robsblubot

agreed. It'd be inexcusable if he were to make such a mistake against a top side in a tough CL or EPL match. However, so far, what we've seen is that he becomes more composed in more important matches. That has been the case for both Chelsea and Brazil so it's not like we don't have enough evidence of that. I'm including here one CL final and one Confederations Cup final (against Spain) where he was close to MotM. It's not just the international break though; he does display the swagger in these type of matches, against smaller sides. That will have to beaten out of him the hard way I'm afraid. I've seen this before and it comes naturally when players are that good - impeccable technique. His first touch and passing are out of this world esp considering he is a CB. I've watched many great footballer play live back in Brazil, but was genuinely impressed when I saw David play the friendly against Roma.

Yup holland did say players were in bad shape. They seemed genuinely worried about the form of the players coming from intr break. With that said-focus/composure is the area he has to work on. He does seem to perform better in big matches, and loses focus at times esp playing at home.

I was between Eto'o and Terry for MotM and ended up voting for Terry just because he had to cover for a subpar David today. *that's why he makes a very good pairing for David. And you don't need David to have a terrible game to see that influence btw. Eto'o did everything else though. You could see how David thanked him after his goal... International duty is really costly to big clubs.

Agree on luiz (though Cech was also so slow to react) not on chill - unbelievable to me that England starts Cahill; terry is twice the player. At that level technique is everything.Luiz did start both Brazil "friendly" (no such thing so close to the wc) and did look tired to me. Perhaps Cahill was tired too from international duty.

Terry had a perfect game. He was and looked well rested. All players who were on international duty looked very tired.

Mistake was 70% luiz 30% Cech for me. It was an unnecessary play and assumption from Luiz, but then why did't Cech come to meet the ball and instead stayed frozen? No he wasn't slow, Cech was late to act. Regardless, the mistake rattled Luiz and he looks out of the match - needs to be subbed asap before he gets a red. Cahill should do good because these long balls are his forte, but Iva could be moved to CB as well. Now lets not fool ourselves about the mistake; we've been very poor and don't deserve to be winning this match. Many players are having terrible games. Passing has been atrocious aside from ironically Luiz, but the way he's playing I'd not even risk him in the midfield right now.

The big mistake on Everton's goal was arguably Luiz leaving position to pressure the ball. After that fact, once that is done for, the remaining players involved could've done better and Cech allowed a player to head the ball within *his* 6-yard box. I don't pretend to know the answer to such a complex question (and decision) which involves variables I've no access to (values, contract clauses, demands). However, I tend to agree with others who say Cech is no longer playing at the same level he once was; I still think he is a top GK, but I thought he was the absolute #1 before the injuries.

They've had tests to determine whether a player needs a rest or not, and how much rest, for a while now. They will certainly tests all these players who are coming back from intl duty. Ramires also only played until half-time, replaced by Oscar. So both only played 45 in the last match. Regardless, Ramires may be a special case since it's not like we've got a good replacement for him.

So, Belgium is losing 0x1 against Neverland, it's 80' so not much time left... you gotta pick a striker (can't say both - not how the game works:)) between Benteke and Lukaku, who would you pick? Note that the great side of Neverland is defending with 11 men behind the ball.

I've been following this on papers. It seems to be an identity crisis, not so much of the league, but supporters and pundits. The league is gearing towards becoming an international product, difficult to miss the obvious movement towards untapped markets. And I reckon you cannot have it both ways: you cannot have the best league in the world and at the same time give precedence to local players and youngsters. The demand to see a young English player develop is non-existent. When fans in Asia turn up to see Chelsea they don't want to see a mediocre (in development) player, but the final product, the best of the best; otherwise they will go watch a different team and/or a different league. You, and many supporters, may be OK with the latter, but the club and its owners, and apparently the league aren't. There is no link between the national team and the club. What's is in it for Chelsea, its owner? Same goes for City, spurs, etc. Even our substitute GKs are not English. I can only sympathize with the idea, I think that what you wish for is unattainable; UK's population just (in numbers) cannot provide the goods, because the demand is international. A good read on the subject is a book called: "Soccernomics: Why England Loses, Why Spain, Germany, and Brazil Win, and Why the US, Japan, Australia, Turkey-and Even Iraq-Are Destined to Become the Kings of the World's Most Popular Sport" Even if you don't agree with everything, it's a good read nevertheless. I do agree with you on the subject of utilizing more the young players, however. It makes no sense to me that we have a rotation/backup player like Mikel for example. * further discussion on Mikel on Mikel's thread * My point is and has been that what he does on the pitch can be done by a number of players, including English players. So, I wouldn't mind getting someone like Progba for example, so long as Chalobah would be the one providing cover. Assuming he is ready of course, he is still so very young (18). And honestly, if they are not good enough they just aren't good enough. There is just too much money in the CL. A club cannot afford to consistently not make it; I mean it can, but there will be consequences. Look at what happened to Liverpool in the last few years.

Gonna have to disagree about Messi. He was, until recently, pretty much a non-factor for the national team. This is not really disputable, since you gonna find very few assists and goals by him when playing for Argentina early on. Ppl were questioning his starting spot at some point... yup! Only recently, already as a matured play, he's been able to reproduce his brilliance at the international level. Ronaldo prob was already as influential at 22, but a completely different player too. A player who also relies on his physical power and pace, as opposed to Oscar who's pure technique. BTW, these friendlies have no importance really. They are less boring because we are so close to the WC and players are more motivated, but still, far from the real thing.

were Messi or Ronaldo up tehre with Oscar when they were 22? Don't know about Ronaldo, but I can tell Messi was far from the end product esp when playing for Argentina.

Great post! I do disagree on the law enforcement bit though: it is rubbish. However, I do understand where you are coming from in response to the claims made, which I agree couldn't be farther from the truth. People also do not realize Brazil is a country as large as the US, so when they Brazil this or Brazil that, they really ought to be more specific... otherwise it's like comparing NYC to say, Omaha. On law enforcement, my dad is a retired police officer and he tells me that the number of police officers on the streets in Brazil is roughly the same as 50 years ago... Number of murders, and other violent crimes, is still way too high.

great post. I originally thought a rotation with Cech would have worked, but your post as well as others have convinced me otherwise; that would depend on Cech, because if he wants to make a last move to secure his retirement money, then he should be allowed to leave. It's a very difficult situation for a big club. On one hand you've got a potential top goalkeeper for a decade in Courtois. On the other side, he's very young (esp GK) and that experience could matter at the highest stages. Letting go of Cech right now/next year could cost us short-term. Look at what happen with De Gea... yes, Courtois looks more mature for club and country, but you can't really predict anything until he starts playing week in and week out for us. Personally, and I don't pretend to be a 100% sure of it, I'd move Cech and offer a 5 year deal to Courtois. At some point you gotta think of the club and not immediate success.

We should be able to get the win with whoever starts. Honestly the difference in quality (and price) between the squads is just too great. Since many players will be returning from International duty this could perhaps be a good opportunity to give a chance to the well-rested ones. On the other hand - managers need to be aware of this too - it is somewhat unfair to start a player against a difficult away game and then start a different one against an easier opponent at home.

They've been struggling, but much is due to mechanics. For example it's difficult to analyze Arsenal's defenders when more often than not they are offered no protection. This season they've got Flamini back, but last season they had Arteta!? as a sole holding mid... yup poor defenders indeed. Mertesacker is a fine defender and struggled last season for the reasons I stated. I wish we had made a low-ball bid when he was struggling back then. huge tangent here... completely OT....

you are probably right, but I reckon we won't find a fit replacement without incurring into some risk. Ryan, to me, seems to be a bit more aggressive and dominant physically (than Cahill is), which is what JT is; of course Terry is also a better overall player, but that's the difficult part. Damn! This should've been on JT's thread.

Barring injuries, I see no reason not to renew with Terry. Defenders can go the distance, especially Terry who's not that mobile anyway. Finding a partner for Luiz should be easy in terms of characteristics: we just don't want another Luiz, a ball-playing defender. Since he's the oddball as defenders go, finding one like him would've been difficult. Actually we just need to find a younger John Terry - that doesn't sound very easy to me. Is Ryan Shawcross worth a look? Although he does not look world class to me I wonder whether he's reached his peak yet.

Couldn't disagree more. First I didn't say quickness of movement, but quickness of play: how long it takes between first touch and a pass, that's technique right there! A better player will be able to move the ball very quickly, because his better technique will allow him to control it more quickly Quickness of movement, pace, and quick passes IMO define great players and sides. I've played with a few professional players - just for fun - and the main difference between us, amateurs and them is speed. Speed of execution. Everything takes a bit longer for an amateur player, even if he has "good technique." No disagreement with the first part; as I always wish the betterment of the team. I also don't see this as a good start of the season for him and I reckon Mourinho doesn't think so either, based on recent team selection alone. Like someone else above wrote, he needs to be more assertive/aggressive in that role.

World Class performance against S. Korea (friendly). Absolutely dominant with great interceptions. Dante looked like a simple good defender next to Luiz. Nothing wrong with that, but the difference in quality is evident.

Did I say Mikel has no technical ability? I merely alluded to an obvious link between technique and quickness. Pirlo? Pirlo can/could speed up play a lot better than Mikel btw - I hope we can all agree with that... Just look at the most expensive players in the world and you will see players who have the quickness attached to their skills - being passing, dribbling, shooting/finishing, etc. Again, not saying it's necessary, just bonus and a very well-paid one as the numbers show. And I don't understand your reasoning. So, we have world class players in every position in the squad, but we should settle because Mikel is a nice guy?! So, we should be content with an OK player while our direct opponents have better options there?

This is actually a very interesting point. Does quickness count in technique? I do think so. Barcelona is the obvious example: they are so good at keeping the football not because of the short and easy passes, but because they are performed at a very high tempo. So when the opponents gets close to a barca player, the ball is no longer there.

obviously It's been the other around... I'm still waiting for that mythical other top club who don't have the same "bad reputation" (that you claim we have) for not utilizing youngsters. We consistently start matches with 2 young players (22). Great performance for Belgium btw!

To play Demba Ba....

thanks for the kid part, I'm flattered...