Rekin

Hard working player, versatile offensive midfielder, played in the most similar top team in Europe to us, we have a player that both teams want to transfer between each other, players agent confirm he has concrete offers. Honestly, I think its a no-brainer that one of the teams looking to sign him is us. It would make sense and we have the means to greatly reduce his price, which is already heavily rumored to be below his buy-out. There are a lo of sexier names out there, but Turan feels like a pretty low-risk signing as long as he isnt too expensive.

No concrete offer. In other words, Chelsea have not yet gone all in on Baba.

I dont know if it is true, but if juventus are indeed interested in Oscar, Salah and Cuadrado then we have an opportunity to get Pogba. While I doubt that all three can be swapped, surely 1-2 can with cash added. That way we get rid of underperforming players, get the worlds by far most desired young player and still have enough cash to pursue other targets should the need exist. To be honest this circus has been going on for too long and I doubt we will get him. The only thing changed is that I believe hat the small chance has become a little bigger. If this summer culminated with us getting Pogba, Baba, Umtiti/Stones, Turan and Falcao, I will be very happy (not for Falcao though, dude is terrible).

It does actually make a lot of sense. Luis is likely to leave from what we have heard, Azpilicueta is a monster in the defensive but poor going forward (not to mention right-footed) and Dasilva too young. I have tried to find some Augsburg games and combining that with youtube my opinion is that he is not only highly promising, but already very good. We would continue next season with the same full-backs starting, and Baba would be Cesar's understudy. Next season he could be ready to be the first choice. Quite pricey yes, but if we manage to secure an excellent left back then 20m euro is nothing over several years.

I was hoping he would be replacing Oscar, too bad that he went to the most vile club imaginable. Quite a high price though, unless they offload Sterling they will not be buying much more.

Have only seen him a handful of times, so unable to give any in depth analysis. From what I could see he is overall a good CB without any outstanding qualities or weaknesses. The type of player you can see needs some new challenges to reach his true potential. Less physical than Zouma, but better positioning and technique. They could complement each other well. For anyone who is interested, these are the 5 highest ranked CB's under 22 with at least 16 starts in Europe: 1. Gimenez, Atletico - 7,54 2. J. Stones, Everton - 7,20 3. Marquinhos, PSG - 7,19 4. A. Laporte, Athletic - 7,19 5. S. Umtiti, Lyon - 7,15 When it comes to statistics it is always harder to maintain a high rating the more games are included. Umtiti has played the most minutes in the top5 (over 3000 min), and almost twice as much as each of the top3. With Laporte having signed a new contract at Athletic, Marq being in PSG and Varane unlikely to leave Madrid, I think that if Chelsea is on the hunt for a young CB then their best option is one of Gimenez (although I dont know if that is realistic), Stones and Umtiti.

Whats the attraction with him? Looking at his stats he comes off extremely average with no standout strength. Below average defensive contribution, few key passes, few dribbles and few shots. He has a high pass success, but considering his low amount of key passes it implies many of these passes are safe ones. This while playing in the best team of a subpar league really does not scream quality signing.

Eh what? No offense meant, but this is both unclear and a very poor representation of what kind of player Xhaka is. He is on the slow side yeah, that much is true. To label him as a 2nd-tier Fabregas is just wrong though. If anything he resembles a young Xabi Alonso. Coincidently, he had the second highest amount of succeeded passes in bundesliga after Xabi, which is no small feat. He was quite inconsistent last season, but the one that just ended he has been very good in for a majority of the games. He is just 22, and like most players at this age he will have his peaks and valleys. No one doubted Hazard's class in is first season with us, but he had a lot of substandard games then as well. He is good at passing, but not as good as Fabregas (which the stats support). The advantage of the player though is that in difference from Fabregas, he is also very, very strong defensively, something that has been a problem for CFC the past season in top games. I suggested Xhaka not because he is an improved Fabregas, but because he is a more complete central midfielder.

Koke and Pogba are two of the hottest names in world football today, and fans on every football forum get ecstatic if any of those two are rumoured to their clubs. Both are young, and most see them playing in the central midfield role. Both also play for top clubs and would be extremely expensive and hard to get. While these two might be the most hyped ones, I thought it would be interesting to do a statistical analysis of CM/DM's in the very early 20's and see who the hottest prospects based on their role characteristics are (Pogba and Koke included for hype-comparison, Matic and Fabregas included for familiarity-comparison). The players are expected to be 23 at most, play in one of the better leagues where a lot of statistical information is available, must have had a good season (based on their rating, above 7,0 which only Pasalic and Van Ginkel did not have) and played for more than 15 games from the start. The statistics have been chosen to show whether the player is well rounded, or just very good in one area. I know WhoScored gets a lot of crap, so please understand that this is no ultimate proof of how good a player is, but at the same time a player who for example has had a high amount of successful tackles during the whole season is likely to be good at just that. There are many other factors involved, but this never the less gives a good first look. The stats are per game (bold for highest stat, underlined for worst, italic for most hyped players not including Cesc and Matic): Name Age Dribbles Tackles Interceptions Aerial Duels Key Passes Passes Pass Success Through Balls Long Balls Shots Pogba 22 2,9 2,2 0,7 1,4 1,4 46,6 83,8% 0,1 3,2 2,2 Koke 23 0,5 2,8 1,2 0,7 1,9 52,7 78,7% 0,1 1,8 1,3 Xhaka 22 1,4 2,7 2,7 3,2 0,7 78,2 86,1% 0,2 7,8 2,0 Kondogbia 22 1,7 3,1 2,5 1,3 0,4 55,0 86,2% >0,1 2,5 1,2 Imbula 22 3,0 2,4 1,2 1,2 0,9 53,8 89,8% 0,1 3,4 1,3 Verratti 22 2,0 3,0 1,5 0,3 1,2 90,6 91,5% 0,5 4,6 0,4 Sanson 20 2,5 3,2 1,4 0,9 1,2 34,5 81,0% 0,1 2,4 1,4 Geis 21 0,1 2,1 2,3 2,0 2,2 53,6 72,3% >0,1 8,3 2,3 Kovacic 20 2,6 1,6 0,6 0,3 1,8 53,1 87,5% 0,3 1,7 1,2 Pasalic 20 0,7 1,4 1,0 1,8 0,4 28,5 80,3% >0,1 2,2 1,0 Van Ginkel 22 0,3 1,8 1,6 1,9 0,9 38,8 84,7% 0,1 3,4 0,6 Isco 23 3,5 1,7 0,8 0,4 1,6 51,4 88,0% 0,2 1,4 1,3 Wanyama 23 1,2 2,9 1,9 2,2 0,5 47,3 84,1% 0,1 2,1 0,9 Fabregas 28 1,1 2,6 0,7 0,8 2,8 80,6 85,2% 0,5 5,4 1,3 Matic 26 1,5 3,6 2,0 2,1 0,7 63,8 86,4% >0,1 3,3 0,8 That is a lot to process, but the key question is what implications can be taken from this. This topic is named Xhaka, and I think the numbers explain why quite well. Other than Veratti who is a beast, there is no more well rounded player in this register. Looking at the numbers of Xhaka, we find someone who is very intimidating physically, shown by his high amount of tackles and aerial duels. His superior amount of interceptions show brains and finesse, the pass numbers that he is comfortable with the ball at his feet (although key passes could use some work for sure) and that he is versatile in distribution, shown by his large amount of long balls and decent amount of through balls. He is also not shy of both dribbling and shooting when given the option. He has a reputation of being extremely driven, and not afraid to show his authority if needed. Clashed with Ter Stegen when they were team-mates. Has a tendency to be involved all over the pitch, supported by having a high amount of passes, shots and defensive stats. I personally believe that he will be at a top club within two years, and if the leadership at CFC decided against making RLC, Chalobah or any other of the current youngsters a part of the team, then I think Xhaka is a top choice. EDIT: Apologies for the format, it looked quite different on my screen while creating it. I think it is still possible to read the numbers. I also decided against including a video, as highlights rarely give the real picture of a player. There is a lot of content on youtube if anyone is interested.

Fully agree with Mou. RLC is in a spot where there is nothing for him to do in the youth teams so he has to show full commitment on the pitch when he gets the chances. I too wrote after the WBA game that while he clearly has potential, his work rate was far from impressive. Hopefully Ruben takes it the right way and works very hard during the summer, and if he does not then he needs to be put aside for other youngsters who are prepared to give more.

Wow, acne season for Solanke

I understand that this is a PR friendly, but Musonda showed exactly how a youth player should take their chances. There was no fear or holding back, but a determination to show off his full arsenal of skills. Several very good passes, excellent dribbling skills and good positioning. Lack of experience/nerves/whatever stopped him a few times from making the right decision, but he is 18 and it is to be expected. He is another player that either needs a very tailored loan to really benefit from it, or that would be better off from staying with the first team. I know that players dont need the physique of Fellaini to prevail in PL, but Musonda should put on a few. He is very small when compared to even other technical specialists such as Messi, Suarez or Hazard.

I'm really happy he finally got his thread. Last season I found him good but in the "great but not excellent" category that several youth players are in. I got a tip though from a friend in London though to follow him more closely in the youth games, and the result is that I would say he is my favorite youth player now. The danger with him is that his career will depend so much on how his development is undertaken. I get the feeling that for his player-type, a loan to Vitesse or the championship might not be ideal. At Chelsea the position looks rather hard to break in to as well, as Fabregas and Matic are hard to displace, and we have heard rumours of all from Koke and Pogba to Schneiderlin, with RLC also being an outside option. He greatest strength is his vision and passing range, he is actually quite similar to Xavi and Fabregas, but a little bit more tenacious and dynamic in my opinion. Since his greatest strengths are his intelligence and vision he needs to be surrounded with players who know how to exploit this. Put him in an average championship team with Cameron Jerome up front and you know he will become more of a burden that an asset. Personally I would advocate him being given the RLC-treatment. Next season let him train with the first team, the year after that a few cameos and starts in less important games, and then actually try to break him in if he still shows the same potential. It is impossible to forecast how good a player will become, since there are so many factors that we are unaware of. All I know right now is that Colkett is an unusual talent in that he sticks out on his level not due to his physique, goal-scoring or technique (which is also really good), but due to how he directs the game. A huge influence. EDIT: I should add that I often check other forums to get a full picture, and whenever I read the comments about CFC youth games at blue moon or red cafe (when they play against CFC that is) the player they have praised the most is actually Dasilva and Colkett. Praise from the opposition should be considered twice as valuable.

I think I like Musonda more than Boga. Both are far from the first team, but Musonda feels more urgent and involved in the game (of course, the players around him help with that).

second half: Azpi–Terry-Christensen–Dasilva Houghton–Matic Musonda–RLC–Hazard Costa A bit stronger one could say

Was just going to write that Mikel is a talent when it comes to looking average regardless of whether it is Fabregas, RLC or Colkett next to him. How can he seriously still be at the club? I hope we see Dasilva and Musonda on the pitch, and that Colkett stays on. There were many great performances over the season from the youngsters, but the players that impressed me the most were Dasilva and Colkett. I believe that intelligent players have the edge over pure physique, and add the technique, doggedness and precision of the two and you really have something. Both should be given the absolute best circumstances to develop, as both are far from finished products, which makes them even more impressive.

What are peoples opinion about Granit Xhaka? I know he isnt getting linked here, but he is in my opinion a prime talent whose shoes are too big for Gladbach. I scouted him a little during the season, and boy what a player he is. Very solid physically with being both tall and with a good build, but also a smart passer. I think he is the type of player who would thrive here, and is likely to get picked up by Bayern sooner rather than later.

I have honestly seen him play like one time, so I am not a great judge of how good he is. It seems however that he is almost universally considered to have had an amazing season, with great potential. I would really like Dasilva to succeed here, but if the Baba is as great as he is said to be (quick, good tackles and crosses while being two footed) then some competition will not be bad. I love Cesar but I would like a more classical wing back that adds more to the attack, perhaps he could go back to the right side in the future?

Not saying I disagree with you, but could the bold part not be a strength itself? RLC might not be shining a lot, but he is able to allow his midfield partner to do so by giving him more time on the ball and space through his actions? We are at any rate on the path were the youth get more chances than before. Many of them (and us) will get kicked hard by the reality of how big the step up is, which is why it is important that we are patient and trust our manager and coaches to help develop the players.

I championed the signing, but mostly based on his last season in Fiorentina where he was excellent. Anyway, I think he was much better today and was unfortunate to get injured. I will hold off on judging him until next season, as he will have some time to adjust where needed this summer. Hope we see more performances like today from him, because if Willian continues playing like he is right now it will be hard to take his spot. Anyway, a luxury problem.

I believe that RLC has a higher ceiling too, I just want to see him act a bit more lividly in future games, more like a bulldog. There are some things that you can only gain with playing time, and some that you can have when you are 10 already. I felt like there were times against WBA when the opposition was attacking and he was strolling around instead of aggressively positioning himself. While positioning itself comes with time, the intensity of your play can be visible earlier, something we see all the time with Ake. I do still think he did quite well. I do not expect a 19-year old to come in and be like Carrick in terms of distribution or Matic in positioning. He showed that he is not a liability already, and capable of taking over Mikel's spot. Calm in possession, strong in the air, and willing to get the ball. I'm not going to judge his chances before I have seen him start like 15 games or so, before that nerves and inexperience are always going to show themselves. I would love to see a future midfield with RLC and Colkett, as unlikely as it seems. Colkett has completely won me over this season, what a passer.

A lot of noise about the player going to Chelsea, could very well happen. His versatility makes him quite fascinating, as he could play in any of the front four positions. Seeing as he was brilliant as a LW in Sociedad, could we see Hazard move centrally and Griezmann take his spot? I know it is not as defensive as one might like, but it would be deadly going forward. Another option is AG as a second striker, but the same problem as with him as RW would be there, lethal but weak defensively. Costa Griezmann Hazard Willian or Costa Hazard Griezmann Willian Then again they would rotate based on the needs of the team anyway.

"Loftus-Cheek played well, too, starting as the deepest of Chelsea’s midfielders, occasionally stepping in between his centre-halves, looking composed and completing 100% of some safe and sensible passes" "in his hour at Stamford Bridge he looked promising: disciplined, strong and clever off the ball" The Guardian adds to the voices that found RLC to make a promising introduction. They also agree with RLC being the deepest of the midfielders, which to be fair is hardly difficult to see if one focused on the game rather than looking for reasons to bash the player. I wonder if Mou played him as a 6 to see if he could take Mikel's role in the team. I actually thought that except for the positioning that comes with time, RLC showed that he will be able to add at least as much to the team as Mikel right now, and considering his age it is likely that he will be growing in influence the more he plays. Anyway, it is too early and too little to start making huge claims. Right now we should be happy for Ruben that he both got his chance and didnt throw it away. Time will show the rest.

Praise and stats from Sky, WhoScored, our fans, fans from other teams and daily mail suggest that you are the one that is wrong. There is frankly nothing to get over, as most of us are delighted that RLC did as well as he did when thrown up against rather good opposition that needed a result. He was never going to dominate, it was more important that he built a foundation that he can continue building in the next games. I greatly prefer a quiet but stable performance like the one we saw to the crazy hype players such as Macheda get when they score a nice goal and then are expected to top that in each game. This was a sink or swim test, and Ruben swam.

Problem is that people suddenly expect that a youngster will perform some kind of Messi-esque magic in his first start with the senior team. Do you even understand how nervous he must have been? A terrible performance in this kind of game and there is a risk that youre falling behind even further in the pecking order. He was strong in possession, won several balls and intercepted others, had slightly poor positioning at times (due to being out of sync with the others) and looked up for it. I am happy with his debut, and absolutely think that he has a future here. It is really hard to impress in this type of game in his position. I checked the thread over at redcafe, and everyone that mentioned him there (fans of other teams) said he played well and was promising. I can only agree with that.