TacticalBlues

COME ON VILLA!!! GREAT PLAY BENTEKE AND WHAT A FINISH WEIMANN!

Oscar’s the new Ossie By TERRY VENABLES CHELSEA fans have been waiting years for a new Ossie to come along and he has finally arrived. Of course, there will only be one real Ossie. The late great Peter Osgood will always take pride of place in Blues’ hearts everywhere. But Oscar has shown he has the potential to be his modern-day equivalent. The Brazilian midfielder may have been born on a different continent in another era and play a different position but he has plenty in common with the undisputed King of Stamford Bridge. Not least his talent, work-rate and the fact he does not look like a footballer. I remember when I first saw Ossie. I was a player at Chelsea and he turned up at training for a trial after his Uncle Bob had written to the club asking them to take a look at him. As this rangy teenager walked over, we all thought “Who’s this kid?” Then he got on the ball. We all looked at each other as if to say: “Blimey, where has he been hiding?” He was unbelievable. You could tell from that first day he was going to be a star, even if his physique and looks said otherwise. It is the same with Oscar. With his wiry frame and youthful looks, he would not get the part of playing a footballer in a Hollywood film. But while looks can deceive, talent can not. And Oscar, like Osgood, has it in abundance. That was highlighted by the way he took his goal against Shakhtar on Wednesday. Less talented stars would have taken several touches to despatch the Donetsk keeper’s poor headed clearance into the net from 40 yards. Oscar needed just one. And the way he opened his body and swung his foot across the ball to do so was very Osgood-esque. I am sure my old pal looking down from above would have appreciated that piece of technique. I remember seeing him score a fantastic individual effort at Turf Moor when Burnley were in their pomp. He must have beaten their whole defence before sticking the ball in the net with customary aplomb. And remember pitches back then were not the bowling greens they are now. But Ossie had fantastic control and technique, like Oscar has now. And both are not afraid to do the dirty work. Sometimes you find that showmen only want to perform in the spotlight. But Oscar, despite his attacking flair, does not mind working backstage as well. He is willing to track back and tuck in for the benefit of the team. Ossie was the same. Yes he loved the tricks and flicks and champagne finishes, but he could go ugly. In Chelsea’s infamous battles with Leeds, he would often be the Blues’ torchbearer. If a battle had to be won, Ossie would be the first into enemy territory. I’m not saying Oscar is a Chopper Harris. But he is not a prima donna, even if sometimes his footwork and skills are as sweet as a ballerina. The way he and Eden Hazard have supported Juan Mata this season is a joy to behold. Mata was named the Premier League’s Player of the Month for October last week. He’s been outstanding for Chelsea in recent weeks. And Hazard continues to shine despite tailing off slightly following his blistering start to the campaign. But for me it is Oscar who is the most intriguing and arguably most exciting prospect. The 21-year-old from Sao Paulo has as much potential as he does ability. Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich must be delighted. He always wanted his team to win the Champions League and play with style. Having doggedly fought their way to glory in Munich in May, Roberto Di Matteo’s men are now performing with panache. So much so that, despite their recent home defeat to Manchester United, you cannot see them losing at Liverpool tomorrow. They now have the capacity to be exciting and entertaining as well as efficient. Credit for that must go to RDM and his players. The word “legend” is much over-used these days. Osgood deserved to wear the tag. And if Oscar continues to progress, it may not be long before he is mentioned in the same breath.

Congrats Toronto!

Ivanovic

Another fantastic performance today, game changed for Madrid when he came on.

Great player I remember seeing a backheel goal he scored earlier: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HVNrioMOwmU

Essien gets a goal his performance merits.

Essien's having a brilliant game today, winning every battle and providing a good attacking impetus for Madrid aswell.

“I really like Hazard. He is clever and doing a lot for the team. I’ve known him for a while now and the way he has adapted here is good.” — Didier Drogba

Oscar representing:

If Di Matteo doesn't win FIFA Men’s Football Coach of the Year then how the hell will you ever win it? Look at the descriptions comparison between Di Matteo and Ferguson's achievements last year courtesy of Fifa's shortlist descriptions:

Van persie holding Luiz but United get the freekick...

Congrats bro

We have Oscar-Hazard and Mata feeding the striker. Any striker in the world would thrive on that. Falcao is the best striker in the world, one of the best footballers in the world and one of the hardest working players in the world. He won't just score the goals in 5-0 games but will literally score in games deciding where the points will end up. I genuinely feel we're a Falcao away from truly going to the next level.

For real?

Let's bring there 11 month unbeaten streak to an end! That 1-1 draw to Juve was the only game they haven't won since March aswell.

Neymar's stunning goal in his 200th appearance for the club for those who didn't see it a few days ago: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=unkbVfgJ-ms

I heard that too, maybe the guy is dumb enough though:

3 point lane! I want to be able to say that again!

It's a joke mate, congrats to the Bale family as I said.

Breaking news: Pictures of Bale's son are emerging, he could be back.

If you told me three players I didn't want to start tommorow: Bale, Dembele and Lloris would all be there.

Interestingly the Serbian FA has posted this video on Youtube. (In regards to the Serbia England incident to those who aren't aware):