Raul Meireles

[diskoviolente 425]

The only plus side to this deal is that Oriol could get more games.

The horrible downside is that we bought him for 12m. and sold him for 8m. And that we probably are about to see a lot more of the magic that "Mikel-Lampard" are working out together.

Another plus side could be that with Raul gone Oscars opertunity for a starting place just openend up.

All in all, I am not convinced by this deal.

[TorontoChelsea 4,064]

You're calling Yaya Toure a 'Creative' player? i mean sure he's technical, can move the ball nicely, but i dont think he's extremely creative as a midfielder.

Yes, Ya Ya Toure definitely has the ability to create. For example, last season, he created a chance once every 49 minutes. He had 6 assists in the league. Ramires, on the other hand, had had 2 assists in about 60 league games over 2 years and created a chance once every 124 minutes last season. Ya Ya Toure is not a prototypical creative deep-lying midfielder (like Iniesta or Xabi Alonso) -he's really a box to box midfielder, but he's such a well-rounded and fantastic player that he'll fit into any system and he is definitely creative enough to play in that role. Ya Ya Toure is an excellent passer. Ramires is not.

[Amblève. 4,995]

Think of Zidane in his prime mixed with Frank Rijkaard.

Now imagine a 10th of that player with 1 leg.

Post of the day!

[TheCount 146]

Terrible, was a great squad player, had more to give then essien to,

I never understand chelsea's board its like they year in year out try to handicap the team as best they can before they set out to anything.

[Kieran. 6,317]

Thanks for your magnificent performances vs. Barcelona, Raul!

Best of luck.

[amewrika 0]

Hi again.

We are happy for transfer of course. You dont even know our midfield player Selçuk Şahin

Watch his magnificent pass (min 93, last chance for winning goal):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tH-Pz3DMyc0

[Joker10 946]

Your post just gave me goosebumps bro...

Who should back up Lampard?? I wish Lampard was the back up!

Oscar will compete against Lampard. Here is a quote from Oscar weeks back

'It would be in the position of Lampard. The Di Matteo spoke and said that one of my strengths will be playing there. But playing in the position of Mata also open game, he knows it. It's a smart coach. Chelsea have not only I, but other versatile players."

Not sure if he means in the double pivot or Lampard LCM role in 4-3-3.

Link:http://www.weaintgotnohistory.com/2012/8/22/3260151/what-do-chelsea-see-as-oscars-eventual-position

[Tomo 21,685]

Like Joker10 said, this transfer clearly shows that Oscar will be in the double pivot before long.

[Justin_3d 1,140]

it almost like i hope and also dont at same time that oscar fits in the pivot. if he fails there, then a switch to 433 is a must. but if he doesnt fail , rambo will continually be used on the wing. jus gota wait and fucking see.

I don't think Ramires will be used on the wing anymore, with Moses and Marin in the team.

Moses was not used in the last game cause he just got here, and Marin still injured.

[Justin_3d 1,140]

Ramires is not the right player for the double pivot role. You need to be a creative passer to play there and that's just not Ramires. Also, don't see how this would get Romeu more time because he's a straight defensive midfielder which is Mikel's spot and he's still around. I have no idea what RDM is going to do though because no options really make sense.

As some people pointed out, we might be playing a 4-3-3.

RDM did use a 4-1-4-1 in the pre-season....and to be fair, I never seen such a thing in big teams!

[robdog 2,084]

I don't think Ramires will be used on the wing anymore, with Moses and Marin in the team.

Moses was not used in the last game cause he just got here, and Marin still injured.

I like that...remember when CFC destroyed man shitty a couple of seasons ago...when Ray Mears got the goal of the year? he was playing in the middle of that one & just shredded the man shitty center & chipped Hart from about close range??

I think we would see more of that if Ray Mears was in the middle of the park.

[Duppy Conqueror 1,451]

I like that...remember when CFC destroyed man shitty a couple of seasons ago...when Ray Mears got the goal of the year? he was playing in the middle of that one & just shredded the man shitty center & chipped Hart from about close range??

I think we would see more of that if Ray Mears was in the middle of the park.

Ray Mears is a nature survival expert who has his own shows that are quite popular in the u.k

always good to see that goal again tho. gotta love Rami..switch back to a 4-3-3 permanently (or atleast till we get more players suited to another formation) and we be sorted with what we have got.

[OneMoSalah 8,619]

Ah that Man City game, where David Luiz was rock solid, had Edin Dzeko in his back pocket and didn't try to be Ronaldinho at the back. Why can't he not be like that now.

[xPetrCechx 13,548]

Ah that Man City game, where David Luiz was rock solid, had Edin Dzeko in his back pocket and didn't try to be Ronaldinho at the back. Why can't he not be like that now.

His Jokes ruined his brain...

[Tacticalpanic 17]

Meireles wasn't a superstar for us , but he'll always be remembered as one of the ten warriors at camp nou.

[Kojo 4,676]

Thanks for everything Raul, he was great against Barcelona, took one for the team and shown full commitment and passion even though it cost him probably his only CL final he will ever play in... What a guy!, also had cool hair, best of luck lad.

[robdog 2,084]

Thanks for everything Raul, he was great against Barcelona, took one for the team and shown full commitment and passion even though it cost him probably his only CL final he will ever play in... What a guy!, also had cool hair, best of luck lad.

I liked his tats better. He has a nice looking sleeve of ink there

[drog.ba 239]

Like Joker10 said, this transfer clearly shows that Oscar will be in the double pivot before long.

Not sure how it shows this, Oscar is an attacking midfielder and he isn't strong defensively. Think we should be looking to build the team around him as our no.10. Can see him really struggling if he's made to play deeper.

Getting £8m for Merieles is good business I think, given his age