robsblubot

To become the "next Ronaldo" he will need to grow a lot taller and stronger; build wise he looks nothing like Ronaldo. Ronaldo is so special because he's complete, with power and technique, which is something not that easy to find in a player.

TBH don't think much of him atm, but haven't really watched him enough to judge his potential. Strange signing if we were to keep all other AMs in the squad (aside from Marin of course)--unless...

http://blog.foxsoccer.com/post/54447907284/chelseas-mikel-gets-distracted-during-interview-at-the Mikel gets distracted during an interview at the beach...

Right, but that was then; we've got many Romans now who are bidding for the top players, which increases demand and inflate prices.

The clause is very good if they get a sucker, I mean rich club, to pay. Because if they don't, good luck handling a VERY unhappy player... Please don't tell me he is loyal as we see time and time again what happens when a move falls through. If Cavani stays, he will leave next window and it's going to be for a lot less than the 63m. However, like I said before, the "new rich" clubs have been inflating the market, so the suckers are for picking.

I guess we agree to disagree. He has no physical presence, nor the workrate. This system where you've got players (plural) who don't have to work only exists in loser sides. Right, but that's the only point being made until ppl started, without reading or fully understanding the claims, jumping to conclusions that some wanted him out. The point was about squad depth... perhaps against City for example, we can have Mata *or* Hazard be given a somewhat free role, so we'll end up more hard-working players on the pitch. We gotta do something against City--whatever we have isn't working. Workrate is key to defending. Especially up front where tackling isn't that important. btw, his taclking isn't great either. It's all about having the right tools for the task. The idea that Mata has to play every single game IMO can even diminish his overall contribution.

Let me just remind everyone that we had a poor last season! We were third in the league, well behind the Mancs, which would be cause for celebration only if you were an Arsenal fan. Not to mention our "participation" in the CL... Mata was overplayed and looked tired during several matches last season. While he did create and score many goals, his participation wasn't always adequate for a centralized midfielder. His defending, for example, is pretty bad as well and not something that can be easily improved. There will be times where having Mata centralized can be risky (say having him against Toure). No player is bigger than the club. If Chelsea believe this overdependence is harmful, we should address it; and btw, by keeping KDB I guess we are.

you know, I remember the few games when he played alongside Terry, before the injuries and subsequent dip in form, and always thought that was a perfect duo--even better than Thiago and David (both who aren't that great in the air). Either JT is coming back next season or we will need a fit replacement; we just don't have another player who can provide the same characteristics, who can sit next to a towering striker and stop him inside the six-yard box.

...any specifics I can help you with?

that's exactly my point... if Monaco, or another new rich, ends up splashing cash for players, that inflates the market. The reasons of why Monaco has to pay more is not that important because the effect on the market will be the same. What we *think * the value ought to be is irrelevant. What is important is what clubs are willing to pay. So, by the end of the transfer window we will know for sure the market's valuation of Cavani.

Isn't 60m about what Monaco payed for Falcao?

While I sympathize with the idea of avoiding these huge signings, if the market values Falcao at 60m, Cavani must be worth at the least the same. The market is inflated by the new rich clubs, so the purchasing power of Chelsea has to be lower when considering the context. The problem is that we don't have many players that can be sold or traded; and we don't wan't to sell the ones who are wanted. At this level it is difficult to sign players who would be ready to join the starting XI and provide an edge, such as Cavani. Instead, we could either go for a bet, a younger player, or perhaps an established player who's been under a bad spell. However, to get the absolutely top that means splashing the cash as it should be.

yeah, the comment was more about tactics, but agreed on Hulk as his finishing hasn't really been good enough for the NT.

Some analysts have been saying that the fact both Luiz and Thiago had bad games was no accident, or merely a bad day. It was a result of what Uruguay proposed, with 3 strong forwarders and a lot of width. Playing behind Marcello and Daniel (especially the former) is an obvious way to cause problems to Brazil. Now, while I value tremendously a CB that can, on occasion join the middle and bring something different to the plate, I listen to dissident opinions with interest. A pundit, on the radio in southern Brazil said that David Luiz has the restlessness of a midfielder. That he does not have enough patience to way out the play unfolds and needs to be in the action at all times. Part of his aggressiveness I reckon. That is indeed an interesting point, especially if we compare David and Mikel, because I do think Mikel lacks exactly that: restlessness. However, I still think that the more technically inapt players you've got on your side, less your opponent has to worry about you when you have the football. A team with a very simple and defensive back 4, for example, would then lack the numbers when attacking. To adjust and accommodate the David Luizes, by providing cover, well that's why the manager makes the big bucks.

http://sportv.globo.com/platb/entre-as-canetas/2013/06/26/agora-o-que-vier-e-lucro/ In the last paragraph: "Felipão precisa saber se o problema é só físico ou se a presença de Hulk fechou um possível espaço onde o meia do Chelsea poderia evoluir;" "Scolari must figure out whether the (Oscar's) problem is exclusively fitness or perhaps Hulks presence closes down channels which the Chelsea's player could use."

In an article a Brazilian pundit suggests Oscar's game is stifled by the presence of hulk, who blocks a number of possible channels. It might be a combination of the above as well some obvious tiredness. He is working hard though, and that was specially important yesterday against a tough (mentally and physically) Uruguayan team.

As much as he works for the team, at some point we need to ask where the well is his finishing. A FW without the final touch cannot be in the 30mils

MOTM for me so far. Fantastic work rate for a striker!

it's funny though, Thiago assists for the goal and gets no criticism... Honestly, it's easy to focus on the CBs when they get no support. ^^ It's the right mentality BTW... we/they've got the titles to support it. But, yes, we could away with the unnecessary wrestling, especially inside the box!

Yeah terrible game by Luiz. He's been assigned to deal with the high balls in the box because Thiago is shorter than him, but we all know it is David's main weakness. Both Thiago and David are pretty weak in the air. Though David at least has the height to improve; wonder if the broken nose is bothering him a bit (confidence with the headers). His distribution is good as always though; really cannot compare him to Thiago with the ball at their feet. Thiago passes like a center back...

After Messi, apparently Mourinho is next to be investigated for tax evasion in Spain. That's being reported in Brazil.

Fair enough. Just consider that Nigeria were the only side that used full force against Tahiti (and managed to concede:)), while both Spain and Uruguay employed reserves exclusively. Perhaps his two dribbles against Tahiti was kinda bad then. Perhaps other players would have surpassed him if they had played against Tahiti like he did. So many variables which makes these types of stats really pointless.

disingenuous... Tahiti skewed all stats in that group. BTW, Iniesta did not play against Tahiti, but Mikel did.

Stuck with Aguero and Dzeko... If we managed to get 3rd place with Ba and Torres, imagine what they can do with those two...

Xabi is 31 and fast approaching the twilight of his career. Though Mourinho might know his fitness levels and whether he can or not perform in the next season or two.