Jack Uzzi

Took a corner that went straight against the crossbar. Would have been a truly amazing goal.

Was actually very impressed with his tracking back in the 2nd half. Come to think of it, it was probably a very clear instruction. Thought he had an excellent 2nd half. Was very involved, constantly fouled and his weighted pass to Ramires should/could have been a penalty. There was very little cooperation or glue between him and Bertrand though. In this formation I am also wondering why he would have to cover for Bertrand all the time.

He could play as a deep lying playmaker (in a 4-2-3-1): he has the passing and is agressive enough for that position. But with the head he's not and he's always thinking forward which may upset the balance of the team a bit. I prefer to see him play from the left, although he proved with Belgium he can also be on the right side. Depending on circumstances and a couple of years later he could then move to a central role.

Watched the 1st half. Thought he was excellent. I really can't see how he would have difficulties to adapt to a higher level. He combines an amazing awareness of space with even more amazing passing and ball handling. Everything looks so easy for him. Werder doesn't look very impressive though. I can imagine he would want to be at a club of a bit higher level.

Also think that two full seasons at WBA would be a very good thing.

Agree, best player in the league.

Good to hear Pardew congratulating him. It's not like the one on one situations are a weak point of him. But he got on with his game and then scored in the 2nd half. Has clearly made progress already this season, and at his age, there still has to be much more time for improving aspects of his game.

2 shots on target in few time. Could have been match winner after what I think was a very good substitute performance. Pity his header was straight at Hart but comforting to see it was very well executed - he may be improving on it.

Think he was completely absent in the 1st half, but much more involved in the 2nd with a fantastic assist on top of it. But you have a point of course. Compared to how he played at Lille he looks indeed shy. Maybe he doesn't get too much in a position to take on players, restricting himself therefore to crisp passing and movements or RDM indeed restricts him. Another explanation could be that it is simply not that easy to get passed players in the PL as it was in the Ligue 1. I've noticed today he tried to do it much deeper in the field, and being happy to be fouled. This may change in time though if he grows more confident and stronger physically.

Agree. But I guess that when Belgium plays, it is only normal that inputs by Belgian flags increase.We can only hope the posts about his performances or problems in the national team will be of interest for non-Belgian Talkchelsea members. When he came on last Tuesday I thought he was okay but not great. Something is troubling me about Hazard's performances, but it is hard to identify. The guy looks very self-assured but at the same time I think there is some of lack of confidence. When there is space he should just run into it with is quality, but very often you just see him choosing an easier option. I also don't think it was correct of him to claim the two free kicks, but that's something the coach has to decide on as well. Curious how he will continue to evolve at Chelsea this season!

He says he constantly had three players around him, and that was true. Belgian media focus a lot on his performances and expectations are very high. The reason why he does not really live up to those expectations have imo both to do with the choices Wilmots makes (not many midfielders to combine with high in midfield) and with him indeed not showing much aggression.

Proved yesterday why he should have been given a start for Belgium long time ago. Played at the right side where he was excellent, although I believe he's better from the left. Two great weighted passes saw Benteke and Hazard clear in front of the Serbian keeper. Both should have put the opportunities away.

Maybe when they bought him, it was reasonable to decide a loan would be good for him. Still, I believe that he could have played a role already at Chelsea this season. Buying Marin really didn't make sense when you've got De Bruyne already, and maybe the same could be said about Moses (who of course now should get fair chances).

Don't think he's ever going to Madrid. The Liga is just not interesting enough. Besides he has some work cut out for him at Chelsea in the coming years. He's had a great start, but even though he has the pace, versatility, technical ability and self-confidence to live up to his potential, surely questions about ineffectiveness will resurface.

Big interview in the Belgian newspaper 'het nieuwsblad' confirming what I thought already (his stay at Werder is not entirely to his liking). Here's what he's saying. - De Bruyne misses the warmth he experienced at Genk (known as a "family club" in Belgium) and he would never want to live in Germany after his career. German mentality is rather rigid, more serious. He is a relaxed person, who likes a laugh. Also, training sessions are very tactical. The stop the play for every detail whereas he likes to play on his intuition without too much guidelines. Football is a job in Germany, but for him it's fun in the first place. No problem however, he continues to do his thing and it still pays off. He lives with his girlfriend inside the city but they never go out and every free day the go back to Belgium (three hours ride). - In terms of medical and individual accompaniment he does not see a difference with Genk. At the contrary actually which makes Werder a bit 'un-german'. - On the football side things are excellent for him however. But he says it doesn't really matter whether he is important. As a team Werder should do better. In the defense they lack experience, he thinks, and they will have to fight hard to finish 5th, their goal at the beginning of the season. - They started the season in an offensive 4-3-3 but after some disappointing results they changed and now sit much deeper. Wings Arnautovic en Elia are expected to assist midfield and defense. De Bruyne thinks they should play more from their own strength. - He has not talked to manager Allofs or coach Schaaf although he thinks the coach is okay. It's just because Schaaf hasn't come to him and he hasn't gone to him. - He thinks it's a pity Werder does not play Europa league but the level of the Bundesliga is of course much higher than the Belgian league. So he's happy with that. - Chelsea has made it clear he will return after the end of the season, but maybe loaned again. Last week, Kevin Campello (welfare officer) visited him. He arranges everything and wants to know anything (training sessions, food regime, etc.) - He says it was a done deal for him to go on loan before he arrived at Chelsea. It's only afterwards that people said he was going on loan because he is not good enough for Chelsea. - He wants to play football in England. And try to break into the Chelsea team. He believes it is possible. He has the self-confidence to make it come true. - Journalist aks if he has matured in Germany. He answers he's been mature for two years already.

Not sure if he is very happy at Werder. The club took a bad start and Schaaf seems to make strange choices. It hasn't prevented De Bruyne from fitting in seamlessly however. He's in a strong league which the most important thing.

He's still exceptional for his age, but the technical aspect of his play is indeed a problem. Another weak point that hasn't really been given attention is that he's no good with the head. When at anderlecht he had however become too good for the Belgian league, and although you can say, that's no standard, it still says something when you are only 17. At full confidence, he was a scoring machine but also able to keep a ball when outnumbered or take on a player at the edge of the box. Chelsea now needs to find the right team for him to go on loan and get playing time. He really wants to improve, has a positive attitude, will fit in in every squad and will anyhow maximise his potential. Wait and see.

What about Ramires who played on the right last season and who shouldn't be left out imo? Will there be a central role for him this season?

De Bruyne should be given a chance in the pre-season before deciding to send him on loan. He has to play, but it is not impossible Chelsea finds with him a player who may a least be able to make it to the bench and be used a regular substitute. Maybe Lukaku on loan would be an interesting option for Lille, but I am not sure if they're in need of a striker right now.

Pff, hate to see a red card for this, but of course you can give it. It was a light touch, with a spectacular dive of Alexis resulting. Pity, but if Cahil and Luiz are fit, Terry suspension should not be a problem. Ivanovic and Ramires will be much more missed. What a shame for these guys ...

MOM yesterday!

Of course that plays a role. However, I read once that the loan agreement stipulated that Courtois had to play at least 75% (or so) of the season. Not sure if that's true, but it's not impossible. He did have a very good season, establishing himself as a first choice at Atletico. But the fact that he's not really fast is true I think and overall it remains to be seen how he will evolve. He really seems like a copy of Van der Sar in many ways, so yes, reasons enough to be optimistic.

Not all Atletico supporters are entirely satisfied with him. Doubts are especially expressed about his agility, as many believe he is rather slow and about his reflexes. Maybe the disappointment is fueled a lot by the recent defeat against Real, but still, it is not impossible that reports on Courtois have been a bit too positive. Colchonera thread on Courtois

I probably exaggerate and don't believe there will be a player like him anytime soon, but De Bruyne made me think of Zidane when I first saw him play. His fluidity on the ball is a joy to watch and while he may look slow, he isnt. He doesn't have accelaration but still drifts very easily past players. It's good to see he has such a big impact in a central role. As last years in the playoffs, moneytime, he steps up his game and delivers. Belgian sports media is very poor and they only started noticing. Weak points: defense (in a central role), headers

His season has been good enough. Probably there was a requirement in the loan deal for him to be 1st keeper, but still he imposed himself. Smart guy, but he's been a bit too confident maybe. Before this game he said he had something to settle with Real and Ronaldo because of the previous game and I remember some other statements which rather surprised me this season. Never good to say something that can backfire imo. But he's young, confident and I think it would be best for him to stay one more season at Atletico, even if Southampton wants to have him for one year.