Funkyflashman

I think this is a very good point, if we look at the most successful teams in Europe right now, teams like Bayern can start Robben, Kroos, Ribery and STILL have players like shaquiri, muller, gotze on the bench. Price may be a ittle high, but willian is certainly not a misguided purchase.

You've spelt "me hearties" incorrectly, and there is no comma between yo and ho.

Erm no he wasn't? He was playing in the band of three, most recently on the right? Hence winger

Guus Hiddink has resigned from Anzhi... Barca related? I wonder...

If I'm honest I don't know where all of this praising of his workrate has come from. Yeah he used to put in a massive shift every game but he's certainly not that player any more. IMO he's closer to being lazy than he is to being a hard worker. Now that's not to say that he wouldn't work for Jose because I think he's fairly coachable, but I definitely wouldn't say workrate is a strength of his

Haha no worries, didnt think that way at all

Batman is a vigilante but he is also vigilant. I can spell I promise

Hahahaha I laughed so hard at "vigilant" "Because he's the hero that Chelsea deserves, but not the one it needs right now...and so we'll play him...because he can take it...because he's not a hero...he's a silent guardian, a watchful protector...the Dark Knight".

I know, I follow Juve and Ajax a little bit and this just seems insane...

Sky sources: Juventus accept undisclosed bid from Sunderland for midfielder Emanuele Giaccherini #SSN Thats an astonishing signing if it happens...

Porto - Hugo Almeida and Bruno Morais were 19. Hugo Luz and Helder Postiga were 20, both costas and Bosingwa were 21. All first team. Chelsea - Robben was 20, Cech and Joe Cole were 21, Kalou played at 18 Inter - Blooded Balotelli, Santon and Destro Madrid - You could conceivably argue (I certainly will) that he developed Ozil, Khedira, Di maria, Varane, Callejon.

Yup pretty similar

Agree completely, it makes no sense to play a system where we restrict the number of players we can play in our deepest and best position. Just playing devil's advocate

He played a 4312 while he was at Inter a LOT. Julio Cesar Maicon Lucio Samuel Chivu Cambiasso Zannetti Stankovic Sneijder Eto'o Milito 4231 was his defensive shape as his wingers would contain opposition fullbacks, so he gradually switched to it as the season progressed.

This is so disingenuous. Madrid didn't have infighting BECAUSE of a deep squad. Top teams need quality depth if they want to win anything. Bayern in their band of three now have Kroos, Muller, Robben, Ribery, Gotze, Shaquiri. They seem fairly content with life dont you think...? Oh yeah and from what I hear they're pretty good too.

If I was a pro I would happily take my salary in freddos, a fine call.

Mikel has always been a better player as the sole holding player in a 433. 4231 is a less good formation for him as it gives him added responsibility to create from deep, whereas before he could distribute to the two central midfielders ahead of him. 4231 doesn't play to his strengths, but I think he's an excellent player when his strengths are catered for.

Oh man maybe I didn't phrase this well. What I meant was that Hazard, being our best or second best player, is likely to start a LOT. Hazard also normally plays on the left, which is also where Schurrle plays. I wasn't suggesting we bench Hazard for Schurrle, I was just wondering whether Schurrle would ever appear in a line-up with Hazard, given that they both prefer to be on the left, and if they did both start, then where each player would be... My apologies for the lack of clarity.

But then you have Schurrle out of his best position and you take away a major part of his game, namely his ability to cut onto his strong foot and shoot.

Him and Oscar always look as though they've come to the game straight from school... Weird to think a couple of years ago we had a super old squad

I'd still say we're in pole position. Even if he wants to go elsewhere he can't unless we are outbid, which given we are the only club to submit a formal bid so far, looks unlikely for the moment.

Curious to see what happens to Hazard if Schurrle plays predominantly on the left. Eden on the right or in the middle, or will they never play together... Glad Jose's in charge and not me

Looks fairly likely to be Van Ginkel

At the VERY LEAST we have to keep him until he single-handedly beats United/Arsenal/Liverpool and press can write headlines like "Moses Parts Red Sea"