LDN Blue

So here's an interesting statement for Tévez, declaring his lost passion for football, because money has ruined it. (Quite ironic, then, that he moved to Manchester City) So what do you guys think about this?

Yeah, but then that brings me back to the manager issue. Arsene, Ferguson & co love showing off their youth talent (because they have plenty). And as for the 2nd issue, I suppose there's only one answer to that: Roman's obsession for Champions League glory, at the expense of anyone (in this case, youth talent)

It's hard for me to argue otherwise if I'm honest because you can't tell what Carlo's thinking. To base judgement on Tuesday's game would be wrong because, bad form or not, he would've played the youth for that game anyway, there was no risk factor. All I can do is hope you're wrong, because I want Sturridge to be one of the future greats of Chelsea.

You're right. I personally, honestly think, If Carlo is not willing to take risks and start him more often the proposed loan to Swansea should have been accepted. He would've been a guaranteed starter there and if he'd have taken his chances to prove he's the real deal. Having said that, the fact that Chelsea did reject the loan move shows Carlo is intending to use him more. I know it will be hard to share my optimism, but I do believe Sturridge will grow into a starter this season.

Hmm yeah. I guess there's 2 issue hampering youth progress to the extent of producing Bale's et-al. 1) We're a big club. This means we're expected to win all the time, so playing youth is a big risk. 2) Our manager is one who likes to extend the careers of the "old guys" as further as possible. The problem with this is, for every older player who gets more time, the less chance there is for the younger players. Even at Milan, Inzaghi was sometimes preferred to Pato (at the beginning). Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying Carlo's a bad manager but I'm sure the pressure placed on him by Roman means he doesn't want to risk the chance of losing with youth so much. Tottenham can play their youth as much as they want because 1) Redknapp believes in them [giving them more belief] example would be: playing Rose in a North London Derby. 2) Spurs pride themselves on producing young talent, it's one of their forté's.

Agreed on that. But what I meant was, until Sturridge gets his starts I'd prefer him as the #1 substitute

I do agree, Sturridge is a fantastic youth player to have. He's got the ability to be a 15-20goal scorer (per season). If I was a neutral I'd share your views, but as a Chelsea fan I want Sturridge at Chelsea. I know there will be declines in our forwards' performances, and I know eventually Carlo will have to play the youth. Sturridge is the 2nd main substitute for the strikers, with Kakuta not taking his chances. I don't like the fact Kalou is the first, but Sturridge is showing the signs that he's willing to step up his performance when called upon. As long as he keeps making the most of his chances, he will soon grow into a main forward for us. There's still a long way to go this season. Who knows, Carlo may surprise us and give Sturridge a start for tomorrow and if not an early substitute appearance.

Sigh, I get the feeling sometimes you just resent our youth But seriously, Sturridge is getting his chances and soon we will see him featured more and more (probably ahead of Anelka). He proved vs Zilina what an impact player he is, with his pace, his shooting and his keen sense of attack. Also, this is a perfect time to come for Chelsea, Anelka & Drogba will start declining now they've passed the 30-age barrier. Even if their performances are perfect, their stamina will start to go down and they won't be able to play 2 games a week, so Sturridge will get his chance. I honestly believe it won't be long till he gets a full 90mins in the Premier League. Keep the faith

From today's training session up North. And for humour sake..

LDN Blue agrees.

Yaya Touré earns £200,000/week. How long would it take you to earn that?

Keep faith! (Even though it looks like you're right).

Don't know how true that can be, it's from the Daily Mail after all! But then again, is this the cost of English talent now?

Yeah I agree. But those may be down to bad luck rather than the actual team, who knows. But it's good to see Chelsea and English getting improvements across the board.

Think you might be right on the permanent transfer. Boy I remember when this guy was tipped to be the next Chelsea breakthrough English talent, it's a shame injury got in the way :\

Milestones that could be reached in this game.. Petr Cech is aiming for his 150th clean sheet in his 282nd game. John Mikel Obi could make his 100th Premier League start as well as his 150th start in all competitions. Florent Malouda should rack up his 100th Premier League appearance. Paulo Ferreira could make his 100th Premier League start. Salomon Kalou needs a brace to reach 50 goals for Chelsea.

EMINENT ENGLISH LISTED

No way! With 2 of their main defensive duo missing we can easily come out with a 2-0 victory. I know Carlo can help the team overcome the psychological barrier stopping them from winning away.

LOL they put Berbatov in it but not Malouda?!

A bit harsh. He makes some valid points in this thread

Would rather see us keep Borini

Sounds like a system we'd have with Vitesse. A choice for loaning out our players + potential "dibs" on their young prospects

Ah yeah. Good news on Coloccini, if Perch plays it will be 12 vs 10 (so I'm told by my Newcastle supporting friend )

Valid points and come backs, fair game. Just sticking to Kalou, I do urge you to keep your mind open about him this season, he may surprise you with how much he's improved and how he's stepping up. I do think Sturridge is better than Kalou, but they both give us something different. Kalou is also an impact player from the subs bench, that's why he's a good player to have, he'll come on and make a difference.

Ferreira has been solid this season and pre-season. When he's been called upon he's been disciplined, confident and hardly given the ball away. He's a traditional right back, meaning he won't go on the attack as much as Bosingwa or Ivanovic but he still has good defensive abilities and is someone you can rely on. Furthermore, never once has he complained about lack of games, in fact he appreciates the limited time he is given. When he does go forward his crosses are gems at times. You say you can defend Turnbull, yet you name him as "one of our.. worst senior players". And don't get me wrong, I'm not going to hate on Turnbull, because I agree, there is more spotlight put on a goalkeeper than there is on any other. He has not been as bad as we think, Carlo had enough confidence to play him in the absence of Cech vs Inter Milan last season and he made no mistakes there. As for Kalou. Well if you didn't see the difference he made last night, well there's no getting through to you.