The Skipper

I wasn't only talking about the Derby game to be honest, it was more of a general statement to reflect the opportunities that could've been given to them over the course of the season, should've made that a bit clearer. You can't tell me a side like this (for example) don't have the capabilities to beat the likes of Derby: Cech Azpi - Zouma - JT - Luis Matic - RLC Fabregas Boga - Drogba - Hazard These kids are talented, yes they aren't experienced and yes it's a risk but when playing these youths that's what you have to expect. It's a risk-reward thing. So what if the Derby game was pretty tough? Isn't that why we surround these youngsters with plenty of experience? If we can't trust these in a situation like Derby in the COC QF or even a dead rubber match like the Sporting one, when will we ever trust them? How will they ever get 'that' experience? You can't tell me for certain that someone like Boga would've definitely performed more negatively than Schurrle who was pretty awful apart from his goal. @ CHOULO19 - how exactly have you concluded that if we played an XI similar to the one above that we definitely would've lost against Derby? I'm not buying it sorry. The integration from the academy this season has been very poor and could've been a lot better, it's my only real gripe with Jose this season. I understand that he's a winner and that he wants to win it all but giving the likes of RLC and Boga, who are extremely talented, a chance whilst trying to achieve that shouldn't be too difficult IMO.

No one is asking Mourinho to field an 11 of academy youngsters, where are people getting that from? IMO it isn't the end of the world if we field an experienced 11 and integrate two or three youth players i.e. Boga, RLC and Aké, and surround them with 8/9 senior players. Surely that isn't too much to ask? Surely we should be able to beat a team like Derby with a set up like that?

Yeah, glad to hear he seems to be okay. Was having a really good game until he came off.

Yeah, because before we signed him he was known as a fragile player that always gets injured right? Your argument makes no sense mate.

I did want to see this back line tbh but get well soon Kurt.

They haven't really, people are just surprised that he is actually a pretty decent passer. He always has been.

Feel like we need a Derby goal to switch on.

Brilliant finish Eden.

No youngsters on the bench even... Wow.

Yeah. He was always an absolute menace against them, and against Real as well.

What are you on about? Aguero used to destroy Barcelona at Atletico on a regular basis.

Barkley's just came back from a lengthy lay off, he's done well to play himself into form but yeah, his main problem as it is with most young players is inconsistency but that's normal. I actually don't think Oscar's final ball is that much more consistent than Barkley's even though he has improved. Barkley is already a bigger threat in the final third IMO.

Yeah, he's different for sure but he does have the attributes to perform Oscar's role in the team in his own way. Whilst it was only QPR, his performance was still very good.

Anyone see Ross' performance against QPR in a deeper role? He was fantastic. Honestly would love him at the club, would give Oscar a massive run for his money. If we were going to sign another midfielder it'd be him for me.

What you've said is fair criticism, it's one aspect of his game that he definitely needs to improve (one-twos, slipping people in and stuff). It's when the criticism is unfair where I'll disagree.

Done pal.

Which is why I said from the start that it won't happen but oh well....

Why oh why did he even name drop Boga? More action and less words please Jose.

I don't think its anywhere as youthful as you're suggesting. Apart from RLC, Boga and Ake it's pretty much still a very solid, experienced XI that I've put up there. Not like we're playing youth all over the gaff here are we?Also, I personally was one of the few that wasn't angry that Jose only gave RLC 10 minutes against Sporting, I sort of understood why. I honestly don't think that side I put there is as inexperienced and youthful as you're making it seem.

Nope, my mates were though.

Remember when people said he was a marginal upgrade (even on par with) to Torres and Ba?

There were no boos. People were shouting shoot when Mikel had the ball like we always do.

Jim I'm suffering please

Almost forgot about this. I remember watching the goal live, it all seemed like a blur, it was the first game of the season but it fully confirmed to me already how special Fabregas will be for us. He actually tricked me, nevernind the opposition on the field facing him, into thinking he was going to shoot on the volley, but instead he masterfully caressed the ball in Schurrle's direction, and Andre finished it strongly. World class vision, absolutely outstanding, almost orgasmic. Still the assist of the season for me.

Yeah, on your Falcao analogy, very true. Funny thing is we have far more talented players in our academy than Wilson. LVG has always been a youth player connoisseur, he's launched countless of careers for young players for a long time now. Shame Jose isn't the same tbh.