BlueLion.

Happy birthday legend. We all know he'll be back as José's assistant in 2-3 years' time.

^ no Chelsea TV commentary? Thank God. They've listened.

Exactly. When we won the double in 2009/10 and the UCL we had a very experienced core of players. We've lost Lampard, Drogba and Cole in recent years, who were all "generals" for us. Luis could be a good replacement with his considerable experience, and, more importantly, his wonderful talent.

What an utter waste of talent. Shit attitude. Good riddance.

Not anymore he ain't. P.S. simply typing "@Alex" won't tag me in a post. If you type this: [member='Alex']It'll tag me!

Name: José1893 Reason: Racist Punishment: Content moderated permanentlyAbility to create content removed permanently.Suspended permanently Also move to Banned

Name: DROGBAtheGOAT Reason: Inappropriate Language Punishment: Content moderated permanentlyAbility to create content removed permanently.Suspended permanently Also move to Banned

Karl Henry?

Name: bushman Reason: Abusive Behaviour Punishment: Content moderated permanentlyAbility to create content removed permanently.Suspended permanently Also move to Banned

Lad.

FFS.

IF someone comes in and offers £10m+ for the guy, we should sell. We'd have actually made a profit on the bloke. However I wouldn't be adversed to seeing him stay as 2nd/3rd choice striker. He is a decent "plan B" option should we need to play long-ball when chasing a game.

Case in point. I won't waste my time debating with you. You have your opinion and I have mine, or am I not allowed to have mine because I disagree with you? I look at the fact Spurs signed Vertonghen for £10 million and that we spent £21 million on Luiz and can do nothing more than sigh. Also, you seem to be confusing "facts" with your opinion. Good day to you.

I understand there is an element of surprise and he is let down by how easily Marcelo is allowed to roam between a number of defenders, but as you say, if he was on his toes he takes three-four sidesteps and can either perform the k-barrier save or a collapse.

The goal was certainly not a howler, but it was a mistake nonetheless. It was the wrong save selection from Courtois. I am an FA accredited goalkeeper coach looking to begin my UEFA licences, and if any of my academy players attempted to make a low diving step save for that sort of shot, I'd make them sit out for the rest of the session. There was absolutely no footwork involved in the execution of the save, which meant he couldn't get down quick enough. It should have been a simple case of a few sidesteps and a low collapse, rather than a step save. The ball was hit too firmly and too close to his body for his arm to get down quickly enough with the type of save he tried to pull off.

No apology necessary, and I have taken absolutely no offensive from either your post or from Barbara's! I'm made of far sterner stuff than that! To me, saying "Bushman level" is very disrespectful to Bushman himself, who, despite taking the role of devil's advocate to the most extreme level, is capable of some very good posts. I'd rep you ten times over if I could. Wholeheartedly agree. No-one is saying Luiz is a bad footballer. The argument is he too inconsistent, and thus too unreliable to be a first-choice centre back for Chelsea FC. Great post son.

Cech - Schwarzer - Blackman, based on the logic that I have a gut feeling Atletico will demand a fourth loan deal for Courtois as part of any Costa deal.

The Bushman reference is equally ignorant/rude IMO.

You're the one being dismissive of other people's opinions because they don't adhere to your own narrow-minded view of the world. You believe that because you predicted we'd somehow win the UCL in 2012 that your word is gospel, and anyone who challenges your opinion is incorrect. So remind me who's being "blind and ignorant"? Why, because it's obscenely ignorant? I must have missed the memo that said all people who don't condone to the majority view are idiots. I have never once slagged off Luiz as a player. That's what is frustrating about him, he has all the technical ability in the world, but he's a walking brainfart of a defender.

Great post, TOPTB. Glad someone else appreciates the brilliant business. Too many people get sentimental to the person that each player is, rather than the player's actual ability. People like Mata and Luiz are technically wonderful players, but they are square pegs for the round holes of Mourinho's Chelsea. If people want to pay ridiculous money for bit-part/surplus to requirements players, be my guest.

Disagree all you like, doesn't bother me in the slightest. Each to their own. David Luiz is a defensive liability. I'm sure he will make a brilliant defender in Ligue Un, but he's not cut out to do it in the Premier League. Which amazes me. It really does. He has all the technical ability in the world, but Gary Neville as absolutely right, in my humble opinion, to say it's like he's being controlled by a kid on his Playstation. He's a brainfart of a defender. I like him a lot in midfield, but Mourinho obviously wants someone who is a little more positionally disciplined. Just my personal opinion. I prefer "safe" or "typical English defenders" like Terry and Cahill. Nowhere near the same technical level - though both are very talented with the ball - but more sound defensively.

Absolutely. Pathetic attitude.