Madmax

Thanks chaps

Thing that struck me was that he was so assured and confident. Not a nervous bone in his body. Bulldozing through their defence in a way that would make any battering ram proud. Holding off defenders with ease, always available for a pass and not afraid to take a shot. Can't believe he's just 19.

First Chelsea player to score on his league debut as a sub since George Weah back in 2000.

My African Ramires! Honourable mentions for Bosingwa and Mata.

Hope I wasn't absolutely pathetic LOL. Apologies about going offline for a while. My internet

Interesting that it took just 2 games for AvB to go back on his 'no Torres n Drog together' policy.

New squad numbers: 45. Nathaniel Chalobah, 46. Jamal Blackman.

Meh. Would have been good to get someone we don't face anyway. Josh has confirmed AvB will use a younger side for this, so atleast that's worth looking forward to.

I wouldn't be surprised if it is exactly that.

One of the modern Italian greats. Take him in a heartbeat.

I'd go with Henry - Bergkamp outside of Chelsea.

JFH - Eidur. Their understanding of each other's game was unreal. Shame that Zola, Hughes and Vialli (in their prime) were before my time.

This isn't the FIFA 12 thread

Agree, there are always exceptions to any rule. I'm not claiming that pressure managers face is the only reason we're lagging behind in youth integration, but I do believe it is the biggest reason. Undoubtedly it would help if the manager is safe in the knowledge that a couple of years of relative slowdown in trophy-winning will not see him leave. Then he can formulate and try and implement a long term blueprint which would of course involve youth integration. Roman himself wouldn't want to keep splashing out millions on international superstars considering the time and effort that has been put into making the academy what is it today.

Unless the policy of firing coaches after a bad season changes, don't expect many miracles in the youth department. When there is no job security the manager has to focus primarily on getting results and consequently he wouldn't feel safe placing his trust in kids. At the end of the day, his job is on the line and it's natural he would depend on the established names to carry him through.

That's just a standard Pig in the Middle training routine.

Haven't done well in this one since 08 have we? Home game against Champiosnhip opposition please.

Wonder what number Yossi will get now if he stays.13 perhaps?

Really think we should go for Cahill next year. Big fan of him.

Nothing.

Some sources reported that, yes. Not sure on the figure though.

Surprising that the club is allowing him to be so frank on twitter. Well played Yossi, indeed.

I can understand though, he was on something like £130,000 a week.

Haha I remember calling him a Chelsea legend on here a few days after I'd joined last year and I got a lot of flak for it. Bally is a simply superb footballer and a great man off the pitch as well. I hate that in a career as stellar as his, he hasn't won more. So unlucky to finish not one but two seasons as runner-up in 3 trophies each. Also wish he'd gotten 100 caps with Germany. Hopefully he'll be fit and available for the CL games especially the one at the Bridge. Deserves a massive reception and a standing ovation from the fans for what he brought to the club. You can see he still loves Chelsea, he's got nothing put good things to say about us. Maybe, just maybe, I wouldn't begrudge him a goal either.