Schurrle signing confirmed; will wear #14

[CHOULO19 24,332]

I don't understand how this is our first priority this transfer season. We have three of him already; and they're all better.

This was our priority because our main issue last season was squad depth especially in the attacking midfield area. Hazard and especially Mata were worked to death last season and it was a miracle neither of them suffered long-term injuries.

Our next priority, imo is a central midfielder and a goal keeper.

[remains of the day 564]

A stat that might cheer everyone up about this signing - has anyone else wondered why we don't seem to do a lot of through balls? From whoscored, the top two players with the highest percentage of accurate through balls....

Cazorla 33 (accurate) - 66 attempts

Silva 17 (accurate) 46 attempts

Compare this to our playermakers - Mata has the highest, 8 out of 16 attempts and hazard 2nd highest, 5 out of 9 attempts. I checked the numbers for kdb & Schurrle to compare and even though kdb attempted more through balls, 18 to Schurrle's 12 however Schurrle completed 8 accurate through balls to kdb's 7.

So my point in showing this is that while I understand why some people might question this signing and why people might have concerns, however there is clearly a different dimension that schurlle brings that our scouts believe would benefit the team. It might not be apparent to the untrained eye, but we only have to look at his stats to see that 1. he takes on players more often than any other player in our squad and 2. he's more penetrative and incisive with his passes than the players we have. Here's hoping that he'll surprise everyone.

[NiclasCFC 2,582]

Its done! he will wear the nr 14 shirt, isnt that Kevins number?

http://www.chelseafc.com/news-article/article/3219878/title/schurrle-signing-completed

[petr.breu 1,618]

So welcome :blue scalf:

[Billy. 2,742]

Welcome to Chelsea

[Melanicus 5,208]

'I am so happy now I have signed and it is an honour for me to play for this club, with this team and for these great fans,' Schurrle said. 'I am really looking forward to it.'

[Jype 6,398]

De Bruyne's number 14 shirt.

[Pizy 18,848]

Yeah, I think 14 was indeed De Bruyne's number.

Maybe he'll take 12 if Mikel is indeed sold? Malouda's 15?

[Peppen 934]

Welcome, André

[Special Juan 28,089]

http://www.chelseafc.com/news-article/article/3219878/title/schurrle-signing-completed

[Leif 6,006]

If he matures on the field, and by that I simply mean make the simple pass instead of the long-shot sometimes, I'll probably laugh at my previous comments about him and call myself an idiot.

Dug up some old games of his from Mainz thanks to some guys on BigSoccer and I think his potential is higher than I originally rated. Excited.

[The Skipper 20,609]

Andre Schürrle: Was the 10th highest rated player in the Bundesliga last season, with an average rating of 7.62 - http://t.co/R9WNsYfQHk