Jase

Problem with 'chances created' is the same with your problem about 'assist' because it includes the latter, according to Opta definition. Like the example you gave, Player A can simply make a 5-yard pass to Player B, who then shoots at goal from 30 yards and that will be counted as a chance created. If we want to judge creativity, then I'd prefer to have at least the chances created broken down to chances created from open play and set pieces because creating from open play requires more than creating from set pieces. In Mount's case, not to devalue his number but it's no surprise that his chances created were high because he also took a lot of our set pieces. The others in that Top 5 also took set pieces for their team, which is why the 'chances created' stat can be misleading (that's the word!) to judge creativity.

https://romapress.net/mourinho-releases-preseason-call-ups-pastore-pedro-fazio-santon-nzonzi-and-kluivert-out/ Left out of Mourinho's pre-season squad. Ouch. Looks set to be sold.

Did you not argue once before about the loose definition or subjective-ness (can't think of the right word/phrase) of chances created?

Zouma out, Sule in?

https://www.chelseafc.com/en/news/2021/07/09/Chelsea-report-for-pre-season-training- Anjorin, CHO, Abraham, Alonso among the first few to return for pre-season. More will return over the coming days. Those involved at the Euros will of course return at a late date.

Abraham definitely staying now. 👀

True but he is even more unproven or not ready yet given he's still only 16 years old.

I haven't watched enough of Malen to know about him but it sounds like he's a versatile player of sorts. Even if that's not the case, am guessing Dortmund's plan is to have Malen as an understudy to Haaland for a season and then take over next year. Otherwise, seems risky to have an unproven, young player come in and be the main man immediately from a sporting perspective.

The German media seem to think that he's a replacement for Sancho. Or if not, then...

Anytime I see the word 'variant' these days, it'll remind me of Loki first. 🤣

For the first point, I'd assume so but then again, who knows? Nothing seems to be happening and only one side is pushing all the stories - most of them BS and/or recycled BS. As for the second point, inclined to agree but shouldn't we already know that by now? Compared to the striker position, it's easier to identify good players in other positions and we should know who to get by now, no? Unless of course, we're waiting slowly to sell the deadwoods, stock up the money and see where we stand financially.

But form goes out of the window after the holiday etc. Plus, Havertz will have to start the season fast for a change.

I know these are all BS rumors but am not sure if the agreeing personal terms is a foregone conclusion, assuming we get to that stage, because we'll basically be breaking the bank to sign him and god knows what demands Raiola will want to put in on the contract. And transfer window period is the worst...

The rare modern day Fergie/Wenger.

What happened to this?

I don't think Giroud leaving changes anything yet? Let's not forget our squad is bloated anyway and last season, Tuchel only had Giroud or Abraham on the bench (he had both in CL games but more subs were allowed). Don't think anything will happen yet until we know for sure someone is gonna take Abraham off us and we're getting someone in. Giroud's spot could now be open to the likes of Broja or even Soonsup-Bell to be in the first team.

Pretty sure chances created from set pieces were included. Am curious to know what's Mount numbers when it comes to creating from open play.