Superblue

One of the things that has impressed me the most about Oscar is his workrate and tenacity off the ball. All this talk of whether he would adapt to the physical side of English football has been cast aside because he is not afraid to put his boot in and press high up the pitch. Mata and Hazard also admirably press and work tirelessly but this kid is also actually better defensively. He is a real class player and I can see in the future a deeper role for him alongside a more defensive minded player (a little bit like a Modric), but I also like the balance he gives us as one of the three in the 4-2-3-1. He has settled much quicker than I expected and I think he is going to have a big career at Chelsea.

In a way to be honest I agree with DYC. I've always felt within England that Mata is seen as a 'poor man's Silva'. The huge media lovefest for Cazorla has also put Mata in the shade somewhat. However, Mata's statistics compare very well with Silva during his time in the Premiership and although Cazorla has started well, he still has to show those levels of consistency throughout the entire season and is a couple of years older than Mata. I also feel that with the summer signings Chelsea made (particularly Hazard and Oscar) that Mata has slipped under the radar somewhat within the English media. I'm not complaining. As Chelsea fans, we all know how good Mata was last season, how well he's started this season, and potentially how good he can become over his Chelsea career. He is still the key attacking player in our side IMO. If others can't appreciate this fully then who cares if Mata is helping us to our share of trophies.

What has to be considered last season is: First season in English football. Playing in a very under-performing side. It was clear to anyone that restricting Mata made a huge hole in our general play. The big teams looked to neutralize him, yet he still contributed goals and assists in the big games, and teams concentrating on him opened up space for others last season. Taking all of the above into account, I firmly expect him to perform to an even higher standard this season. Having a trio of Oscar, Hazard and Mata (not to mention the likes of Marin, Moses and Sturridge also) gives us so many dangerous options it is impossible for a team to concentrate or try to man mark anybody because the others will make the most of the space left behind. It is also going to be hugely rare that none of the above can create a performance of game winning quality. No longer carrying the burden, Mata will flourish this season.

Off the top of my head - Gave Yaya Toure a torrid time at home to Man City last season Was superb at home to Arsenal last season with goal and assist (despite the result) Scored a stunner and made another at home to United last season Tormented a strong Newcastle team away last season Was excellent in both the FA Cup semi final and final Goal and assist away at Arsenal this season He was quiet in the Champions League run, although that had more to do with the way we setup, yet still put a special delivery in for Drogba in the final. I believe he performs in big games, he's just THAT dominant against the lesser teams!

Its also why i'm not worried about losing him to Barcelona or Real Madrid. Mata is not a star name in Spain and as a result he wouldn't be first choice at Real and as said above his style is unsuited to Barca. Mata is a real high quality player and wasa massive signing last year - he's fully aware how much Chelsea fans love and appreciate him. Can see him playing here into his thirties.

Lot of respect for Hodgson. I think he sympathises with the players and agrees with much of their frustrations. That Ferdinand London tube thing was ridiculous, and Hodgson can appreciate how the media blow everything out of all proportion!

I hope our Brazilian contingent, and Oscar in particular can convince Neymar to join. At Barca or Real he would always be in the shadow of Messi and Ronaldo, but at Chelsea he could become part of a group of some of the finest young talents on the world stage, and potentially grow to be the diamond of all of them. Ironically if Roman really wants us to be Barca mk.II then we need our own Messi and Neymar is arguably the player with the most potential and raw talent to get anywhere near him - then i wouldn't have problems playing a false 9!

I don't see anything wrong with Bertrand's tweet. Ok he shouldn't have swore but if he gets charged for that we're bordering on the ridiculous now.

IMO Hart cannot yet be considered amongst the best in the world, as can't Neuer until they've proven themselves at the highest level for a sustained period of time. Buffon and Casillas have both been instrumental in their countries winning top honours, and Cech's performances in the FA Cup final (Carroll save) and his heroics in the Champions League final set all three out away from the rest. Hart needs at least another 2 or 3 seasons of success at City and Neuer likewise before being included in the very top bracket of keepers. Consistency is vital for any top keeper which all of the above possess but making the difference in the big games that helps win your team trophies is what sets the very best out from the rest.

I would say that in my country Chelsea currently stand at the top of the only table that matters...the Premier League Anybody else can fuck off!

After his performance against Wolves, putting him in my fantasy football team to replace Hazard was a masterstroke! 2 games later - 1 goal, 3 assists, keep it up Juan! His current form is even more important whilst the new signings continue to adapt.

Hazard isn't the only player who started superb and has since had a couple of quiet games - the likes of Kagawa and Michu have done the same. The only exception is probably Cazorla who is much more experienced at the highest level. However Hazard even when by his standards is quiet, still makes a lot of runs creating space and occupies a couple of defenders at a time. With the attacking talent at our disposal and the exceptional form of Mata, I have no worries and fully expect him to be a massive player as this season moves on and beyond.

Oh, I agree. I'm not bothered at all about England but I like to see Chelsea players perform well for them and Ashley Cole getting to 100 caps will be fantastic. Hopefully Lamps will make it too. Both completely deserve it.

Yeah no ban for England, who cares about that?! Avoiding a domestic ban is more important!

Disagree with this. Cole is the one constant, consistent player england have had for the last decade or so. He's always performed in the big games and big tournaments. Baines is good and Gibbs and Bertrand have a lot of potential but none are anywhere near the level Cole is at and has been for many years.

What i still cannot understand is the severity of terry and suarez's bans in relation to ferdinand's 'choc ice' comment on twitter. In my opinion there is no difference between saying something and writing something in the public domain so why has ferdinand only been fined £45k for racial abuse? This whole thing has been a fucking joke from start to finish!

Hopefully Ashley will get his 100th cap over this international period and then tell the FA to fuck off and retire from england duty. Short term pain for long term gain for Chelsea!

Better to take the second option and use a game in the league cup. My only worry is judging on what has already taken place in this witch-hunt, if he appeals he'll probably get banned longer!

Yep sounds like he'll be available for Arsenal!

Sky Sports say suspension starts immediately meaning he'll miss Arsenal game without appeal. Dunno may just be reading it wrong?!

What are the games he misses? We run the risk of him being banned for longer if we appeal. Having said that it gives us the chance to play some more games in Terry's absence. We must start looking forward eventually, and after all we did win the big one without Terry

If that happens it will show up FFP to be a fucking joke!

If he played as the central striker for Wigan it was a handful at best, not many matches. He is far better out wide where he can stretch teams and get more space to run at players. If we had to go for a false 9 then i would play hazardin there over moses.

Piazon would likely play in front of Bamford. I don't like it but we could even try this false 9 tactic against Wolves. We need an option if torres and sturridge both get injured.

Against Stoke - Cech Ivanovic. Cahill. Terry. Cole Mikel. Lampard Moses. Mata. Hazard Torres/Sturridge Against Wolves we should try and experiment with this: Turnbull/Hilario Azpi. Luiz. Cahill. Bertrand Romeu Ramires. Oscar Moses. Marin Sturridge We need to beat Stoke and experience will be important to force the win over them but i want to see a plan b against Wolves which will give some more life to our midfield.