robsblubot

Disagree. Ba is a mediocre player with little mobility and poor technique. Yes, he can play target man, but that's a striker for smaller sides. Andy Carroll can do that too. I just don't see us winning anything by starting a player like Demba Ba in many matches.

because he won't be playing much, especially if we sign a better striker, which is very likely. Even if we don't though, Lukaku needs matches and has the potential to be a hell lot better than Ba. He may well choose confort and not move, but I doubt he will be happy not playing. He just isn't good enough for Chelsea and I thought buying him was a mistake back then. Could have gotten a younger player, perhaps even on loan.

He plays for INternacional, in Porto Alegre, my hometown. I've heard him speak about moving countless times. He would not consider an offer from a small club like Southhampton; he'd rather stay at Internacional then. Reckon Internacional could cover any offer Damiao would get from them.

heh fair enough, just in comparison to what I see here in the US... Bsides, girls in uniform... ! Some very pretty girls here too if you know where to look (despite what you may have heard). Yeah, worked for an Israeli company for many years and most of the Israeli I met couldn't care less about religion; just in someone thought I had any agenda one way or another.

Realistically he's at Cavani's level: not as mobile and adaptable, but more of a pure striker/finisher. Would be a fantastic signing if below Cavani's fee. Iva and him would be great pals as they have so much in common...

There is no chance Damian would join them. He wants back in the NT and that means at the very least Tottenham. Even eastern Europe would be risky at this time and could jeopardize his NT chances.

ah my bad then. That'd would give him at least 2 good seasons.

Yeah I've seen Ashely do it a couple of times. Ashley is a pacey shorter fullback though, while David is a far heavier CB. That sprint was fucking impressive for a CB; should've showcased his great pace to any who still had doubts. BTW, the crowd (70K ppl) chanted his name after that clearance; just imagine how he must have felt. If there was any doubt, David has proven himself to be a one hell of a big game payer for club and country.

he'd been the most obvious call up for Brazil until showed up late accompanied by Eva (to confirm his injury). Scolari saw that as lack of commitment, he is very keen on players giving 100% for the cause, and dropped him. So, Ramires is not in the Brazil squad for disciplinary reasons, exclusively. I personally think he is still a lot better than Paulinho, because while Paulinho has his moments of Brilliance, he does vanish at times, which can be deadly in a single-elimination competition. Ramires on the other hand, albeit less brilliant, has better consistency and workrate, which can keep the team going for the entire 90m.

Tel Aviv is a fantastic city--been there a couple of times--specially if you get some locals to show you around. Night life is great! Clubs, restaurants, great ppl too. pretty girls and fit ones too since most are in the military... Being originally from Brazil, and living in the US for a very long time, Israel is a bit claustrophobic for me. Still, excellent tourist destination IMO. BTW, not religious (agnostic/atheist-just don't care), so that's not something that affected my judgment.

De Rossi is the right idea: toughness! What Mikel lacks dearly IMHO. However, I'm concerned about getting a player who's 31 and already at his peak. Shouldn't we look for players who we will grow into a de rossi instead? Perhaps Mourinho isn't keen on waiting a couple of season until snatching the BPL... which matches his ambition I guess. Why not go for Strootman then?

really don't understand how ppl can compare a player who's reaching his absolutely best, Cavani (or Lewa) with others who are either reaching the twilight of their careers(ibra) or have shown early signs of being past their peek (Rooney). Cavani is 26, Lewa is 24... Get Damiao then, for about 20m euros... hes injured, depressed, perfect of the picking.

apparently Rooney isn't keen on gym time: http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/blogs/world-of-sport/rooney-could-good-ronaldo-bothered-gym-093958084.html

There could be some truth to that, but probably not much. His--aforementioned very low attacking--stats don't seem to suggest we've been taming his "natural" attacking ambition.

Well, that's not what I see with my own eyes, especially after his storming Conf Cup participation. Besides, Cavani does NOT play as striker for Uruguay; he plays on the right wing because Suarez plays centralized. So, it depends how you define effective. For me Rooney has been absolutely terrible for country. BTW, Uruguay are the current Copa America champions.

You are right that this whole comparison is very subjective. However, one could point to what they do internationally. By mere observation, Cavani seems like a far more determined player, with much higher workrate, which results in higher consistency (my biggest problem with Rooney) and his better international record. Rooney vanishes from matches, whereas Cavani performs more consistently, for club and country. I disagree that Rooney hasn't lost pace; I think he as and it shows. He looks heavier too.

Not many clubs appear to be interested in him. I like to pay attention to the market because it shows the real valuation of a player--personal opinions aside. West Ham would be a pretty lackluster move from Ba's perspective; wonder whether he'll take it.

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.