Blue Armour

Doesn't make sense for that amount, unless all Chelsea is looking to do is just seal a deal with Athletico. Felix is a completely different player profile to Samu, and while he might be better on the ball, isn't the end objective to get a player with actual end product? Granted Samu might never have got there, but the next option is Felix? Are they that desperate to get rid of Gallagher? Seems like a scattergun approach at this point.

2nd half looked solid., if not spectacular. Maybe not enough to overcome the elite sides, but decent enough for a top 4 push. If we can just sort out the issues at center back, things would be a lot better. Not convinced about the ideal CB pairing. Veiga can play at CB & CDM in addition to being LB, correct?

Very realistic assessment 👏

Curious to know if the hamstring injury is on the leg he had surgery on, or the other one. Following surgery, there was an article with the surgeon who said that the other leg would still be susceptible.

Seems to be a good header of the ball too., in front of goal. We haven't had that kind of threat since Giroud, and to a much lesser extent in Havertz So if nothing else, I guess Samu can provide a different option up front. And hopefully more. Let's see.

My only concern is that Sarri was working with much better quality at center back., and the back line in general. Maresca doesn't have those options. James, Fofana and Chillwell are returning from season ending injuries, Badiashile, Disasi & Tosin don't look convincing., and Colwill has been underwhelming so far. I hope a decision is made to bring in at least one quality CB option before the transfer window ends, but so far it looks like no real interest. Even if it's a question of players adapting to Maresca’s system, there are just some things you can't overlook. Like the poor performance in 1v1s.

Genuinely think he was the missing piece from our midfield last season. I'm not sure if it will be enough to trump the big sides, but it should make us more consistent for a top 4 finish. Barring a disaster at the back with our CB selection, of course.

Can't wait to see him combine with Palmer

Not sure how he played, but because he got an assist and a clean sheet, I'll assume it was a decent enough debut

I'll likely miss this match, but tomorrow might see KDH make his debut. Hope he has a solid, even if unspectacular, start. Just not a terrible one.

Strange to think that just a few years ago, the tables were turned. While I'll always question whether Chelsea really had to go this far backwards before going forward, I still hope all this long term investment really pays off in the form of real success for the club.

Hoping KDH can also surprise a lot of people by surpassing expectations. I think he will.

Hazard modeling the new kit http://youtube.com/post/Ugkx3F3yfy9mOKyOaCgGB9GacPFS1k1AOF1U?si=oYAIiyzaI14GEmGM

Going to contrast nicely with a blue kit on, lol

Too old for Clearlake unfortunately, and his likely wages won't fit the new structure. Even in physically declined state, I would love to have him as a squad option. Can't miss more games than our youngster Lavia did last season, lol.

Upto Maresca to sort it out, if other players take issue with this (very likely). Enzo has already given him an uphill task as a new manager.

Lol, just moments after mocking United for their transfer woes. I agree with @robsblubot. Ideally we need a mix of good youth talent, and a few experienced heads in the squad. The fact that Maresca has gone after players like KDH and Tosin, only solidifies that fact. Whether these players are good enough is a separate question., but they do fit the profile.

Always seemed a bit moronic. Definitely not captain material.

I see your point about the home kit, but I think it would be up to the club itself to tell Nike if they approve of the design or not. I don't think Nike in anyway can dictate a single design. I'm pretty sure they present a bunch of standard templates to their partner clubs, and whoever is in charge of that club's marketing department must approve.

Not to mention, our new manager utilized him effectively last season. All the more reason to think that this piece will have a good chance to integrate seamlessly into the team. Just hope people curb their expectations during pre-season. I'm not expecting him to output crazy numbers. Rather, he would provide a platform for the rest of the midfield to succeed in controlling the game.

I think he'll help get the best out of Enzo & Caicedo too. If he can be the solid, dependable, even if unspecatcular, CM, like Henderson was for Liverpool.

Disappointing, but I'll still maintain that central midfield is where we needed the big fix, and I think we've got that. Going to make a big difference in each game's result next season. With more draws turning into wins.

Or,.....we could have a balanced view and call them out on shit that could have been avoided, and give them credit when it's due?

Not to mention that goof-up against Arsenal at the Bridge. But...I'll reserve judgement for now. Let's see if Maresca can extract more from him. Still worried about the CB cover in front of him.

I'll double down on what I said next season. We WILL see the best of Enzo & Caicedo when they have an experienced no-nonsense CM playing along side them. I think KDH can be that missing piece.