not give Diego the same time.

I agree with what you've said but I can't say Bakayoko struck me as the player with the awareness, composure and poise you described in that same paragraph.

They're different players so it all depends on what Conte is looking for. Tolisso is the superior player technically and offensively, and he's box-to-box. Baka is the superior player physically and defensively, and he's a midfield shield. Personally, I don't like the idea of two technically average players in the centre of the pitch who don't offer much invention and imagination with the ball at their feet. We've seen how laberous Chelsea can be and there's no guaranteeing the team will keep finding ways to win next season. Grinding is never a long term plan for succes (don't mention the likes Juve and old Chelsea as those teams possessed great quality. Atletico grind and they've been 'unlucky' these past few years). But at least Baka offers great athleticism and can surprise with the occasional surge from deep. And with the right purchase(s) at wingback and/or up front, you could make up for that lack of skill in the centre. And what do I know, really. Conte could make it work of course if he does indeed want him.

If I had to pick to pick between Fabinho and Bakayoko, I'd always pick Fabinho. Bakayoko is the superior athlete and stronger in challenges, but technically and tactically Fabinho is without a doubt a class above Baka. When you see the both of them play, it's clear to see Fabinho finds playing football easier than Baka. And Fabinho is no slouch athletically either. Tall, strong, good engine, deceptively quick and effective in challenges. If Fabinho is unavailable to Chelsea though, Baka is probably one of Chelsea's better options in the middle.

Individual stats are irrelevant. If I had to pick between Aguero and Lewandowski, I would always pick Lewa even though Aguero is the superior goal-scorer and the better individualist. For me anyway. A fit and in form Aguero would probably hit around 55 goals if he played 60 games in a season. I think Lewa would get around 45. But Lewandowski has a greater impact on the collective with his ability as a target man and his versatility allows you to employ different styles (early balls behind defences, long balls and as a poacher in the box). He's also less streaky and performs better under pressure imo. Just compare their performances in the CL and look at how Lewandowski is also decisive for his country. Lukaku to Utd would be a great move for him. Forming a partnership with Ibra, and Martial/Rashford in the future would be far more beneficial for his chances of succeeding. But I don't think Lukaku would be the difference in Utd's search of succes.

Fine post

Last season it was Ousmane Dembélé, now it's Kylian Mbappé. Teenage superstars in the making popping up from French football like it's nothing. Both possess an amazing blend of skill and power. And they're both so direct and always want to make things happen in the final third. How I would love to see them sporting Chelsea colours in the very near future. (Not mentioning Martial because he never impressed as much at Monaco. His debut season at Man Utd was his most impressive personal campaign.) Monaco have to win the title now. Failing to win it after such a campaign would be so painful.

I concur. He's only played for Lille before so I think it's fair to say this clubs means something to him. He's mentioned loving his life in London, has grabbed or kissed the badge more than a few times and has never expressed plans to leave the club. Every time they ask him about links abroad he says he's happy at Chelsea. I'm not saying he's a fan but he's obviously good at Chelsea (as long as the club remain competitive). Hazard turned 26 in January. This is Hazard's fifth season at Chelsea. He's never leaving this summer so that's 17/18 confirmed. I find it hard to imagine him leaving at 27 after six seasons for Chelsea. But it's possible. If he doesn't leave at 28, he'll grow old at Chelsea.

King David.

I've said plenty about Gary since he's been here but God bless him, he's obviously committed and a happy member of the club. He's living the dream. He could've easily been playing for Stoke instead of Chelsea all these years.

Might as well keep around him around. Give him the Wenger treatment and wait and see if he'll ever become valuable. If he were to go out on loan, I don't feel Loftus-Cheek would make much of an impact wherever you send him. We've seen it time and time again with former youth loanees. Same goes for Chalobah. And even Baker (who's done pretty well but Vitesse and Chelsea are so far apart it's not even funny). They'll most likely end up playing for a Championship side or enjoy a squad role on some bottom PL team. I don't know but I'd rather stay at Chelsea for a few years. Experience big club life, train with top level players and be a part of title winning teams. Keep the English lads brought up at Chelsea in the squad for the next few years.

Haha, they proved you lot wrong. Yet again. Nice one, Chels. Don't slip up.

Losing is not the end of world to Arsenal. They have a manager who's lost it. Their squad has been conditioned to a climate of mediocrity. Any PL manager with a front line consisting of Giroud, Welbeck, Perez, Sanchez, Iwobi, Ozil, Ramsey, Walcott, Oxlade has no reason to complain about firepower. A better manager would squeeze a lot more out of that big group of players. But he would have to get rid of the stench of being second-best first. No easy task. Long may Arsene's reign last.

Nahh, we would've seen it this season if that was an option. Don't think he possesses the defensive nous and power for the role.

I actually disagree. Moses has been far more disappointing for me. Sometimes he looks completely out of his depth. His decision-making just isn't good enough for me. And he's often left unmarked because of it. And his positional sense is off. At least you can count on Alonso doing the basics right. Great legs, good positioning and distributes the ball well. Players will outpace him from time to time but the left flank is never (too) exposed. And he's very helpful when it comes to defending set-pieces. Alonso is like Ferreira. If a true upgrade can be acquired, great. If not, no worries.

You can't upgrade your entire XI in one summer. You're lucky if you get two. Three at a stretch. If And if I could only pick two positions, I'd go for replacing Matic and Moses. For me it's CM>RWB>RW>CB>LWB in terms of importance.

Aguero is a bonafide legend in English football. But he's been such a dud in Europe. Ghost for Argentina as well. A shame in a way. I used to love him. He was one of the best teenage players I've seen.

So he's not a nice man and often stressed out. Difference between a twat and a narcissist. But I understand your issue with him. Maybe too big a risk as you'd also lose a lot of height and power. He's 5'7 and 58 kg. He's no Alex Sandro or Filipe Luis but I'm fine with Alonso. When he signed I thought he was decent and I still think he's decent. But he's consistently decent. Rarely has a bad game. Least of Chelsea's problems.

Azpilicueta at RWB and Zouma at the back? Doubt Aké is going to play all of a sudden.

How is Guardiola arrogant? He always says the players he managed, and not himself, are responsible for his succes. He also said Messi's greatness was the reason for his legendary achievements at Barcelona. He's never bought into the 'Pep Mania' created by those around him and the media, and always praises other managers.

Lemar is not a forward for me. Very much a midfielder. But a much lesser player on the right. Left midfield in a flat midfield four suits him perfectly but he could possibly adapt to a LWB position as an offensive wingback. But then again, Hazard and Lemar on the same flank is most likely too vulnerable defensively.

De Bruyne improved so much in centre midfield. Always did envision him as an #8 at Genk. He's a fantastic #10, but you need to build your team around him in that position. Whether that's a recipe for succes... I doubt it. I desperately want Fabinho. But as a wingback. A player with his composure out wide would improve Chelsea's midfield play so much. Sound defender as well. And he's of course familiar with that role as a former fullback. CM has more options to pick from.

Scary. I was thinking 3-1 and an Mbappe goal as well. Good for you on the Barca bet, my fellow Chelsea man. I'm so happy. Monaco is life this season.

Damn. If I was a betting man, I would've made real money. Monaco in the next round. Brilliant. I need Monaco or Dortmund in the final. Preferably both.

No, not necessarily. Monaco provides a much environment than Rennes. EDIT: Move to Dortmund made sense. Another player I want at Chelsea. Dembele and Demebele at Chelsea, pff. They actually play as regulars in the scenario in my head though.