robsblubot

Palmeri seems desperate, for whatever reason. Good negotiators should be able to take advantage of that.

Some of us here, perhaps even the majority, feel that Mikel doing better is still not good enough. A free role to player with so few goals and assists?! As well as he plays for Nigeria, that's *also* not good enough for Chelsea. Essien before injuries, for example, was absolutely dominant for club and country and I reckon we should not settle for anything less. For no other reason but because our opponents have players of that caliber. We have not been doing very well in the league lately and our midfield has struggled especially against teams with strong midfield and midfielders, like City. At one point we need to address these deficiencies; whether Mikel remains as a rotation player or not is, quite frankly, irrelevant.

All fair points, just saying that the opposition does matter as Tahiti skewed all stats in this competition. Abel Hernandez, pretty average player, is the leading goal scorer because of them. That also applies to pass completion, tackles, etc.

We obviously defined technique very differently. I've seen countless times the smaller side giving the bigger (not as committed-already qualified) side a run for their money by employing power and speed (same as Nigeria did), until they tire (same again). Still, quality, technique, to me is in the final third where the passes MUST be 100% precise. Where the first touch must be perfect, so the player has the time to apply the finish. I see none of that in their players. Most of their players have very poor first touch, especially under pressure. Their defense is as bad as Japan's. I think Nigeria record speaks for itself: a win against Tahiti, being the only team that managed to concede against them. Lost to Uruguay, direct contenders, and don't think they deserved to win that game btw. Uruguay players have far better technique, first touch specially. BTW, Mikel was never under any pressure when carrying the ball from deep position.

He does play better for Nigeria, but I reckon Chelsea cannot afford to build a team around Mikel the same way Nigeria do, because Frankly Mikel is't good enough for that to happen. A medium club perhaps could go that route, perhaps a different, slower league too. BTW, he was a bit slow to take the shot and missed the opportunity in the first half. A big caveat on Mikel's performance is how much time on the ball he was allowed by Spain; it's really strange they would allow Nigeria's arguably most influential player to receive a pass after pass with no pressure whatsoever. It's like Spain decided that closing down on Mikel was unnecessary and despite his fine game, it worked. I have to confess I am NOT impressed with this Nigeria team. Yes, they have power, speed, but little technique as their incompetence in the final third showcases.

Tahiti skewed all stats in the wrong way.

And sure enough Brazil defense looked a lot worse once he came off. I have to say I'm not that enthusiastic with Thiago Silva; certainly a good defender for sure, but I'm NOT on in the "best cb" bandwagon. Thiago "looks" composed and cool, which is a striking difference to Luiz's intensity, but when it comes to stopping opponents I'll take Luiz any day of the week and twice on Sundays. You clearly see that opponents loathe facing Luiz (akin to Ramires) because of his aggression and physical game. And they don't even complain because they know that's how he plays. First 2 goals conceded by Brazil when David was no longer on the pitch. Dante looked OK, losing Balotelli's dispute for second goal, but it was a brilliant move. Thiago misread the play completely and backed off until the FW had a clear shot and scored-huge mistake by Thiago.

I think you misunderstood my post. I called him a cunt, not a bad player. So, Jo had a spell in Porto Alegre at Internacional (Oscar's former team and my hometown) and all he did there was drive his neighbors absolutely nuts with daily parties and what not-police got involved a few times. Until Internacional had enough and shipped him (without cost) to Atl Mineiro. So, Atletico is the party team, with Jo and Ronaldinho (who's been dropped for showing up completely drunk for the NT ). They've been playing great, aside from a bit of luck last libertadores game. They play very open and are only progressing because the lvel in SA is pretty low and these guys, along Bernard and Rever (Brazil CB) really give Atl an edge. So, again, my point was that Ramires was dropped for being late and not being committed, while Scolari gave several opportunities to Ronaldinho, who everybody knows is a party animal and can barely move these days, and Jo. Jo is a lot better than Fred, who has no business in the NT.

that's one big assumption: that our midfield problems are caused exclusively by the limitations of our double pivot and has nothing to do with the AMs who roam in front of them. I personally think it's the latter. The number of players committed to defending is very telling: (aside from back line) 2 CMs and one AM (oscar) who has some aptitude to the task (despite his frail build). The others are absolutely terrible at defending. Other top sides have more rounded players in attacking positions.

I'm glad Mourinho phoned him, because I'm sure Ramires is feeling a bit down for not being part of the Conf. Cup Brazil selection, which makes his World Cup participation an uphill battle. Brazil are also missing him dearly. It's difficult to understand Scolari's logic or lack there of, when he calls up absolute cunts like Ronaldinho (recently dropped from the NT though) and Jo, or players that simply don't belong there such as L.Gustavo and Fred (can barely move) and leave out Ramires for being late once... A player who has always given 100% for club and Brazil.

Agreed. RVP had a terrible 2010 WC too. What I like about Cavani is that even when he's not at his best, he still works for the team. He should've scored for sure though, as that Nigeria team was a lot worse than I had anticipated. That's what I'm afraid of concerning Rooney: Rooney is either on fire or absent, and lately he's been more absent than on fire.

that's a lot of 'ifs'... I look a Rooney and he looks heavier than he did before, so perhaps the player you've been referring to is no more?! I'm not saying he's trash and he should retire, but I still remember the whole Torres ordeal, and Torres too did not look like the player he once was. And he certainly wasn't and isn't worth 50M.

I thought the whole point of signing expensive players was to have better options than our opponents... For me if Rooney isn't good enough to start for United because frankly, RVP is just a lot better than him, then he isn't good enough for Chelsea.

Yes a good goal; something that most if not all midfielders do more often than Mikel does. Wouldn't mind one bit if Mikel did more of that in the BPL next season. Perhaps an assist here and there too. I, and I guess others here, just don't see that happening based on nothing more than his own stats.

Aside from poor finishing he had a good game; Brazil got much worse when he tired and then replaced by Lucas. He's certainly an interesting player because of his strength and work rate (decent defending too). His finishing has just not been working for him lately. Certainly not worth the price tag at the moment though.

The game against Tahiti again... :banghead: BTW, bullshit: Xavi (La Liga): Apps 24(6) Goals 5 Assists 8 Modric: 25(8) 3 3 You prob meant Xabi, not Xavi. Xabi: 22(6) - 5 (he was better attacking @pool) Khedira: 19(6) 3 2 BPL: Carrick: 34(2) 1 4 Toure: 32 7 5 Arteta: 34 6 3 Mikel: 19(3) - - Only (top side) BPL holding mid with (almost) just as poor attacking stats is (coming from career-threatening injury) Lucas Leiva from lpool. Lucas: 24(2) - 1 And I believe he's got far better defensive stats than Mikel. ... BTW, Modric is overrated IMO.

Your original point is fair, but logically it would have to apply to other midfielders who eventually replace Mikel. And we see that they ALL (even Luiz who isn't a midfielder) do a better job linking up with the same midfielders Mikel has trouble with. Whoever replaces Mikel also scores goals and assists, yes, even Luiz! Perhaps the problem lies in Mikel himself?! BTW, Don't think the 3 AMs are that similar: both Mata and Hazard like to keep the ball, but Mata will try to pick up a pass or an assist, while Hazard will burst and try to beat his marker one way or another. Oscar is more alike Mata than Hazard, but he does not keep the ball for long, can track back and does a decent job defending deep in the mf. Both Mata and Hazard are really poor markers.

It has been pointed out that Falcao has been nullified plenty of times because he just doesn't know how to play with his back to the goal; he needs space to use his high energy and great off the ball movement. I haven't watched Cavani much, but he did impress me more than Falcao in the games I've watched. However, he also seemed like a player who is more comfortable facing the goal and on the move, rather than with his back to the goal. Is my impression correct or he is really more rounded than Falcao?

sorry, but I disagree. It wasn't the same pass as the entire defense was in line (a player is offside in the pic BTW). It was an easy pass to pick, and kudos to him for picking it. Come on, any midfielder picks one of these passes once in a while (did it myself many times), it's not that difficult. Oscar's one was far more difficult because how fast and dynamic the play was and because the opposition was not completely shit like Tahiti. Let me emphasize that point: Mikel isn't shit (regardless how you rate him), but Tahiti's National Team is. Now, how many assists does Mikel have in the PL? We know how many goals he's got... So, that's one player our opponent does not have to mark, because they know nothing is going to come from him. So, however good Mikel may be in defense (sometimes he is sometimes not so much IMO), the fact he is so poor attacking is always going to be an issue.

anyone counting how many MOTM for Brazil?! I've honestly lost count already... 5-7 in a row? watching him dictate Brazil's game is such a joy. He's turning into a really cerebral creative mid! And scores too!

I'd go for Damiao at this point. He's injured and haven't been playing very well lately... perfect time for an honest bid.

Top clubs willing to splash the cash for Luiz should be a all the evidence one needs to understand that he is one of the best CBs in the world. Just come up with a list of CBs who are valued 30m+ and you will notice how short the list actually is. Valuation of a player is not debatable as it does not represent individual preferences or opinions; it's the market talking. All defenders make mistakes especially positional ones! David is the CB who chases and pressurises the ball, which exposes him more to scrutinization. The other CB then has a much easier time and will look 'cool' and composed because of David's work. His high aggression and pace are obviously valued by other clubs and managers. Brazil are weak in 'D' because of the fullbacks who can't defend for their lives. That's why scolari has been employing 2 strong holding mids protecting the defense. Unfortunately, it won't work too well when the opponent can use the wings effectively. Fred is also a very limited striker IMO. Not to mention Julio Cesar, the GK, who is just past it. All in all, Brazil are only a good team with a couple of truly great players (Oscar and Neymar), who may be just too young to cut it at this level.

agreed, but, and it is a big 'but', is Moses good enough to win games?! So, we are in a pickle, and the manager looks at the bench and sees Moses sitting there and tells him, "you are next." So far he hasn't been able to win games or make a huge impact coming off the bench and I reckon he just doesn't have the ability. I guess I've just seen too many wingers come and go, dunno. So, is being a squad player, a decent cheap (like you said) homegrown player good enough for Chelsea? Don't we need options that can make a difference coming off the bench? Look at City and United. They've got the likes of Dzeko, Rooney, Nani, Valencia, Giggs, Nasri, Hernandez, sitting on the bench. That's the dilemma we have: develop youngsters, some of which have the ability to become great players, or have the strength in depth to win matches, at least as good as our rivals. BTW, both Mickel and Moses will be representing Nigeria, if they catch the next flight to Rio that is (missed the first one because of bonus disputes), in the confederations cup. Think their first match is on Monday. It's a semi serious competition in my book; top countries are more worried about injuries than anything else, but they know it's a good opportunity to get their game going. Traditionally whoever wins the Conf cup does very poorly in the world cup that follows. BTW, Marin hasn't really produced anything at Chelsea just yet, so there is no comparison.

If he is indeed on or around 80K a week, then yeah you are dead on.

When you bring up Mikel's performances in the AFCON (not really important to me), I feel entitled to also bring many other players/options into discussion. This guy is in his second season as a starter for Gremio (Brazil Serie A). He's extremely consistent, being chosen MOTM several times. He has recently become a sure call up for brazil and has started a few games against top teams. He's extremely quick recovering which makes him very difficult to beat. IMO he'd be less of a bet than Mikel is at this point; I guess we disagree here. Let's also disagree on the requirements of the role too, because for me knowing he has to cover here and/or there does not mean he *can* do it. That player must posses the quickness to move into the areas where he is needed and do so in time. His lack of pace is not even the biggest problem I have with his game, though it is probably the cause of it: he's a one trick pony. Holding mids like Mikel are obsolete. The top sides do not employ pure defensive players in the midfield and there is a reason for that.