Kevin de Bruyne

[mediator 2,026]

He wants to sign Witsel

[TorontoChelsea 4,064]

Is it so hard to have both Schurrle and KDB playing for Chelsea this year?

KDB, Moses, Oscar, Schurrle, Hazard, Mata. 6 Players for 3 positions, and considering the makeup of those players, it offers great depth and versatility.

It would be a disaster for at least one player. ) Let's say we play 60 games. That's a total of 180 starts. These 6 players started 253 games last season in Europe and that's with De Bruyne not playing in Europe, with Moses going off to Afcon, with Oscar taking some time to get into the starting XI, etc...Beyond that, there is a massive problem with usage. Chelsea took 16.5 shots a game last season. That number will be around the same this season. You want the striker, Mata, and Hazard taking about half your shots. Then, you've got the set plays and corner where defenders get shots, then you've got your central midfielders like Ramires and Lampard who will also shoot. There really aren't a lot of shots available unless they will start to take away from other players' opportunities. (Mata and Hazard most likely). When you bring in new players, it's not just addition, it's about fitting them in. De Bruyne was excellent last season as the field general who had a lot of freedom to do what he wanted in a team which basically disregarded defense.Schurrle is a very good player, but he took 3.5+ shots a game last season. At Chelsea, both players would come in and be asked to play a completely different role. I think KDB would actually be a better fit because we need someone who can cross into the box with regularity, but I keep seeing this absurd idea that KDB or Schurrle will be able to duplicate what they did last season. Offensive success is very much tied to usage.

[YVT 15]

If De Bruyne can keep his high level of the last 6/7 international games, and José is in the stadium. He definitely will be in our squad next season. No way they will loan/sell him then.

[LDN Blue 7,903]

I think KDB would actually be a better fit because we need someone who can cross into the box with regularity, but I keep seeing this absurd idea that KDB or Schurrle will be able to duplicate what they did last season. Offensive success is very much tied to usage.

Completely agree with you. It's going to be a different environment as well, where the system and tactics will be a lot different. Not to mention the pace of the league. You, quite rightly, already mentioned Oscar as a case and point.. A guy who needed time with that trio and was often the one sacrificed until Bentiez managed to get them all ticking. The question then becomes, are KdB & Andre Schurrle strong enough to overcome the same pressures to adapt that guys like Oscar were forced to endure?

[Leif 6,006]

Looks like he's playing on the right wing tonight.

[Barbara 15,149]

my boy!!!!!!

wish him the best luck tonight!

I agree, G., he's amazing in the wings. I want him so bad next season!!!! I wonder how much he'll develop under Mou

Have a nice match, my love, enjoy it at the pub for both of us @mediator

[Keikoismad 162]

COOMMMOOOOON BELGIUM

[Severinb 309]

He just played a world class ball to benteke what a talent he is!

And witsel is such a good player would be my transfer target number 1!

[Leif 6,006]

Amazing work rate at the moment. Chasing down the keeper etc.

[Sir Mikel OBE 4,920]

What a pass!

[Sir Mikel OBE 4,920]

What a goal!

[nono 791]

Goaaallllllllllllllllllllllllll

[Gilvorak 3,734]

He can't play RW guys. We're clearly deluded.

[Keikoismad 162]

we ARE BELGIUM WE ARE BELGIUM DE BRUYNEEEE

[Severinb 309]

Jose has to get him back to solve our RW problems and can play in the pivot! Great player just great!

[Barbara 15,149]

my boy!!!!!!

wish him the best luck tonight!

It worked!!!!! Kevin scored

1x0 Belgium!!!

[Jusek 2,031]

Nice to see him scoring a header. I think heading is one of his weaknesses.

[Barbara 15,149]

how did Benteke miss that?

Lukaku wouldn't have