manpe

Something like that. Or Torres-Scouser, like @daBlackMamba7 eloquently put it. I want to know what people think about it. At the moment our only real alternative would be Sturridge, but he's at the Olympics for god knows how long.

Should Torres play against Atletico?

I actually wouldn't mind the so called Liverpool signings for squad depth. They don't have to be starters, unlike in Liverpool. Not everybody in the team can be world class.

Mine always assists me in scoring, that's why I have one. Probably my best academy investment. Once it scored itself, the goal didn't like that.

Ah yes, I've seen the gif. That was bad, true

Lampard and Meireles aren't wingers and they don't fit the number 10 role anymore. Sturridge is a striker, period. Kakuta is nowhere near first team material. Thorgan? Does anybody seriously consider him a first team player? By that logic we could consider the whole academy and we'd never be sparse. And it's time to put Ramires back where he belongs. Of course we could revert to panic selections, but I'd rather have somebody natural there. Say what you say, but he is an attacking player. Much more than the suggested alternatives Essien or Romeu. And no, I didn't see what he did at the Euros, but don't care either... It was not Chelsea and it was one situation. Generally he defends better than Mata. Can't comment on Hazard and Marin, but by the looks of it they are not much better.

The defence under AVB was shit in general, nothing Malouda or even Thiago Silva could have done about that. They can't play on the wing. I meant if he wants some more defensive presence on the wing, whilst maintaining an attacking threat. Perhaps, but Benayoun has always been an outcast here. I don't remember when he ever was a consistent starter or when he had several consecutive sub appearances. Actually I don't remember any of his games except for in pre-seasons. There must be a reason for that.

There are quite a few points speaking in Malouda's favour. I haven't read your post yet, Alex, so sorry if I'm just repeating you. First of all, since Benayoun and Kevin are almost certain to leave, then selling Malouda would actually leave our attacking third quite sparse, with only 4 players. Provided we don't buy someone to replace him. He could give us some depth. Experience. He could prove to be a useful squad player with his experience. I agree with the ones who say we can't let too much experience go. Our attack is quite inexperienced bar Torres. Defending. Whenever we need to defend a lead, he could come in handy, since he's okay at defending and he works well with Cole both in defense and offense. That's pretty much all I can think of. Those are imo sufficient points for a mere squad player. But there are reports that he's on transfer list, so he could be on the move. Bringing in Moses could mark the end for him.

I've always thought that was at least one of the reasons

It's hard to keep up, innit?

It's funny how he's trying to be intimidating, looking up at the ref at close range Somewhy he reminds me of a little lion cub

Anyone else think that Jordi Alba isn't far off Cole? In attacking sense he looks better imo.

I'm a specialist in pulling (and sniffing) strings, you can pay me a visit

In reality they should be charging the tosser who filed a formal complaint, some off duty cop it was. Call up Barton and recall Vinnie and organize a little rebuke.

Cesar is the de facto captain of the U-23 team?

Yep, and it's not as if he's played against world class players with Brazil in the olympics yet. The ability and talent is there, but there are human factors to be taken into consideration. Expectations should be lowered, but it's hard because Mata has spoiled us.

I don't think the FA are charging him for being racist, they're charging for giving the league a bad image with all the cussing or smth.

The new right back doesn't have to take us to the next level. He just has to be better than Bosingwa, that's enough to be rotated with Bane and to elevate us from previous seasons to next seasons. All we have to do is keep our right side solid so we needn't panic when Ivanovic can't or shouldn't play there. Plus he's young, which means he'll hopefully get only better. One thing that worries me a bit is that Montoya is preferred over him, but that could be because he's from Barca and has better understanding with Tello, who plays on the same side with him (I think).

If this is true, then the ambition the club are showing is outstanding. I pity the parallel universe where Chelsea didn't win the Champions League.

Has anyone done the big international tripple? Winning the Champions League, World/European Cup and Olympics in the same year?

No no! Emenalo too is a wanker, because he was brought in by frogface Crunt. Bruce Buck is the only one who deserves credit. To hell with Roman, he's a commie.

I've thought about it myself, but it makes sense.The more potentials you sign, the bigger the chance that one comes good and profits the club through talent or financially. It's not expensive to sign and upkeep them, but it takes only one jackpot to compensate it all. This point was well presented in the "how chelsea have found a way past ffp".

I'm now confident in at least a new right back.But 2-3 sounds very promising, our team isn't complete yet hence why it's premature to be pessimistic about the upcoming season. Job to be well done by mr. Gourlay and co.

Exactly. Although I think in order to fully accomodate him as a replacement to Lampard, at least at first, we'd have to play him in a 4-3-3, because the deep role is too restrictive for him and has far too much responsibility in defense for a player of his type. In the midfield 3 he could go deep and high, like Frank used to do. If we insist on playing 4-2-3-1, then he has to play in the 3 and Lamps will get his spot back.

I will never know how Spain didn't manage to score. The ref was shit. Mata's coming home