Styles

Both in my opinion, so we need new forward(s) and at least one LB capable of delivering the crosses a player like Manzdukic thrives on. I'm more than happy to give Azpi the benefit of the doubt, I think he'd be capable of delivering quality balls on his stronger side.

40m + Luiz for Lahm, Alaba and Mandzukic

Madnzukic seems to score most of his goals from crosses in open-play, which is unsurprising considering Lahm and Alaba are the players picking him out. Our crossing is an absolute disaster, it's unlikely to improve for as long as we have Ivanovic at RB and a right-footed LB. Just look at the accuracy on these crosses. Our attacking players aren't even that precise let alone our fullbacks!

I'm going to make this go viral Oscar loves the Chels

Going by these videos Firmino is comfortably better than both Barkley and Lallana.

Schurrle is an interesting option. That didn't cross my mind at all. Also come to think of it, didn't Costa play with Falcao in their final season together? I'm not going to pretend that I watched Atletico a lot so I don't know how well that partnership worked but the stats are: 2012-2013 Falcao - 41 goals in 34 games Costa - 20 goals in 44 The only game I can really remember watching is when they beat Madrid in the Copa del Rey final where Falcao set up Costa brilliantly.

Most of those partnerships have a player who can play a more withdrawn role. Mourinho's preferred formation is a 4-2-3-1. So maybe instead of three attacking-midfielders behind the forward, we would have two + forward. Oscar would be the player to miss out in this set-up. Willian - - - - - - - - - - - - Hazard ???? Costa I don't think Lukaku is that kind of player and neither is Costa.

So Oscar has been sacrificing himself for the greater good @lionsden

To be fair, these are legit criticisms of Oscar. I'm not going to pretend that I don't cringe sometimes when he makes errors on the ball that he really shouldn't be making.

And that's why I've tried to differentiate between Oscar being a fundamentally bad player and playing in the wrong position.

Because he has shown he can operate at Premier League level. I know you're not a big fan but I think you're going ott in your criticism, he's nowhere near as bad as you're making out. His skill-set doesn't entirely suit the position he has been playing.

Disagree about playing in the wrong league but position/formation are things that need to be addressed. He needs space and is much better running from deep, beyond the striker than he is operating in the hole with the ball at feet. Oscar is looking more and more like a long-term Lampard replacement in the 4-3-3 system.

Honestly, at this point I hope so for his and our sake. I think I've seen enough from Oscar to know what his strengths and weaknesses are. With time and space he can be a dangerous player but when games are compressed I don't think he has the poise and skill to consistently make a difference.

The character alone will be a massive upgrade. That's one thing I admire about players like Costa who have had a relatively unconventional rise to elite level, especially when compared to poster-boys like Torres who have been pampered since they were in their teens. It's the same thing with Drogba playing Ligue 2 in his early twenties, these guys have strength of mind you will never see in Torres. When Torres lost form he became an empty shell of man and was sulking non-stop, compare that to Drogba who even when his legs were gone still affected games and put himself about. If I had a pound for every time I've said 'man up' when watching Torres I'd be a millionaire.

That's great from Mourinho

Of course but it really doesn't look like that with Oscar. His touch is very inconsistent and he isn't able to manipulate the ball in ways you'd associate with technically gifted/futsal players. He's a good player but operating in tight areas doesn't come natural to him.

Didn't really make any mistakes yesterday. He needs to improve on the ball but as a defender he seem reliable.

And he struggles with the ball in tight spaces. He needs space to function and does well running into space.

That was a HUGE fuck up.

Shame how it ended but injuries aside it was a good year. 12 goals and 6 assists is a respectable return.

OK, time to panic...

Knowing our luck they'll both get injured and Torres will be starting.

Mourinho was just being diplomatic. As much as we want him gone you have to show the man a little respect in public.

Just be honest; you're going to back any possible transfer this summer because apparently Jose's making the calls. Making up nonsense about Paulinho spreading the play doesn't do much for your cause. Paulinho spreads the play ffs. Yeah I think that's enough for me today, thanks.