robsblubot

I don't think this is a matter of "wanting," but of "necessity." The fact is Lampard now is 34 and he may struggle when playing twice a week. Different players react differently to aging, but Lampard is fairly tall, which could also make him less mobile later on. BTW, aside from the hype, I don't think Giggs and Scholes should be playing at all for united. Had they acquired proper replacements (who didn't pick up injuries ever other game) and they both would have been retired by now, or fringe players. Perhaps City deserved the title last season because they did not have to employ so "over-the-hill" players like United did. (No I don't think Lampard is there yet but he will) We tend to be more emotional over this situation, but the manager and coaches need not be and make decisions based on performance (of course his leadership and experience count as well).

I don't disagree about Meireles, just pointing out we'd need to get someone else. The players you mentioned aren't very aggressive or quick, especially when marking (with the exception of Ramires); Meireles is. Lampard isn't quick, but he is aggressive and sometimes Romeo and Mikel lack that "fighting spirit." I'd also love to get someone else who has both, aggressiveness and technique, but until then, Meireles will have to do. Cool, didn't know it got to that point with Lukaku. He was 18 last season, so I cannot blame the managers for not playing him. At the same time I understand why Chelsea got him: loads of natural talent.

without having to go through the 54 pages, would someone kindly say what type of player he is? Is he an attacking fullback? Or more of a defensive type? rounded? thanks!

Yes, but barca interest has been rumored since last transfer window (perhaps before). And honestly, David Luiz style would work very well at Barca and they know it. He's a ball player, and that's what they like in their players. I certainly don't want him to leave, but I can buy Barca think he'd fit in well.

Lampard should start in fewer matches, but not dropped. Also, at 34, his form won't be very good at the start of the season, but should get better in time. I'd still start him considering how young the new signings are. Meireles, Ramires (or another CM) can provide him some cover.

Tricky, if offload Meireles, then Chelse'd need to get another CM for sure. Concerning CF, I actually thought Lukaku would be a perfect cover for Torres, considering Sturridge and Moses can also play some role in attack. I suspect RDM consideres Mata cpable of covering in attack as well, which isn't crazy when I look at the way he plays (almost a FW).

Obviously Luiz left us very exposed a few times which led to our poor defending...

Agree. Gonna be difficult to find buyers for the latter two though, even if all you request is for someone to pay their salaries. Concerning Hulk, his price tag should've come down a lot after his dysmal performance during the olympics. He was one of the 3 senior players for Brazil and ended up sitting on the bench. THat's how bad he was. Cavani would be an excellent signing, but difficult to have him and Torres on the squad. They are similar in style IMO.

Completely agree. Mata was just as poor as Torres though, which is a bit of justification for Torres' poor performance.

Oscar's fitness levels are probably higher than all Chelsea and Wigan's players, because he's not coming from vacation--it's essentially midseason for him. I reckon Oscar should start more (not less) in the first EPL matches and then later allow him time to rest and adapt. You know, points now count just as much as in the end of the season.

Agreed (he did not play that well). Others are saying Terry was worse. When both of your (excellent) CBs have a bad day at the office, you should be looking elsewhere for defensive problems (midfield?). David and Terry were exposed to excellent forwarders, sometimes having to chase them down a corner (esp Luiz). I'm not too worried either, since these issues will be worked out soon. This is the time to improve on teamwork, especially with the arrival of new signings.

Don't know what Luiz has to do (aside from playing superbly in the CL last season) to win some pundits. Defenders cannot do much if their midfield cannot protect them or keep possession. When Ramires moved to RB position, City won the midfield and the game. BTW, Ivanovic does not excel in any position in my opinion (know he's got many fans here). He's a good player, but not really a top defender of right-back. BTW2, Torres had a great game!