The Skipper

I think I agree with your statement that he's a good midfielder but an average DM. Like I said before, I just don't think he's used properly by Chelsea because he's restricted too much as the holding player. 1. Yes, even under different managers (apart from probably that first season under Carlo who wanted to make Mikel his Pirlo) I think he's been pretty much misused because he was always used as the player that kept possession rolling, as a holding midfielder. He was rarely given the freedom. You're right in saying it won't happen at Chelsea, fully agree, but I think he should been given more freedom. He would've done a lot better in his Chelsea career if he had. 2. Mediocre to me means poor - maybe we have a different vocabulary in that sense but like I said again I wouldn't call Nigeria mediocre. They aren't a top class team obviously but they definitely are an okay/decent team. 3. I don't think Khedira's a vast improvement on Mikel to be frankly honest, simply because we've got a player like him in Ramires, who's better than him already. Khedira offers nothing to our squad IMHO - but he's still a good DM. Personally I think if we are going to spend on a DM it should be on a world class one, not on a marginal improvement on Mikel. That's my personal opinion on the matter anyway. 4. I don't think Mikel's as bad at attacking as you make him out to be. It just comes down to the fact that he plays in a very restricted role here at CFC. However, I feel like we're just going around in circles here so let's just agree to disagree. It was a pleasure debating with you.

Definitely. Plus given the fact we lost Cahill and JT got sent off AND we were 2-0 down... All these factors make it that great. That goal just warms my heart every time I see it.

One of the greatest goals ever. Honestly.

Thought Essien did his knee again then... phew...

He was Napoli's coach last season, whom finished 2nd. He's a good manager.

We shall see as the season progresses

TORRES IS BACK

Well he's playing next to Essien - I think he'll get more freedom when he does play next to Michael.

Calm down mate, this is what pre season is for.

Mikel's getting forward! Brilliant, looks like Jose's giving him more freedom. This will be interesting.

The way we're controlling possession now Mata's on the pitch is very impressive. I really hope we sign Rooney, I think him and Mata would link up very, very well.

He's young Dutch footballer of the year for a reason!

Van Ginkel is just so combative. Love it. Seems like Jose's placing a lot of faith in him and I'm fine with that because he's a very mature player for his age.

LUUUUUUUUUIIIIIIZ!

That was amazing build up play. Unfortunately we lost the ball at Lukaku's feet. This is why Mourinho wants Rooney. Imagine the link up play between Rooney, Hazard, Mata. It would be fantastic,

Look at the number of posts I've made.

Possession play with Mata on is top notch right about now. Imagine KDB on the right instead of Ramires now as well...

It's still a 4-2-3-1. Ramires is out wide but will tuck in and dynamically make it a 4-3-3 with Mata drifting wide me thinks.

Lukaku had a decent performance. If that was Torres people would be praising how his work rate was excellent, how he ran the channels etc. but when it's Lukaku he's been "poor".

Why can none of these guys pronounce De Bruyne correctly? It's so annoying.

Not a high line, but high pressure. I'd say it's a medium/flexible block with high intense pressing. Defensively we're not too deep and not too high, just about right I'd say. The pressing is really helping us regain the ball as well before it gets to the medium block. Van Ginkel and Ramires are OWNING that midfield.

Moses is my MOTM so far. Superb performance.

Can anyone see that we're seamlessly switching from 4-3-3 to 4-2-3-1 or is it just me?

The boys are working very hard but just look at our bench!

This is why you need directness in your team. Moses is causing them big problems. Schurrle is very direct himself as well. Andre would've shined in this game, unfortunately he's out though. This team is just so much better than last seasons.