The Skipper

Don’t know where the guardian got their £13.4m fee from. That suggests add one of about 20m euros, which hasn’t been reported anywhere else. Seems like they maybe got their figures wrong. We’ll find out a more precise figure soon I guess.

I think he’s coming as second choice. I think Roma we’re looking to sell him in the summer (they have Schick now) but realised that they’ll get more money in January for him. Given that, at about £20m it’s a decent transfer.

Kane, Aguero, Costa until before this season? That’s not too shabby. I understand your point though, but it’s still impressive considering that part of his game is criticised all the time.

Not bad for a “donkey” that supposedly doesn’t offer anything but goals.

Yep. Think if I was deciding, it’s confirmed that I would sell Pedro before Willian as it stands.

A coach like Tuchel could do well with a squad like that.

It does for sure. But he’s on track to get 20+ goals and assists this season. That’s a respectable return for any forward, especially one that doesn’t start *all* the time. As it stands right now Pedro doesn’t bring much to the squad especially since Willian is picking up on his final third ability — I’d be selling the Spaniard first.

Terrible today, and on a bad day Alonso really creates a lot of defensive vulnerability. Can’t believe he was getting roasted by Schelotto on that left hand side. Emerson can’t come through soon enough.

Hazard actually played a full 90. Wonder if the media’s comments got to Conte. Hope the second half of the season Hazard starts turning up soon - we’re still in (3)4 competitions.

Valid points. His football brain is very good, it’s just about getting up to speed in the top level in a team where he’s surrounded by good players in a good system. And, like you said, he needs to add a few more pounds on so that he feels more comfortable playing at the top level - sometimes I do feel like he gets brushed off too easily. He does look a little bit bigger though. Would love to see a Hazard Morata Musonda front three but it’ll never happen under Conte.

Courtois’ command of the box is world class, people don’t realise what we have there. How often are we actually threatened when high balls are in Tbo’s area? Very under appreciated aspect of his game.

Issa upgrade on Begovic.

Immense. Been waiting for him to translate that part of his game to the senior level, and we saw some flashes today. Really nice cameo. Deserves more game time imo. Would like to see a Hazard Morata Musonda front three. Injuries have stalled him big time. I feel like Conte likes him enough to have used him a lot more this season.

Not fair tbh. Created two goals today (watch his run for Hazard’s second which completely opens up the space for him). Yes, he’s not great at holding up play and he has been underwhelming before but today at least he wasn’t anonymous or detrimental to the team. Should go out on loan. Haven’t completely given up on Michy personally.

Still way off the pace though imo, but it’s a start. Even today he was a little bit sloppy but he had more positivity in his game, and he also had some good actions. If Bakayoko can start translating his presence on the pitch a bit better like today then I think people would have a bit more patience with him.

It was a long term injury and don’t forget they have the mid season break in Italy.

Mahrez would be a good signing. Quality of the squad would finally be better than last season’s if we pulled it off alongside Džeko, Emerson and the already signed Barkley. Would be immense in the 343 imo. Can also play CL football.

He’s on the same level as Telles when fit and in form.

Yes. Dzeko is a good squad player, Barkley and Palmieri whilst not world class still have loads of room to improve and at least they’re all technically proficient.

Even then, the initial fee is what, £45m? So £25m for Emerson, £20m for Dzeko. Then a few million quid each in bonuses. It’s a decent deal that improves the squad and makes it much better. Still wish we were after a starboy forward though.

When it comes down to it it’s probably our best CB pairing but I’m not sure Antonio will ever try this in the near future.

First game back since his injury. Kolarov is on form so there’s no need to rush him in.

Wasn’t comfortable with Alonso at LB. not good enough defensively. I’d like to see a back line of Emerson Christensen Rüdiger Azpilicueta though. Pretty good.