Vesper

They are both far from slow, but yes, not Lacroix FoN pace. Solution. Buy them both, as combined they would cost what Bastoni or Marquinhos or De Ligt would alone, lolol. Sell Zouma FFS. Tomori is likely sold. Sarr is not good enough, but was free, so will generate funds no matter what. Thiago Silva leaves after June 2022. I am not yet sold on Guehi. Certainly not sold at all on Ampadu as a CB. Azpi will be done in a couple years or so. Mbuyamba is so not a guaranteed star yet, not at all. Plenty of room for both Lacroix and Botman.

If we cannot get Bastoni then I am in for Lacroix although I SO rate the monster that is Sven Botman too Imagine if in 3 years or so Mbuyamba comes good and Botman is playing with him 1.95m twin tanks

Matic was 21yo when we bought him, 23yo when we sold him, after a one year loan to Vitesse following a year here, and we only paid a net £18m more when we bought him back, which was a steal, as he was a really sold DMF for us for 3 years, plus we turned a 10m profit or so off the price paid for the 2nd buy and then the sale to Manure. Lukaku was a teen when we bought him, and we would be paying £50 to £60 MORE than what we sold him for for. All for only one full sub 30yo season. He turns 30 towards the end of the season after this coming season. Rice will cost £75 to £85m MORE than what we got for him (which was zero, we let him go as a teen)

Bayern Munich plan to sign Florian Neuhaus in 2022 https://bayernstrikes.com/2021/05/30/bayern-munich-plan-sign-florian-neuhaus-2022/ Bayern Munich is known for efficient work in the transfer window. The German Champions work in a manner that there is fine balance maintained in long-term planning and short-term success on the pitch. Die Roten has reportedly planned a big transfer for next summer to keep improving the squad. According to Bild (via iMiaSanMia), Die Roten has an agreement with Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Florian Neuhaus for next summer. The German midfielder will stay at Gladbach for one more year before moving to Bavaria. It has been widely reported that Neuhaus has been subject to interest for Bayern. The German midfielder reportedly has a release clause of €40 million in his contract at Gladbach. Even though it is a fairly decent fee for a phenomenal talent, Die Roten will not be able to afford to sign Neuhaus this summer. Rekordmeister has previously regretted not signing a top talent like Leroy Sane when he was at Schalke. However, they managed to correct that error by bringing Sane to the club last summer. Neuhaus is in a similar position as Sane was at Schalke. Reaching an agreement with the young midfielder would make sure that Die Roten does not miss out on promising German talent. The reports continue to suggest that Die Roten will look to improve midfield options this summer. If the report from Bild is true, then Rekordmeister may make two quality midfield additions in the next two summer transfer windows. Neuhaus is currently with the German squad for Euro 2020. Gladbach’s resolve might be tested if other big clubs come in for him this summer. Die Roten getting a verbal agreement done with Neuhaus will make sure that they avoid him from going to other big European clubs this summer. Meanwhile, it will be intriguing to see the German club’s plans for this season. They have been heavily linked with Eduardo Camavinga, but the latest reports in France suggest that Paris Saint-Germain has been in talks with Rennes to sign the young midfielder. Gini Wijnaldum was briefly linked to the club, but he is set to join Barcelona on a free transfer. Uli Hoeness confirmed this week that there will be no more big-money signings this summer. The German Champions have spent a big fee on the signing of Dayot Upamecano from RB Leipzig. They will have to look for sales to raise funds for other signings.

I would think Lukaku will wait to see who Inter sells, and how he gets on with Simone Inzaghi. I do not see Hakimi accepting a backup role here (to Reece) so that is not a big spend I see us even trying anyway. Hakimi is ot even close to Reece level on defence as well. The only player Inter has who I am obsessed with (I am NOT obsessed with Lukaku, in a perfect world hew stays there for the next 3 or 4 years and we get Håland or Mbappe for our CF) is Bastoni. Nicolò Barella is a superb MF'er, but there are better options out there, especially considering how much Inter would want for him. Samir Handanovic turns 37 in July, and would be a great backup keeper for 2 or 3 seasons, but I cannot see Inter letting him go. I guess, after Bastoni (and assuming Lukaku doesnt come and ideed stays) the other option would be Lautaro as a CF for us. I do not see thus mentioned much. There are only 7 truly WC CF's out there at this exact moment in time, so a very limited amount of players for us to target if we want the hear and now WC CF. Mbappe (unique on the list as e can play winger as well) I can see people even wondering why I put him on a CF list. I disagree. Håland Lewadowski (too old for the cash required and I 100% doubt he will leave) Kane Lukaku Lautaro Benzema (will not leave, and in same boat as Lewa, too old for the cash required) DCL has the potential get there soon (not saying he will) Youssoufa Moukoko is only 16, but is already arguably the most likely of the teens to get there I would say, although Adam Hlozek truly looks a beast and I would LOVE to grab him. He has superstar potential. CR7 is not really a CF (and turns 37 in February) Messi is so not a CF Zlatan is too old (he turns 40 in 4 months) Luis Suárez has aged out (still a sniper, but his legs are gone) I would say one could make a case for Sergio Agüero (33yo on Wednesday) and Edinson Cavani (turns 35 in February) but father time will soon catch them both, or maybe has in Agüero's case, we shall see what he does at Barca. Ciro Immobile is borderline (and turn 32yo in February, but in slowball Serie A he can roll on for 5, 6 more years) Icardi never fulfilled his promise. that's it, pretty much. If we fail on all the non teens mentioned above I would go for on a flyer 15 goals, 9 assists in only 1800 minutes (including europe) Adam Hlozek scores four goals in 23 minutes during sensational outing for Sparta Prague https://www.hammers.news/transfer-news/adam-hlozek-scores-four-goals-in-23-minutes-during-sensational-outing-for-sparta-prague/

I will be shocked if we buy Lukaku or Rice. Roman and Marina do not re-buy players for a huge loss compared to what we sold them for, or, in Rice's case, let walk for free. No big money drops for players we deemed surplus goods, and there still is the (never ever elaborated upon which pisses me off) matter that we think Rice has technical issues. No clue what those are but it still is mentioned.

Koundé is a dwarf. Hard pass. So overrated. So overpriced. We would get crucified on crosses, free kicks, corners.

Süle?

Square was magnificent at RWB/RB on the worst Juve team in ages 2 goals, 19 assists in 3083 minutes (so no crazy Azpi 4700 minute season to pad those)

those are all leagues stats so no minnows to pad anyone

Player Comparison: Kalvin Phillips vs. Aurélien Tchouaméni vs. Leander Dendoncker vs. Boubakary Soumaré vs. Weston McKennie vs. Sandro Tonali https://fbref.com/tiny/NCkf9

Player Comparison: Ismaël Bennacer vs. Aurélien Tchouaméni vs. Yves Bissouma vs. Ryan Gravenberch vs. Jude Bellingham vs. Rúben Neves https://fbref.com/tiny/DAiL7

Player Comparison: Bruno Guimarães vs. Aurélien Tchouaméni vs. Manuel Locatelli vs. Declan Rice vs. Eduardo Camavinga vs. Boubacar Kamara https://fbref.com/tiny/HLiqv

Aurélien Tchouaméni is first team all Ligue 1, and the young player of the year as well and that was on a far from great Monaco side Chelsea defensive midfielder scouting series part five: Aurelien Tchouameni https://theprideoflondon.com/2021/05/26/Chelsea-defensive-midfielder-scouting-five-aurelien-tchouameni/ All of the midfielders we’ve discussed in this series thus far are already playing in the Premier League. This gives them a slight advantage, as they’d be playing in the same environment—but with different teammates—if they were to move to Chelsea. However we cannot ignore players playing in other leagues because many of the players who have written their names in the history books of the Premier League were bought from other leagues. In part four, we discussed West Ham key man, Declan Rice. In this part, we’d be discussing a multitalented, all-action central defensive minded midfielder, AS Monaco’s Aurelien Tchouameni. Tchouameni is more of a box-to-box midfielder than he is a pure defensive midfielder, but he exhibits almost everything you’d want in either role. Tchouameni might be the perfect piece to slot into Thomas Tuchel’s 3-4-3 formation. His work rate off the ball and his actions on it show that he’s the perfect central midfielder for Chelsea. His pressing, ball movement and decisive passes indicate that he’d be just as useful in the defensive, offensive and middle thirds of the pitch. Tchouameni works hard to deny opponents off the ball, but he is also a goal threat. He looks to distribute the ball effectively when in possession, and he’s a competent enough dribbler to get past opponents when he needs to. He has been an important figure in Monaco’s midfield this season. A testament to Tchouameni’s influence is the fact that he’s started—and played—34 out of 36 league games for Monaco this season. His performances helped Les Monegasques to a third place finish in League 1, just five points behind the title winners, Lille. WhoScored has the Frenchman as the third best performing player and SofaScore has him as the best. This is impressive as Tchouameni has only scored two goals and assisted three, so those ratings are not heavily influenced by goal involvements. We scrutinize Tchouameni’s numbers over the past two seasons and compare them with Chelsea’s N’Golo Kante (you know the drill). It is important to note that Tchouameni spent most of his playing time last season with Ligue 1 side Bordeaux. Play style Tchouameni currently plays in a high pressing team and contributes heavily to said press. He looks to close down opposing players and start attacks by distributing the ball to forward players as quickly as possible (which is most competent midfielders or defensive midfielders anyway). Monaco’s pressing has been so good that it ranks third for successful pressures in Ligue 1, and ranks first for percentage of successful pressures. That’s impressive, especially for a Monaco team that is not a defensive one. Les Monegasques are very much possession-oriented, though not to Manchester City or Paris Saint-Germain levels. Monaco has managed 54.3 percent possession on average this season, compared Chelsea’s 58.4 percent. Tchouameni’s team(s) have had an average possession of 54 percent since the beginning of last season. Kante’s team has had 58 percent in that time. Tchouameni has averaged 18.6 pressures per 90 since the beginning of last season, winning 6.5 of them per 90. Kante averages more pressures (21.5) and more successful pressures (7.2). Interestingly, Tchouameni (34.9 percent) has a better success rate in presses than Kante (33.5 percent). Kante makes more progressive carries (5.4) compared to Tchouameni’s 4.4. This might be due to the fact that the Chelsea man gets more of the ball by playing in a more possession-based side. Tchouameni is also alert, though he comes second best in this category, as he makes 11.3 recoveries per game (picking up loose balls). Kante makes 13.5. Tchouameni is just 21 years old, but he already knows how to conduct himself in a high pressing side to achieve the maximum effectiveness. This is encouraging, as he would need to keep up this work rate in a much more intense league, like the Premier League. Defensive actions Tchouameni has recorded a healthy proportion of defensive actions for someone who plays in a relatively possession-oriented side. He has recorded 4.4 tackles plus interceptions since the beginning of last season. For comparison, Kante has recorded 5.2. Tchouameni actually leads Monaco this season in tackles and interceptions, and he’s not even a sitting defensive midfielder. He’s been dribbled past more than Kante per 90 in the time under scrutiny, 1.1 to 1.4. That may be due him contesting more ground duels, as you’ll likely be dribbled past often if you get into these contests a lot. It is worth it too, as the Monaco man has won 5.7 ground duels per 90 at a success rate of 57 percent, compared to Kante’s 4.4 at a success rate of 49 percent in the time under scrutiny. Tchouameni is obviously better at winning ground duels. He wins more, despite attempting more, at a higher success rate. Tchouameni has a size advantage on Kante though, as he weighs 80 kg rising to 185 cm, compared to Kante’s 68 kg rising to 168 cm. It’s not surprising that Tchouameni would have a considerable advantage over Kante in ground duels. Tchouameni, if nothing else, knows how to use his strengths to his advantage. Tchouameni blocks more shots per 90 (0.3) than Kante (0.2), but makes slightly fewer clearances per 90 (1.3) compared to Kante (1.4). Kante and Tchouameni concede the same amount of fouls (1.9), though the latter wins more tackles than Kante. Tchouameni wins significantly more fouls (1.8) than Kante (0.4), all per 90. Tchouameni seems to have overall better ball skills than Kante, losing the ball on average 11.6 times per 90, compared to Kante’s 13.2. Tchouameni is clearly defensive aware, and likely the best defensive-minded midfielder at the club. He would fit right in at Chelsea, and would be perfect to partner Chelsea’s other central midfielders, as he offers many things they don’t. Passing Tchouameni is a very good passer. He also seems to be a more effective passer. He unsurprisingly makes less passes (45.5) than Kante (53.2) per 90 in the period being analyzed. Kante seems to be a better passer of the ball though. Kante attempts 2.6 long balls per 90 at a 67 percent completion rate, compared to Tchouameni’s 2.2 long balls per 90 at a 58 percent completion rate. Mind, a 58 percent long ball accuracy in itself is very good. Tchouameni makes 5.3 progressive passes per 90, compared to Kante’s 4.7. This indicates that Tchouameni may be better at starting attacks, making him a more effective passer. 12 percent of Tchouameni’s passes are progressive, compared to eight percent of Kante’s. Tchouameni has averaged an 84 percent passing accuracy in the time under scrutiny, compared to Kante’s 87 percent. Tchouameni makes a lot fewer key passes per game (0.6) than Kante (1.2). Interestingly, Monaco’s Frenchman has created double the amount of big chances (six) than Kante (three) in the time under scrutiny, which points further to the effectiveness of his passing. These passing numbers paint of picture of a brilliant player, who, despite getting heavily involved in defending, is also a crucial component of the team’s attack. His decisive passing has helped his team in the final third, contributing heavily to chance creation, creating the fourth-most clear cut chances for Monaco this season. Tchouameni definitely still has a lot to learn, and would come into his prime in three or four years, but he’s already an exceptional midfielder for his age group. He would fit perfectly into Tuchel’s midfield, especially if the German decides to stick with the 3-4-2-1 formation. Like Kante, he’s such a dynamic player and it might hurt the team to just deploy him as a traditional defensive midfielder. He has played most of his Monaco games in a two-man midfield and has flourished there. His partnership with Youssef Fofana has been fruitful indeed. He can also be a potential solution to Chelsea’s lack of chance creation from central midfield. He’s valued at €25 million according to Transfermarkt, but his fee would probably be closer to €35-40 million because of his age. The last gem Chelsea bought in central midfield was Kante, this is a perfect opportunity to secure a real diamond for now and the future.

would rather this than 10 Hofmanns and Traores

Hell NO to Adama Traore! FUCK THAT SHIT TEN goals in 131 games at Wolves! His entire top flight career, 178 games, TWELVE GOALS (half came from one year) That makes Willian look like Messi he went 7 straight months with no league goals last season, ended up with TWO he turns 26 in middle of this coming season, so he is NOT a kid with years to round out he is 100000% pace based, and when that pace goes in 5 years or so (or due to his many injuries) , he is fucked 🤬🤬 doom buy NOT happy same for Jonas Hofmann wtf

Not particularly enamoured with Weigl at all. He was not good enough for the Bundesliga, so he fucked of to Liga NOS (Benfica) he is too thin and weak for an EPL DMF the hell if I want another Jorginho type here buy Aurélien Tchouaméni Neuhaus is the far better of the two. (granted he is a CMF, not a DMF) CMF's I rate (and are potentially available, some are too expensive though as we need help in other positions as well) Eduardo Camavinga (DMF as well) <<<< my first choice Houssem Aouar Marco Verratti Saúl Ñíguez Youri Tielemans Sergej Milinković-Savić Nicolò Barella Rodrigo de Paul Jude Bellingham (DMF as well) let him sit and play more at Dortmund Carlos Soler Bruno Guimarães (DMF as well) Ryan Gravenberch Weston McKennie (DMF as well) Florian Neuhaus Rodrigo de Paul, had a monster year (9 goals, 11 assists) He switched from winger/SS to CMF 2 years ago, and bulked up. Conte partially quit because he demanded him, and the Chinese owners said NO, plus they said all the players need to accept a 20% PAY CUT (good luck with that!), plus they need to sell some big names. Criminal Chinese gangsta shite, they will destroy a team on the verge of greatness, all it need were 3 solid adds, nothing crazy. De Paul, Gosens for LWB, and Berardi or Gabriel Veron at RW and they were set to surge into top 5 teams on planet IMHO. Boubacar Kamara would have been a super buy for them too. Neuhaus and de Paul are same price, more or less, I think if Tuchel rates Neuhaus and we fail on Camavinga, then I am perfectly oki with that buy, and a bous is Neuhaus is 3 years younger de Paul can play more positions though

I forgot how great those 2016/17 home kits were live simple, classic, no bullshit, and a perfect popping shade of Blue adidas just does football better than Nike, kit-wise so hope we someday get a bully boy striker again like peak Costa, what a beast and holy fuck, some of the Cesc passes! sigh great season/team the year Kante became known to the world as the best DMF on the planet and prime Eden

Diego Costa | All 20 Goals | 2016/17 Premier League Winning Season On this day Diego Costa signed for Chelsea. Take a look back at every one of his goals from the 2016/17 Premier League winning season.

Didier Drogba's Golden Boot Winning Season | All 29 Goals | Premier League 2009/10 Take a look back at Didier Drogba's iconic 2009/10 season where he secured the Golden Boot with 29 goals.

Nicolas Anelka's Golden Boot Winning Season | All 19 Goals | Premier League 2008/09 Take a look back at Nicolas Anelka's prolific 2008/09 season where he secured the Golden Boot, beating Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo by 1 goal.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=INADdTDS6BU Chelsea Liverpool 3-2 extended Highlights. 2007/08 UEFA Champions League Semi-finals, 2nd leg. English Commentary

Jules Koundé is a tiny, short CB, only 1.78m we would get roasted alive on crosses, free kicks, corners overrated IMHO, and he is not even a left-footer hard pass so many other, more suitable options These are the only left-footed CB's I rate atm (they are so rare, Pep is going for Bastoni, and has Ake and Laporte as well, and has been sniffing around Pau Torres too) Alessandro Bastoni (my choice, but will be expensive , at least $65-70m, maybe more) Aymeric Laporte (if Citeh is selling him to fund buys) Pau Torres Alessio Romagnoli (AC are selling him, they need cash) Sven Botman (1.95m 21 year old Dutch CB from Lille, a monster in the making) Benoît Badiashile (1.94m 20 year old French CB from Monaco) Evan N'Dicka Josko Gvardiol (19yo Croatian from Dinamo Zagreb) Renan Victor da Silva (a just turned 19yo from Palmeiras) David Carmo 1.96m 21yo from Braga only ambipedal CB I rate is Caglar Söyüncü and he would be crazy overpriced in terms of right-footed CB's Marquinhos Raphaël Varane (Real will cut a deal, or he walks on a free in 2022) José María Giménez (too expensive a release clause at 120m euros, and injuries worry me) Wesley Fofana Milan Skriniar Maxence Lacroix Duje Caleta-Car Gianluca Mancini

Kane will cost £130m to £150m Lukaku will cost £77m to £86m (90 to 100m euros) Tchou and Kamara (euro is weak v pound, so that helps) would be less than £45m or so, I think £40m quid would grab either, maybe even lower Lacroix would cost £30-34m or so, maybe £38m max (due to strong GBP), maybe even less than 30m quid, IF Marina does her thing Bastoni will cost far more than £40m, at least £65-70m or so, maybe more, he is now the top Italian CB (top 6 on planet IMHO, and is a left footer) and will not be cheap. Romagnoli is likely up for sale, also a left-footer, and would be far cheaper, as would Varane. I LOVE Bastoni, just do not know is we dump that much quid out atm. IF Pep grabs Bastoni, then in a couple years (as VVD slides down due to age, and perhaps lingering effects of that horrid injury) Citeh may very well like have the 2 best (not just best pair, but top 2 individuals) CB's on the planet, with Dias and Bastoni. Dias only just turned 24 two weeks ago, and Bastoni is basically 2 years younger, he just turned 22 six weeks ago. De Ligt is, atm, their only competitor 2, 3 years from now for top CB from all that I can tell. They also, IF Pep rates him, which is bizarre how much he has fallen out with Pep, another top 5 to yop 10 CB in Aymeric Laporte, who I still rate the hell out of (and is another of the ultra rare left-footers) These are the only left-footed CB's I rate atm Alessandro Bastoni Aymeric Laporte Pau Torres Alessio Romagnoli Sven Botman (1.95m 21 year old Dutchman, from Lille, a monster in the making) Benoît Badiashile (1.94m 20 year old Frenchman from Monaco) Evan N'Dicka Josko Gvardiol (19yo Croatian from Dinamo Zagreb) Renan Victor da Silva (a just turned 19yo from Palmeiras) David Carmo 1.96m 21yo from Braga only ambipedal CB I rate is Caglar Söyüncü and he would be crazy overpriced Botman