dodojojo

I agree. I know he's done well in some areas for the first three games but he's also a big reason why the midfield struggles. He's got great pace, stamina and attitude and those things shouldn't be dismissed so easily. But he's also technically and tactically limited and these shortcomings means a dysfunctional midfield when you have two other not so technically gifted midfielders. I think Ramires would work if Modric was around and allowed him to make use of his pace. But that doesn't work with Lampard and Mikel. Ramires works well for a counter-attacking team or situations but he's not so great for keeping possession, building attacks and controlling the tempo of the games. He simply doesn't have the skills to do those things. Check out the stats for the Norwich games where Hilario attempted more passes than Ramires did. That scenario shouldn't happen to a midfielder.

He does play deeper for Portugal while he was more AM for Liverpool. I'm happy if he can do either well since Chelsea need improvement in both areas.

I wonder how close was he to leaving? Or not at all? I can't see him even making the bench now, unless Sturridge, Anelka and Malouda are all injured and someone is needed out wide.

Must be something about ex-Liverpool players giving the finger and then joining Chelsea... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4sl1XWFI7tU

Yeah, I'll take a few of those this season and easy 'assists' for Meireles.

He doesn't but what can Chelsea do if Daniel Levy won't take 40M? Put a gun to his head...Or had a backup plan to sign another creative CM? But they went for Meireles as Plan B instead. He's a good player and I welcome him and wish him the very best of course.

I remember that game, Raul played very well. Plus, Torres got a brace. Let's hope they can do the same for Chelsea. Don't have to worry about Raul wanting/willing/able to pass to Torres or not. He can.

After the deadline, how can Chelsea sign players?

Wait till you get a look at his missus.

And they love being righteous drama queens.

Yeah, *sad face* On the other hand, Man U didn't get Sneijder.

Just be grateful the clowny Chelsea board didn't include Sturridge in the transfer. Thinking of it that way actually makes me feel better about today.

That's the truth. Correct.

Not true. He can pass fairly well, if sometimes inconsistently. He's just not going to dribble his way out of trouble and he's not going to play too many hollywood passes. Twenty-eight is actually fine if he's in for two-three years to hold down the fort for all the kids that have just signed. Plus, Josh will be 20-21 at that time, just about right to really be a force. Don't burden an 18 year old with that just yet. Raul still has his legs, I'm not sure I can say the same for Lampard.

Let's not take our frustrations out on Raul. It's not his fault Levy is a stubborn goat and Chelsea's board didn't get the freaking clue that Modric wasn't going to be sold. Modric must be crying in his pillow tonight. Talk about an awkward dressing room for Spurs. Oh, true to form, the scousers are hatin' on Raul now

I never thought I'd be so happy to see Raul Meireles. How shit was today that he's our savior? I like Raul a lot don't get me wrong. But Chelsea lost creativity by bringing in Meireles and losing Yossi. Meireles is good but he's more B2B than creative maestro.

If Spurs rejected 40M for Modric, they're stupider than we know. Modric will play inspiring football for them I'm sure. Chelsea, if they were rejected yesterday and didn't have a Plan B in place...stupider than Spurs.

The optimist in me hopes Kaka means Spurs will need Modric's transfer money. The realist in me accepts that Spurs are probably only picking up some of his wages on a loan deal from RM.

Your daily Jeopardy Quiz Answer: 2011 Summer Transfer Loan Window Question: What is Chelsea?

Yes, he and Uncle 'Arry sorted it out.

He needs more playing time. Hopefully, he'll come back ready to play in 2012-13 when he's 32.

Just looks a bit inept doesn't it?

Okay, Levy doesn't want to sell. that's not Chelsea's fault. But what having a Plan B or C? Is Chelsea a big club or not. Anyone there doing any planning? Yes, CFC have signed quite a few players this window but only Mata is going to make instant impact. Is the plan to just hang on for this season and phase out the oldies for the following season?

If you're going to troll, at least be clever or funny?

One hour special from CTV on the sale of Benayoun and highlights from his 1 minute on the pitch this season.