DYC.

Ozil is back in business. He's played amazing football all year (2015). Too bad he's a Gooner.

Fair enough. We disagree a bit on Pastore. €40 mil in 2011 is the same as €60-80 mil today. It was a gigantic transfer. It had a strong effect on the market as well. He's had some strong runs of form but you expect more. When you look at his great talent - high level technique, chance creator, high dose of fantasy, capability to create something out of nothing, he should be one of the leading talents in world football. Instead he still divides opinions and isn't a key player for his team (important last year but overall he hasn't been). There currently isn't even a spot in the first XI for him. Had to play out wide in the big games because he wasn't trusted in midfield but now they Di Maria. That's another thing btw. Why buy Di Maria when you have Pastore? Because doubts remain over Pastore's ability to perform for a full season possibly? I still don't think it would have worked out with Pastore. He reminds me of the flops/disappointments of the past. Don't think he would have been afforded the same time as PSG gave him either. Aguero is someone Chelsea dropped the ball on. Same goes for David Silva and Touré. They joined City when they were still under Chelsea. I like him though. Great to watch when he's in form. I hope he moves to a new club if he's a back up again. Keeping a player like that on the bench is a crime against football.

What? Pastore a creative winger? Are you confusing him with someone else? He was a classic #10 at the time playing for Palermo. The reason why I said he wasn't right for Chelsea is because he was the stereotypical flair player. Entire game revolved around his skill on the ball. No legs, no work rate, no defensive nous at all, poor movement. The type of player who starts playing when the ball is in his feet. More interested with entertainment than efficiency. Not a Chelsea player at all, didn't even suit the system. Not a player for any top side, rather a big fish in a small pond type of player. It's nice Cantona's fan of Pastore and I knew about it. It's understandable as he possesses great flair and fantasy. That languid style with his long legs is eye-catching and he's a very skillful player. Even in an average game he can produce one or two great pieces of skill. But it took Pastore three seasons (!) to finally perform for PSG. That's a very, very long time. Before that he was considered a flop for his fee and the expectations surrounding his arrival, reduced to squad player status. Last season he finally worked on his weaknesses and improved his game off the ball. Not as fixated with attempting the spectacular either. But he wasn't fully won a place in the starting XI yet. Matuidi and Verratti are still preferred in the most important games. He's still nowhere near Silva, who is far more complete and quicker and more clever in his plays. I'm an Argentina fan and Pastore never impressed for them either. Most of the time he wouldn't even make the team. Last summer's Copa was the first time he truly showcased his talent. EDIT: Just realised this is the Teixeira thread. Apologies for the off topic.

If there was any truth in the whole Pastore 'saga', it was a good thing he didn't join. Some players aren't meant to play for certain clubs/leagues. Not a Chelsea player. You don't want to see Drogba in Barca colours or Messi for Chelsea. Okay, I know some/many would like to see that but that would be bad imo.

And I'm one of the few who actually likes Oscar. 2015 has been a real low for the boy though. I will never forget the good he's done but this was a year to forget. I doubt it's going to get much better. Mourinho's prediction was terribly off.

This is so strange. My initial reaction and the reaction after seeing that video is the same. He put in a shift but I really didn't think he was good. Defensively yes but on the ball... look at the succes rate, speed and the quality of his actions. Not impressive at all. Some good moments but that's to be expected. Never one of his best performances imo. It's funny because you're usually the one slagging him off every chance you get.

He likes to do things like this and this and this too. Those are just a few examples. As for how good he is. You'd have to watch him really. He's one of my favourites. He's pretty good.

Player with the highest rating in each position gets picked. Well sort of. Don't know why it's a 4-4-2 or why Cristiano is picked as a striker rather left wing. Same with right winger Hulk. The selection is odd but it's a good team on paper. It has a bit of everything. Props to Willian and Azpilicueta.

I highly doubt that. A highly quality CM is hot property, especially in the PL. I also think he wanted to leave but not to just any club. I think he wanted to go to Barca (strong rumours at the time) but they couldn't buy him because of the ban. Recovering in a stable and known environment was a very smart move. Douglas Costa recently said Chelsea wanted him but he chose Bayern/Guardiola. What is Chelsea supposed to do when a player doesn't want to join? We laughed at Spurs and Utd over Willian and Pedro. You win some, you lose some. People also underrate how great it is to play for Dortmund. Playing in Westfalen must feel like a dream and you can make good money too.

Better than going and actually thinking you have a chance of winning.

Was only referring to the winter window. Summer is different. Though that will be challeging as well. It's a shame because the club was in an upwards trajectory for years. There's also EURO 2016 coming up btw. Players will be looking for the safe option.

There was only one destination. 1. Real didn't want him anymore. 2. PSG couldn't buy him because of FFP so Utd were the only interested club (able to afford him). A lot of people bring up Utd's situation before but remember they wanted to buy a lot of quality players and failed to attract them. Gundogan has options, Barca is one of them. And he can stay at Dortmund. Don't think he'd move in January. Clever purchases and hidden gems will most likely be the way to go.

You could offer 80 mil. He has to actually want to join the club. It's nice to fantasise but you can't blame the club if they can't get quality players in the next window.

I disagree. Set Piece is behind Willian this season. Contemplating whether I should get his shirt.

Carried the team through the CL group stage. Not the strongest opposition (Porto's a good team in normal circumstances though) but his performances were impressive. One of the top performers of the campaign thusfar I think.

Daria. Yum.

Good game. Consistency is the key. I've said that a few times before this season. This year even.

Solid win. We'll see what the last 16 brings.

He's lost a yard. He'll never be the same if he doesn't regain it. Not like before.

Heading into 10 years. Shocking.

There's life in Eden!

It will be interesting to see if Lopetegui or whatever makes changes. Think he made a big mistake with the 5-3-2 and not starting a striker. I think he expected Chelsea to attack. Neves isn't playing either but maybe he's not fit, I don't know.

It's sad.

I miss Hazard. The real one.

The work rate is there yes. Tempo's very low though. Makes it easier.