manpe

I prefer Messi as a personality, he's loyal and a smart player. Cristiano on the other hand is undoubtedly a better athlete and more versatile, but he just oozes of cuntistry. Ronaldo would probably excel in any league, he ripped the prem and la liga apart, how many can say that? We will never know how Messi would adapt in different leagues and teams, because he seems loyal to his club... not what can be said of the fake Ron. Who is more exciting to watch? Imo Messi.

Presumption of innocence.... I suggest you research what it is, Ewok

that's nice

Wonder if he'll have to wear that mask till the end of his career like his helmet... I remember his helmet wasn't supposed to be permanent, but it has become.

Since it's the CC, I think it'll be Lukaku... or were you talking about the Prem? In the prem I think he'll choose Torres or Anelka for ST, simply because nobody wants to see Malouda on the wing. Or maybe opt for Sturridge and Anelka taking turns in drifting inside and outside?

Maybe he doesn't relish the prospect of winning the French league? And joining Malaga would be a no hope of winning the Spanish league or CL, he would have been better off staying at Valencia than joining Malaga. Saying barca and real are equal to manu and city is nonsense. We have greater possibility of winning the league (and CL) than Malaga and Valencia ever will. It's undeniable that joining Chelsea was more ambitious than staying at Valencia, joining PSG or Malaga. Barca, Real and City didn't seem to want/need him... only Arsenal (and 'pool?), and he snubbed them. Sure if we decline to Arsenal level (once a great team with no hope), then big players wouldn't want to join us and would leave us. But we're far from becoming an Arsenal/Liverpool type of no hopers.

You saying PSG and Malaga have better chance of silverware? PSG have only the chance to win domestic titles, Malaga will never overtake Barca and Real. Those 2 teams aren't even close to being CL contenders either, while we are. He seems like an intelligent guy and thus has to know that he was brought in to strengthen the squad, with new players coming along in the future, we will be able compete on every front.

He looks like Johnny Bravo... pretty much all you need to know

I've heard horror stories about VDW, that he's worse than Bosingwa. What problems at centre-back? If Alex leaves, only then. Worryingly too many people say he's overrated because he's english, and the same goes to Rodwell.

I'm willing to give him a chance till the end of the season. A year and a half will be more than enough for him to find his form and become reliable again. If not, then by all means, we don't have to keep him.

Kaka - past it, hasn't set the world on fire like he used to. Sneijder - I don't think we can afford him. Eriksen would be one for the future, Sneijder or Modric (or Kaka) would be for instant impact, but they are not for the future.

Romeu and Mikel are defensive mids and we can't compare them to him, Essien is soon finished. Ramires isn't exactly the creative type also. If we think about creative mids who are coming through, I can think of only Josh. Frank's old and Meireles isn't getting any younger either, although he still cuts it. But yes, having proven experience in that midfield will be necessary, that's why I think Modric would be a safe bet for instant impact in midfield. I still wouldn't be disappointed if we got him, there are lots of ways to rotate and fit them in the team in the future once Lamps and Meireles become obsolete.

I think Buck has already said in an interview that they hope to keep him for long-term (in Chelsea terms that's at least 3 seasons).

To have more quality prospect? Josh alone can't be the future of Chelsea's midfield.

I agree to an extent. It's hard to see at the moment where we can get the firepower to overtake the Manchester clubs. But my philosophy has always been: unless it's mathematically impossible, I will always have faith. I still believe we'll be in the top 3 at least. But even if we don't win anything, it doesn't matter, because it is a transition season that we must go through in order to evolve. This season isn't about titles and only titles, it's about making the right decisions for the future of the club, and it's also about incorporating a new style of football... I don't agree that AVB will be a one season manager, and even if he will, then it would be a mistake for the board to let him go imho. I'd rather we build for a succesful and stable future with pain along the way than have a season or two of success and then fade into obscurity. And once we get our finishing and defending problems solved, we'll be as good as anybody in the league. I have maintained my trust in AVB and co. to see us through these problems in the future.

Then what? Are we missing him?

Roberto Carlos, is that you?

Ramires is not perfect, but at the moment he's the best we got to put alongside Lampard... One could argue Meireles is better. I'm in two minds, I like both.. I wish there was a way for both of them to play I think Meireles's passing, vision and shooting is better. However I think Ramires has better energy, pace and tackling ability. He's 24 and some of us are calling Luiz (not to mention Kalou calling himself) young, who is also 24... He will improve if he stays clear of big injuries. I like Ramires despite his faults, but I am more excited when Meireles plays, because he has more ability on the ball imho.

They are probably fed up giving it to either Messi or Ronaldo each year so they thought they'd spice up the competition a bit

lol at the troll who voted for Romeu... I was hoping for a perfect 100% score for Pete

I wholeheartedly agree with it.

I didn't think my admiration for the guy could grow any stronger, he proved me it can

exactly my thoughts... I was oh so hopeful after his good spell, he grabbed praises and man of the match awards and goals here and there, but now... you can't blame the service if your finishing is on Heskey level

Tomo-91

"He gave us good signs straight away and we asked him at half-time did he want to continue. It shows the commitment and bravery of this player who has suffered a lot with this type of injury.'' AVB on Cech. This answers the question.