robsblubot

yeah it looks that way, unfortunately. Easier said than done tho (contracts 😕 ) Maatsen does not even look like a LB to me: looks like a winger and I wouldn't be surprised one bit if he moves up. He's just not good enough defensively and not sure that's going to change anytime soon.

Now now you seem to not be a believer of our brilliant and novel strategy of turning an elite club into a feeder club. 😉 While I think these swaps are pretty common actually, depending on opposition and circumstances, it would be nice to get an LB assuming that Cuccu is really a bust. In theory he was supposed to be the perfect alternative for Chilwell: far more defensive and energetic, providing exactly what Colwill does in the LB position. That's the reason I don't blame the manager: he wants a defensive (his prerogative to balance the team) LB, so who does he pick? It's really between Cuccu and Colwill atm. Cuccu being yet another player who looked much better at a smaller club.

If we are fair game, like we are now, and anyone can attack us away and at home, then yes, perhaps Madueke can contribute with his pace and directness. In which case, we are fucked anyway. If we regain some of our strength and opponents end up respecting us again, he will have to do things he hasn't shown he is capable of. That's why I think he is still a big question mark at this level. Can he make a career? Sure, but at this level he needs to learn to operate in tight spaces, and I haven't seen him doing that yet. His game is long; his touches are long w/ long strides. Suppose we will see.

fair enough. 👍 And yes, I definitely agree that a competent striker/attacker esp if ready (not another project) could be making the difference, which would might also improve the confidence of the young players in the team. I do. This team as-is is nowhere near CL qualification IMO. It's also a new team built from scratch, which was not the case last season.

High intensity and good technique... good player indeed!

Honestly, I don't trust these stats on face value. Take the Broja play as an example: it was a long ball (Silva I think) and Broja's first touch was fantastic, and his finish wasn't bad. If the stat counts that as a "should've scored" does it consider the quality of the first touch, or that the ball travelled 50 meters and had quite a bit of weight on it? Not sure Palmer has the physique for false 9 tbh. I'd prob do similarly, but Nkunku.

Where are they playing now? Kovacic is average now? Kai is getting Arsenal points.... if he is average what the fuck is Madueke then? Pulisic would be a sure starter in this squad... he starts for Milan regularly.

yup. Kante is playing regularly and making big bucks... his choice likely due to fitness questions. Kovacic is rotating in midfield for the best PL team and club. Havertz rotates for the second/third best PL club atm. Quality available isn't really comparable, but young players have the "unknown" allure for fans. I share that esp the super talented youngster coming thru! Too much of that at the same time and it's trouble eh.

Agreed, but I don't know to what extent that's already been done or not. It could be that they are doing a good job, but it's taking time for the youngsters to understand, and especially put it into practice. I've always played (amateur level along some semi-pro players) mid/forward and always struggled in defensive positions. Played FB a few times and it was always a struggle. Reading of the game is hard. 🙂 Trying to guess what pacey players will do is hard. Esp at this level where the opposition plays so quickly, you have to be quick to read the other team's movement.

Yup and we talked about this during pre-season. That also has a cost, on top of the overly youth side.

The answer is above... the players are too young and don't yet know how to read the plays in order to react in the best way in defensive situations. Like when to anticipate and go for the tackle, versus close down the run/space. It's all part of experience and quality, but say even if Colwill will become a great CB/(D)FB one day, he'd still need to develop that aspect.

Maatsen has pace, which is why he started. Almost scored, but lacked quality. Lavia looked pretty average to me, but early days. Nkunku just needs to remain healthy... 🤞 Mudryk needs some consistency before becoming a 90min player. The second half wasn't cool... w/ heavy touches and in and out of the match.

Playing a CB as FB is the oldest trick in the book pretty much done everywhere! Azpi was a FB who played in CB occasionally. It's his prerogative to make the FB more defensive or attacking. Giving minutes to attacking FBs in attack is also very common, and current;y being done at my home town team Gremio, with a new talented 20yo called "Cuiabano" and he's actually pretty physical (still has trouble defending and reading the game).

absolutely and I have a problem with both: 1. Folks complain about Pochetinno, which is silly and expecting immediate results ignoring the club's strategy 2. The club strategy is a wild bet at this level and I doubt it can work -- Chelsea is not a feeder club

This Yeah that's Pochetinno's fault evidently. Overpaying for players DOES NOT improve their game... nor does it make them ready for the PL.

Because the manager thinks the team is crap. and I 100% agree with him. We are no different than CP with the exception that our players are younger and less experienced. We need to grind wins like this esp missing our better players.

All I have to say to you is that the next manager will do exactly the same as Pochetinno. The only difference is that he will win a couple of games with the "new manager" factor and then we go back to the norm. Developing players this young takes a lot longer in real life than on Football Manager. BTW, Mudryk is looking much better lately.

Madueke is a project like every other youngster in the squad... 🙄 What's this love for players who done fuck nothing in the game?! Let him develop and we will see how far he goes. Right now very little difference between Maatsen and Madueke. We actually looked much better in the first half, IMO.

If you think playing for Brighton vs Chelsea is the same thing, I rest my case. Nice you cite the exception, btw. 😉 The team is VERY inexperienced PL wise... I thought this was well-known.

😆 former clubs?! Did they all play in top clubs in the PL or did they come from completely different leagues, teams, circumstances? WTF man... either PL is a good league or it isn't. GOal!!!!

tackle looked bad... Madueke's leg look odd. 😟

no it's not acceptable, but why do you talk about the manager when the club id what the club did? Signed a U23 team from scratch to play the PL. 🤷‍♂️

I disagree 100% Poch does not put on boots and play. These average players the club signed do.

yup and what an amazing first touch by Broja, but the finish wasn't up to the same standard. It was a difficult finish tho... from a long ball and all.

Did we find a goalie?!