SinineUltra

I find myself agreeing with Ray Wilkins 100%, also regarding Chalobah. They seem to spend more time updating their social media accounts, visiting the hairdresser or a mall rather than focusing on what's important. When was the last time a youngster made it in Chelsea? Only one is John Terry. Other's have failed miserably, especially the England lads. Thank god there is this country called Belgium that has been spoon feding us with the best talent there is at the moment. I'm most excited about Courtois, he seems to have that mental edge over every other youngsters. In that sense I don't hold high hopes for Josh nor Chalobah, they might think they've made it but that's far from the truth, isn't it?

I'm all for it. One thing is that people might not whore likes but a the second factor is that if you like someone's post you'll quote him(her and say it with explanation and praise. Seems more rewarding than a simple like.

I do get the where you are coming from but hasn't the fuss been over exactly the same matter? I mean some posts say more than 100 other. I'm not much of a poster but still visit the forum daily and wouldn't want to be left aside just because I don't spam The Pub. This idea could only work if this was strictly only a football forum and didn't have any other distractions. I also think the off topic matters are what keep some people also here for the long term. I'm sure members who are active in the Pub have built up a sort of friendship with eachother and don't think we should scratch that just because of an ego-boosting award.

2-2 draw with Holland, not bad. Could have been a win but I'm taking nothing away from our players. Considering their attacking power (RVP, Snejder, Kuyt, Robben, Lens), their pressing wasn't as sharp as it could have been expected otherwise. Well played

Give Lukaku a break, I'd rather he learns his lessons in a Super Cup rather than in EPL / CL games that matter. I'm not trying to downplay the value of this trophy but it is nothing compared to the two. Head high, chin up and I'm sure he will make the right corrections. Regardless of that, we should have finished the game sooner, we had golden chances and we didn't take them. Can't say our defense was more organized or focused even when Terry came on. It radiated panic, panic causes chaos and that is exactly why Martinez was rogue in the near post and even had the chance to pass the ball into the net. MOTM for me is Cech, saved us from the worst for a long period of time. A quick edit: We survived their onslaught for 40mins, we even scored - not bad in my books. Well played, it was an interesting game and only thing now is to be more clinical. Proud of our club. Btw, everyone is so busy looking for a rope to hang Lukaku but apart from the goal - where was Torres? One penalty might have fixated the end result but it wasn't the reason why we were doomed to lose this one.

Rooney will come with a package - he MUST perform in order to prove ManU fans wrong.

Special Juan

You're an Englishman and I'd hate to have a dig, but England can't be even compared to Holland. Sorry, mate.

I really hope that the Oranje will be a force to be reckoned with in a years time - always been my favourite team apart from Estonia of course. Will surely go watch them play when Estonia and Holland meet this year 6th September.

Stayed up till 3:00 AM - was worth it. Brazil were spot on with tactics and their defensive line were solid. Like previous posters have said - I'm happy that Spain's dominance is on the fall. Neymar was very positive this match, might have been theatrical BUT he didn't fall without a reason. Parabens!

Judgying from the YT video alone seems like a great player, but he would be one for the future. I feel we could need that instant impact right away, though, wouldn't be a bad acquisition.

If only Klose was 7-8 years younger...

Could be, but wouldn't that be a bigger disadvantage to Italy?

Rooting for Italy, but they have to start taking their golden opportunities. Spain has had 1 good chance, Torres turned the defender superbly but wasted by shooting wide. Despite having no goals so far the game has been interesting to watch.

Point made, point taken. Btw, your current avatar is the best so far. Random, but thought I'd let you know.

Then I'll explicitly ask you - what makes one more manly? Racism, homophobia and beating women?

Did you just want to imply that South American men are more manly? And then justify diving and acting with cultural reasons we 'Europeans' - as you like to brand- can't understand. On the other hand, wishing a footballer to break his leg is just wrong. If he makes it, great, but if not - it wasn't meant to be I guess. Ill start judging him at his second year, first year can be a transition.

Cavani man of the match for me, he was everywhere. Ok ok, he wasn't lying on the ground likes some other players, but other than that he was everywhere. Can't wait for second semis and the final.

Has been a good game so far, might get ugly though. Rooting for the underdog, but Brazil deservedly lead. Commentator told an interesting fact: there are 2,5 million registered footballers in Brazil - more than there are males in Uruguay.

I second to that. Though, it also makes me happy that there is no more Rory Delap and his ridiculous free throws for Stoke. Otherwise every sideline throw was equivalent of a free kick or a corner!

You have a point, though if we buy a new CB we should also sell someone or player manage it until Terry leaves the club next season. I've always liked Cahill, call me novice but I think he has been alright. That off-the-lineish clearance at Europa League final after we had just scored comes to mind. Must admit the quality of defense has gone down - Terry lacking match fitness, Ivanovic was surprisingly error-prone. Next year we must get -for sure- a CB and a starter for left back unless Bertrand switches to a different gear. Come to think of it - why not? French CBs seems to be the flavour of the month it seems.

I agree that all of the Belgian talent we have in the club are one to look out for, but we need some sort of balance. Now if Cavani is the answer - I dont know - but he would definitely compliment our forward line. He would be expensive, true, but sometimes you have to pay high to get the best and he is one of the best out there. We can't always hit the jackpot and acquire bargain deals. I'm not getting carried away until it is actually confirmed and at the same time I won't rest my hopes completely on Lukaku and de Bruyne to solve our problems. You just couldn't wait to stick the last line in didn't you? You think you're a bigger, better fan than international fans just because you have the privilege to attend games? This sense of superiority oozes through you. I'm sure I'm not the first one to mention you this on this INTERNATIONAL forum. You have zero tolerance towards other opinions, especially the opinions of international fans, because you consider us to be some sort of inberds from periphery who only support Chelsea because of Roman Abramovich and his $$$. And you claim you want the best for this club? Stop with this nonsense.

Great post, agree with you! Now to answer your question: the trend is leaning towards having starting eleven full of 20 year olds who would be such prodigies that we'd have bunch of Messis running around the field in couple of years time. Doesn't matter how the club does in the mean time, main thing is that every youngster who can dribble a football can get his chance. That's what Arsenal are doing and it is working very well for them- renowned for their talent for breeding youngsters to sell on for a hefty profit. Plus there's the fact that FootballManager has made everyone an expert in Financial Fair Play and squad management. A complete honour to be around such tactical maestros.

If that stiker with promise is good enough, he will take his chance - he has got the right attitude for it. Mourinho doesn't hesitate of dropping dead weight, we've seen that in every club he has managed. Cavani would be much more than a shirt seller, he would be a very drastic improvement to our current strike force. You're making it sound like Lukaku is as good as Cavani, but the name 'Cavani' would just generate more money through merchandise. You don't win anything with potential.