robsblubot

...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.

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.