JDY

From Di Matteo's interview on Hazard he said something along the lines of, 'Last season we only had Juan who could play in that position (CAM), with Eden we have more options'. All of the 3 behind Torres will be interchanging throughout the season but I think Hazard will predominantly play from the left.

The club gave Hazard permission to reveal which club he was joining then was told to keep his mouth shut until an official announcement was made.

He's probably been told to keep his mouth shut for the time being like Hazard was, until an official announcement.

I'm just hoping that Cech starts.

Keeping him would be a terrible decision. At his age he needs to be playing regularly at a decent enough level. There's only so much he can learn training with the Chelsea first team and getting the odd game here and there. Look at Sturridge a few years ago, was hardly getting a look in. A few cameo displays in the cups and a ton of reserve games. At Bolton he was by far their best player and came back to Chelsea in great form. Only when AVB left he started to fade. Look at Wilshere at Bolton, it catapulted him straight into the Arsenal first team. Danny Welbeck enjoyed a good loan spell at Sunderland, look at him now. There's probably many more examples. Last season for Lukaku was a year for him to settle in the club and get used to his surroundings. This season he must go on loan and play regularly. I would say he needs 2 loan moves before he can really be challenging for a first team spot at Chelsea.

Eden already planning his excuses for a future move to Madrid!

Marin touches: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BTCr7vWCnH8

I say all, I remember him on the ball more than that. Most* touches.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WHJr_g0uZ4U All his touches for anyone who didn't watch (Don't know if zoomed).

There's no harm in stating whether a player played well or not. Seems you're the one overreacting. "Pre-season matches are all about fitness, the games themselves are meaningless and players' individual performances are pretty close to that." I'm sure the likes of Lukaku, McEachran, Kevin De Bruyne, and others will disagree.

I enjoyed the performances of Hazard and Marin, Hazard in particular. Looked very sharp, quick turns, always aware and the ability to take on defenders, something we've lacked since Robben and Duff. Lukaku took his goals well and overall his link up play was good. My only problem is his all round game still needs to be polished. Lacks any real technique to move with the ball and keep under control. A loan move is a must in my opinion, hopefully the reports of Fulham's interest soon materialize.

Swear down bruv. I wouldn't get too carried away with the reports on SSN, they can be unreliable at times. The deal does seem close though. And Internacional have every right to be demanding a lot for Oscar. He is 50% owned by his agent, so they fee will be split.

Indeed. But when it comes to pressure penalties, more power and less focus on direction.

If Lamps isn't on the pitch I'd have Hazard taking them. Surprised that keepers haven't clocked on to Lampard's blasts down the middle when it comes to pressure penalties.

Just to clarify, I don't agree with what BlueLyon said. Lucas has potential, but he hasn't even proven enough in his native Brazil to warrant the ridiculous fee's that are being quoted.

He didn't say he was a bad player. He said he hasn't proven anything at International level yet, which is why he doesn't want him.

Nothing has been agreed. The deal is dependant on Ganso moving to Inter.

Indeed. FFP takes into account 'future years'. You can still make losses but you need to show that your club is on the right track. A lot of people are getting too worried about it.

It was quite funny reading through some of the pages like we had him 100%. You never know what could happen though, AVB said the Spurs link was total lies then a week later he was appointed. Perhaps on behalf of both parties they want to keep it quiet for the time being. If we were to get him I don't think it would be concluded until after the Olympics, and he would join along with Hulk and Maicon. Just a prediction.

Jackson Martinez has joined Porto if anyone didn't know.

What he said. I also remember laughing at Spurs as during the pre-season under Juande Ramos (I think), they were thrashing teams left right and centre. Then when the season started they were bottom for about 10 games. I would love to win the games coming up, but I'm more interested in seeing the new players in action. Not just the new signings, but the youth players that will also be going on tour.

Via IRC: The troll himself. lols.

I'm surprised no one has mentioned Juliano Belletti when comparing the situation. He was in his 30's and provided great cover both at RB and centre midfield. Maicon is without a doubt a better player at this stage in his career than Juliano was at the same time. The more I think about this deal the more it makes sense, his age is perfect to add valuable experience and it won't stifle Kane/Kalas. The only sticking point for me would be his wages. If Maicon performs anywhere near as good as Belletti did I'll be pleased (If the deal happens).

Don't know if anyone has mentioned it but apparently Porto are closing in on the signing on Jackson Martinez, possibly to replace Hulk.

I didn't say he hasn't played in the CAM role, I said he played mostly as a central midfielder. Of course he can play there but he excelled when he was dropped back to a deeper role (in the 2nd half of the season). I was thinking of doing match compilations of him and have downloaded numerous Fulham games from last season. "He may have played as a CM a lot but still see him more of a CAM type of player". It's only natural that people will still think of him as a more attacking player, but that isn't the case anymore. "We need someone who can sit in that midfield move the ball from one side to the other, dictate the tempo etc". Again, from watching him in games he is fully capable of controlling a game. His passing range may not be as good as a Modric or a Scholes, but it is still very good. Combine that with his composure on the ball, and the ability to shift quickly to create a bit of space for himself, its a lethal skill set to have. Don't get me wrong, I'd rather we buy Modric, but for the price Spurs are quoting I would rather go for an alternative such as Dembele.