LDN Blue

Indeed. RLC and Aké are more likely to feature, since their positions keep them surrounded by senior and experienced players.

For his development, imo, I think he should stay with Atletico for another season. Though I'm sure he'd be a bit pissed if we bought him just to keep him there. This one really depends on the situation of what we do with Bamford and a third choice centre-forward if we choose to sign one.

I haven't actually watched him play properly for Southampton. How's he doing?

Tbh. I don't think we'll ever see Mikel play like this ever again.. The role he's played in the last few years means he's got a different type of mentality.. All previous managers have instructed him to sit deep and distribute the ball to anyone who seems to be near him. Even if Mourinho deployed him as a number 10 v Liverpool, he wouldn't see what we see in your YouTube videos.

As one of the best number 10s? I don't know, not yet for me. The biggest criticism I had of him was a lack of end product, but this season he seems to be stepping it up with everything else not going right around him lmao. Then again, it must be kept in mind.. He did just turn 22. He's been about for a while and should get better from here.. Not sure if he'll be one of the greats though.

I keep seeing Solanke's name appear on people's wish lists. I really don't think Mourinho will do it, CF is one of those positions where its a big responsibility for players especially when we play with the one up top. I think if Drogba/Remy aren't fit then Mourinho will go for a false number 9 instead of using Solanke.. He may play RLC, but that's because he's surrounded by players like Matic and Fabregas.

Bale needs space? Yeah I agree with that. But people seem to forget the Bale can make his own space.. He has played in the PL, its like people have forgotten that. He doesn't need a long stretch of green ahead of him, if he gets that quick burst of pace (like Willian does) then he can rip through defenders. I remember at Tottenham when he was deployed in the middle v Norwich and has a worldies against them. You've all seen what Mourinho has done with Hazard over the last two years, his influence has been outstanding. He can easily do the same with Bale, nurture him to be a more effective winger and then he can have Hazard, Willian and Bale rotating. I don't think anyone here has suggested we swap them, that would be entirely counteractive. But both of them? That would be a dream & a nightmare for defences.

Not surprising at all lmao. Must have the best game/clean sheet ratio? Maybe Van Der Saar might be in contention there.

We could go back for Ruddy lmao. Begovic is a vastly underrated keeper I feel though, he could probably find a CL club that would make him #1, but the lure of Chelsea might be even better for him.

Impressive to think James holds that record. Cech surely must have reached this target in less games?

I think Oscar will be quite disappointed by that. Probably wanted to play, but the kid needs a rest. Absolute machine, 194 matches for Chelsea & Brazil since 2012?

Lord Mikel!

Hm. I'm inclined to give the club the benefit of doubt on striking good bargains, on the evidence of Mourinho's return. Clyne & Sterling will be on their last year of their contracts so they could be brought down.. Clyne is perhaps accurate but not Sterling. I'm sure we can get Begovic for a bit under if Mourinho can convince him.

Courtois Clyne - Varane - Terry - Azpi Matic - Fabregas Sterling - Willian - Hazard Costa Begovic, Loftus-Cheek, Luis, Lacazette, Zouma, Ramire

Imagine he continues this form next season..

Please Rogers, please play Steven Gerrard. It will be absolutely priceless when he gives us a Guard of Honour, considering last season!!

1. Hazard 2. Terry 3. Azpilicueta

Please give us a Wigan type result. 8-1 would be beautiful.

Glad he's getting his recognition from guys like Carragher and even Rio, which surprised me. I used to get annoyed when Fergie's players would retire from the England squad but seeing first hand how much of an impact it makes I completely understand it. John Terry will go down as the best English CB by any plaudit & he deserves the title. Sure, he's been a twat also over the years, but he's never let it affect his professional game.

Fair play from Pellegrini.

In the grand scheme of things, this will now remain a blip in his career, it will be just a blip. If City had won the PL then maybe it would be a different story, both in the media and amongst Chelsea fans alike. But the fact is, City have disappeared from the title race and so has Lampard being in our faces all the time. I don't forgive him for going, but I think in about 10-15 years (or less) it won't matter because it wasn't significant.

I agree with you. Football these days is completely about individual awards imo. The enormous reception the Ballon d'Or gets, PFA Player of the Year always throws up one controversy or another. They don't care. As long as the cheques are signed and the awards and titles keep coming in, they don't have a burden to be a 'good person'. Of course they care about winning matches, but they'll also want to be the best person on the pitch. Ronaldo didn't get a dream move to Real Madrid and make the money he has and will by being a humble guy. He doesn't need to be. It's not that deep, these guys aren't our friends.

The world isn't fair. However that's already a known issue, UEFA and football generally is a business and they need to continue growing their business.. That's why UEFA won't expel giants out the CL like Real, PSG, City, Chelsea etc. They simply can't afford not to have these clubs, with their sponsors and massive fan bases, in the Champions League. FFP has only come about because of external pressures for UEFA and FIFA to sort out their financial messes as highlighted by Portsmouth et al. At the end of the day, clubs can choose to live within or beyond the FFP restrictions. And to be fair, it does look like clubs are trying to comply with it, but they know they can push the boundaries of it and not face exclusion from the CL. Unless they push it too far..

Meh. Ronaldo's whole game has been about scoring the most goals he can, that's why he always has the most shots in a game and why he gets so many goals. Usual from him, nothing to see here.. I guess when you're that good

Yeah and he'd also be financially sound and it would set up a great meeting back at the Bridge when we draw them again in Europe I hope we get to hold him a testimonial.