LDN Blue

It's a ridiculous view. Have they not seen how little creativity we lack up front?! & if Alex does make it back next month & Terry does stay injury free, we'll have 2 world class defenders on the bench! I won't be surprised if Ivanovic is waiting until the window closes to decide if he'll sign or not No wonder we're in a slump. The board have no idea why we're in it in the first pace

You know having read this article through and through I don't really agree with what they're saying. They say (more or less) the reason for our slump is the departure of Carvalho, but it's not. In defence yes we've been a bit complacent but how many goals have we really let in? Yeah there was the 3-0 to Sunderland but other than that we've only let in 19. The same as Manchester City and Manchester United. It's the lowest in the league. Our problem has come from lack of scoring chances. I was wrong when I said "if this is the only singing we make, I'll be delighted" because this would be an awful signing. Ivanovic and Terry have been great! Yeah they've let in goals but they've still saved our asses from more than 1-0 defeats and they deserve huge credit for that, much like Cech.

So then the question remains.. How desperate are Chelsea for a new centre back?

Delac is irrelevant for the next 5 years or so. As it is, he warms the bench for Vitesse.

To keep this on topic, I'll relate this topic to Luiz too. To me Vidic is the best centre back in the world because when he's called upon, he's always there. He reminds me of Terry with being the last line of defence before the keeper, he's strong on the ground as he is in the air. And when he's got the ball he doesn't simply blast it away - thus giving it straight back to the opponent. He's smart, he thinks about where he's going to distribute. His tackling is impeccable usually, this performance vs Tottenham is one of the best he's put in this season. Luiz looks like a strong player. I haven't seen him play, but from what I've heard, he's good in the air especially. His decision making the crucial element though, it's one of the reasons I rate Ivanovic higher than Alex usually because Ivanovic is smart with what he does with the ball, but he's also agile. I've lost count about the number of times I've seen him save the ball from a corner or throw in for the opposition. His work rate is excellent. But is Luiz the same? I don't like to use YouTube videos in football, but because I haven't seen him play I looked for some and this is the kind of thing I mean http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DqOGOQP_-FM If his intelligence is as constant as demonstrated in this video then I'd love it. The pace he shows here is great for a centre back and the timing of his challenges is also very good. I saw him play when Benfica played Liverpool, and vs Torres he was great. He stayed strong against him, didn't commit too early and won his headers. Something Vidic does regularly for United.

Well considering the article is about centre backs I just thought I'd mention it

Would any agree that Vidic is the best centre back in the world today?

Ah, that's sad then. Hopefully our away fans won't let us down in that aspect. A true legend and professional!

I was starting to wonder if we'd given up on this chase and settled for Turnbull. Glad to be wrong though

If the stories of Ferriera being part of the deal are true I hope he'll get a few minutes at our next home game to say goodbye. The man deserves a farewell.

I think that's a bit unfair.. Alex is rated but so is Ivanovic. For big strong centre forwards, Alex is the best. No doubt, his power is a great asset. But Ivanovic is much better defender, his tackles are better than Terry's at times. And from set pieces he's much more dangerous. In terms of combination play, Terry and Ivanovic work better than Terry and Alex. Imo.

Couldn't agree more! The FA's loss can be our gain!

TheChels suggest Ivanovic will pen a 4-year deal within the week.

Damn..

If it was a loan then yes, it's excellent. But to sign someone on a 4 or 3-year deal, just to fill a squad vacancy for 3months is stupid. Especially when you have to pay £3million for it. I think he is a good player, and if it was a loan deal or something then it would've sounded great. But we're talking a permanent contract with a player who probably wouldn't feature after we get people like Benayoun back or bring in new transfers in the summer. I don't mind seeing Kalou come off the bench - As long as it's before Sturridge.

I can kind of understand it. If we're confident at the back, the attackers will have the impetus to go for an all out wave of attacks. They won't have to worry about leaks at the back so they can scrap the 1-0's Or something like that

Shall we start the TalkChelsea Agency?

But just because we have a thin squad doesn't mean we should sign any player who becomes available. That's throwing money away. Transfers should still be smart, despite a thin squad.

I hope not! Unless Ivanovic is willing to play right-back for the rest of his Chelsea days.

If this is the only signing we make. I'll be delighted.

agreed

Another bites the dust. Apparently it was his agent who advised him against Chelsea anyway. I guess the agent was worried about his pay cheque at the end of it. Hopefully we have someone else lined up - Though I wouldn't hold my breath.

I'd disagree. Remember, Lampard was the one who came 2nd in the Player of the World award that year, only Ronaldinho was better. I know this teams nothing in context - But I'm just saying No-one will argue Gerrard's not world class, because he is. There's no denying that. I just think Lampard's much better at what he does. Their roles in the team are quite different so you've got to take that into account too.

He plays for a non-league team. Won't even cost in the millions range

18-years old. Why not.