DYC.

Just look at those Al Pacino eyes.

This annoys me as well. You can't expect a young player to play when the player in his position is in good form. But when they're in terrible form, give them a chance. It's too easy to say they're not 'ready', or not good enough (without playing). Play Musonda.

All fair points. Personally I'm not too bothered about this saga. Whether he joins or not, I'm fine with both outcomes. Unless he becomes the new Alessandro Nesta. I'd shed a manly tear if that happened.

Because he's aaaaaaaawwwwwweeeeesome. I've never seen a coach with such charisma. He has the hair of a god (or a Farah Fawcett, depends on your perspective). And he's crazy. But in a good way. Very funny and amusing. I genuinely do think he's a good coach. His Benfica teams played brilliant football, despite losing star players on a yearly basis.

Interesting. I don't think you're right though. The rest of England isn't that strong. There's no 06-09 Utd this time around. Europe is a different story. That will require luck for the time being. But it's a shame Chelsea did not grab (or could not grab) the opportunity to take in a position of power in England.

I don't have an issue with the price. I think he's well overpriced but that's not why I replied to your post. You said we could regret not signing him. I don't think there would ever be a need to regret potentially not signing Stones as other talents will pop up. I also don't think it's necessary to sign a very young CB. People go on about '10 years of service' but even 5 years is a very, very long time in football.

I remember Ranocchia being dubbed the next Nesta/Maldini. Didn't quite work out for him. He's so error-prone and painfully unathletic. Wrong type of CB for the PL imo.

I've touched a nerve. No need to be so sensitive. It's just friendly banter.

Prices will drive up but I don't think we've reached the point where young CBs cost you 40-50 mil. I know Di Maria is older, but he is an attacking player, a worldwide known name, and his 44 mil deal to PSG is the biggest transfer this window. I don't think Everton are doing anything wrong. They don't want to sell so it's their right to drag this on as long as they want (to the clear dismay of Chelsea fans haha). If it's not the English factor then fine. There are others, like those you have mentioned. I'm sure they won't cost you this much though. Though if Stones does end up joining for 40-50 mil, there will be a shift and the prices will go up.

What is big?

I don't buy that, 8 is quite low btw, but I'll leave it at that.

How many players would cost you 50 mil though? Let alone CBs because Stones would be the first one. I don't understand this desperation for Stones tbh. Is it the English thing? As if he's somehow Chelsea last chance at an Englishman in the team. Before Stones and Shaw, it was the likes of Smalling, Jones, Rodwell, Chamberlain, Walcott etc. There will be others.

Like in his time in Ukraine? Let's not delude ourselves.

That would be fantastic. Eden should aim for 25 and Costa should aim for 30+, though the latter's fitness will play a huge role. 70+ goals from three players would be more like it.

This actually seems to be happening. Good news. Fine addition to the squad. Offers something completely different with his direct off the ball running, ability to get into the box and finishing. He should help speed things up in terms of link-up play as well. I do hope people aren't expecting too much because of the desperation for new blood. Pedro has never been much of an individual talent, as in his skill with the ball at his feet. Pedro being a dribbler for example. Not even his best days. That's not his quality at all. He'll need the others around him to play him to his strengths to perform. Let's hope he doesn't end up like 'the others'.

One-offs if you ask me. I've seen David Silva score some brilliant goals from distance playing for Valencia. Iniesta has scored some beauties as well. But they can't produce shots like that consistently. Hazard not trying should serve as an indicator of him knowing such attempts on a (more) regular basis would be futile.

Finally something sensible.

It's only Brugge but 2 goals and an assist, more than well done.

I guess. It's only been two games though and the team has been dire. I don't want Hazard to suddenly start taking shots left and right like Depay, Cristiano and whoever.

What a miss from Depay. Brilliant play from Utd, Rooney in particular.

True. I guess that's what he's trying to develop. He's mentioned his desire to score more goals more than a few times. I personally don't think his goal-scoring prowess is as bad as some make it out to be though. He also does so much for the team in other areas. But he can do better, definitely.

Memphis is shooter. Power and precision. Dangerous weapon. But he's still too easy to take out. His all-round game needs a lot of work. But he's only 21. I'm very interested to see how he'll develop. He can become a top player, I'm sure of it. But you can't predict these things.

I guess you make a fair point but Hazard does score goals. Not goals like that (for the most part) but he does score so I don't have a problem with it. He just needs to score more. Any Messi and Ronaldo numbers fantasies need to be put to bed though.

If I had to pick between listening to Michael Owen's voice and moving up the butt of a 70-year-old prostitute, I'd be on my way to the store to get lubricant. How did he of all people get the job?