BlueLion.

We have got to be serious here, and say that if Gareth Bale is worth €100m, then Eden is, at the least, worth €90m. However I'd be happy to part with Eden for €80m, plus Lavezzi and Zlatan. It's a fair deal.

I don't think he has a future at Chelsea under José Mourinho. Another case, akin to Mata, where he isn't a Mourinho-type player. It is a shame to see great talent go to waste, I think it's for the best to let him leave on loan for the foreseeable future, to secure a World Cup spot, and then he should review his position at the start of next season. If he isn't going to get the chances to play, he may as well move elsewhere.

I for one wouldn't cry if Juan left. It would be for the betterment of his career, at the end of the day. He's a very good footballer and I hope he makes it to the World Cup. I don't think, on the evidence provided in the opportunities he has had this season, that he currently warrants a place in the Spain squad, so I hope his achievements over the prior 12 months will also be taken into consideration.

Forget potential, Shaw is already operating at a level that is consistent, and arguably has been playing better football than Cole has over the last 12-18 months. That is reason alone to make him a target.

If Courtois does come in as our number one, how awesome would it be for Cech to replace him at Atletico?!

Great post, totally agreed. But I think the reason people are making a fuss of it, is because it's a positive thing... unfortunately there is a stigmatism of sorts associated with gay sportspersons, so it is a big step forward in that regards. But I totally agree, nonetheless. Someone's sexual orientation is a non-story, as far as I'm concerned. Let's move on!

I know, the English Palmeri

I'm just going by this.

Courtois demanding an automatic place in the team is like me putting no effort into an essay, slapping a lecturer and telling him to give me a first. It ain't gonna happen, not with José around.

Absolutely agreed, but why should Courtois be told: "Yes, you can come here and be number 1" without even putting on a pair of gloves in a training session? THAT is what strikes me as impractical.

Sure he's a great goalkeeper, but demanding the number 1 jersey without even earning it? Not for me. Seems to me like he's got ego problems; either that or he's scared he won't start because he knows he can't compete with Cech. He should come in and expect to earn the number 1 jersey the same way Cech did with Carlo. The difference is Cech supplanted a good goalkeeper; Courtois has to supplant an exceptional one. Good luck, you'll need it.

Alex Hinsley ‏@AlexHinsleyCFC1m According to the IFFHS, Petr Cech was the 3rd-best goalkeeper in the world behind Neuer and Buffon in 2013. Courtois in 4th place.

Sounds to me like Thibaut's afraid of the competition! He wants assurances he is going to be the definite number 1? Those assurances should not, under any circumstance, be given. He should be made to fight for his place. If Cech stays and Courtois is benched, it'll be because Cech deserves his place.

You'd like to think so. If so that commands incredible respect for such courage. If not, then it speaks volumes. We need more Robbie Rodgers and Thomas Hitzlspergers, but we need them to come out during their career. A huge ask, granted, and so many potential foot-falls, but all it takes is one, IMO, and then we'll see something of a domino effect. I think we can all agree this is a huge step forward, we just need people to match this positive forwards stride. Before anyone attacks manpe, I think he's saying he doesn't care whether a player is gay or not, which is the absolute right attitude to have. It doesn't and shouldn't make a difference. Totally agree mate, but footballers sign up for "banter" when they enter the sport. I'm not belittling your point, I'm just saying that almost every footballer cops an earful from the brainless minority at football grounds. It's about time someone shows they don't give a fuck, but again I appreciate how difficult that must be. It really saddens and frustrates me that some people have such attitudes, but then again, even 40 years ago people discriminated against blacks, and sexism still exists today, so perhaps I'm expecting too much for people just to accept homosexuality, but I'll definitely do my part and tell me kids there's nothing wrong in being who you are. But like I say, we're a long way away from that goal.

It's a joke people even have to "come out", as if being gay is something socially unacceptable. I couldn't give a fuck if you're gay, straight, bi-sexual or otherwise. Do what the hell makes you happy; be whatever makes you happy. Life's too short to worry what narrow-minded bigots, whose heads are so far up their own arses, have to say or think.

Done, if there are any remaining please use the "report" function and I'll get round to it as and when.

Meh, forced two good saves out of the keeper, more than Eto'o did.

DAAAMN, AIN'T NO-ONE THAT GOOD.

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

Bastard!

Looks like I have competition for the TalkChelsea number 1 jersey! Pipe down, Thibaut!

Hmm, "you really do shit articles". Two meanings to that - are you saying they're shit, or I shit them out? Or even both? If so, that's an ingenious choice of language!

That's one of the most endearing compliments I've ever received. Thank you!

I chose not to mention it Ron, as I don't think it deserved coverage. I don't think it was a dive, I think he lost his balance as he was running at such pace. Not once did he look at the ref, which is a tell-tale sign of a dive. Not worthy of indulgence, IMO.