lionsden

This thread should be locked. I mean what's the point

And you came to that conclusion on the basis of?

Excellent post. We have ramires who's extremely similar to essien but younger.

And that's the reality because you happen to think so. right? if I assert that kalou is the best striker in the world would that also be a legitimate statement?. Essien isn't even a DM, he's more of a box to box midfielder who's just versatile enough to also play as a DM. YayaToure, busquet, mascherano and alex song are all better than him in that role

The board would be absolutely mental to sell our best midfielder last season. I don't mind the essien-malouda swap for sneijder but keep ramires out of this.

Is Lukaku even better than Strurridge

spot on mate. imho Terry is too old and injury prone to play every game next season. This is the time to start looking for a capable defender to gradually fill his boots.

Oh yeah? Tell that to Ronaldinho and kaka. two ex WPOTY who never regained the form that saw them win the prestigious award. It's even worse in Essien's case considering his game play heavily relies on physical strenght which diminishes with age and injuries. "The sun doesn't shine for ever"

Blasphemy

In layman's term, why is Mikel Obi not good enough for Chelsea (starting 11)

:D :D You are evil

I feel Lukaku's signing = Drogba along with Lucas Piazon=kaka (Roman's longtime admirer) and Ramires=Essien without the strength are all strategic and deliberate decisions by the board. OR maybe I'm just reading too much into it

How could a mediocre/rubbish player have managed an average of 20 league appearances every season since 2007 under 5 different managers?

Essien- 3 years ago Mikel- presently

But no one said Mikel is better than Essien in his prime. so what exactly is the basis for your argument? I'm only objecting to your stance regarding Mikel being rubbish. He's one of the finest DM's in the premiership mate.

Zolayes and superfrank have answered your question perfectly. nothing more to add

Zidane and Riquelme, two of the greatest attacking/creative midfielders of this generation were not particularly mobile neither. so what gives? If you have superior technical ability, lack of pace shouldn't be a factor. Btw I'm NOT comparing mikel to these legends. to avoid any misunderstanding.

Exactly mourinho stunted his football development by converting him into a DM. He was voted second best player at the U 17 tourney behind Messi in 2005 when he played as an attacking midfielder. His potential is not being maximized in that DM role and it's quite a shame.

1-Because that's the most tactically wise thing to do in such a situation. when you are down, you need to score goals and to achieve that objective requires attacking minded players hence mikel, a defensive midfielder gets sacrificed for an attacking midfielder/winger or striker. that's the same reason why managers bring on DM's when the team is leading to keep things tight, protect the lead and secure a victory. 2- No Every single manager at Chelsea has played both players. it's usually Essien and Lamaprd in the midfield with Mikel obi in the holding role. do you care to reference the matches (big or small) where Mikel has been dropped to the bench to accommodate essien when both players were fit. 3- Viera and Roy Keane are well renowned for their reckless tendencies yet they are considered as some of the best DM's/players in premier league's history. By default DM's are suppose to make more tackles than any other players on the pitch bar defenders which increases their chances of copping yellow and red cards.

That's correct. We share the same system and transfer policy with real Madrid. manager's have limited power or control over player's transfer.

Who made that assertion. You must have made that up yourself. The FACT that Mikel has been used consistently by Mourinho,Guus and Ancelotti (3 world class managers) is a testament to his quality. perhaps henrique and other anti mikel knows something these managers don't

Mourinho, Hiddink and Ancelotti vs Henrique. I know whose opinion(s) about a player I value more.

Strangely enough a few of his best games have come against Man utd and Liverpool. I remembered Andy gray having a wank fest over him 3 seasons ago during his post match analysis on the game against the scummies where he had schoies and carrick in his pocket. In addition to that, mikel has only missed about 1 or 2 big games in the last 4 seasons when fit. if that alone doesn't disprove your assertion then nothing will.

You don't get to play regular and first team football at a club like Chelsea under 3 world class managers (Mourinho,Guus,Ancelotti) unless you are good. These experienced managers must have recognized something you fail to see in mikel

Speed-Ramires Strength- mikel Tell me another lie