Wishlist Hulk

[Strike 7,492]

Exactly. I thought it was well known to all that we were playing defensive football not by choice but because there was no other way. I don't know how some did not see that. Like I said, they've unfortunately become deluded as to where to draw the line between defence and attack. Do you see the top teams getting their attackers to defend? That is a very small club mentality.

we are a small club atm. we may be famous all over the world but our play is small club play. we don't go to barca, bayern real and attack, mate. that's delusional thinking. a neutral would say that our build-up play was shit last season. we sat back and defended against Benfica, Tottenham, Liverpool as well last season. don't expect it to miraculously change overnight. it will still be almost the same players with hazard on the left (maybe one more first-team signing will be made, but that's about it) we will be better against liverpool, tottenham etc and maybe even bossing some of them but even next season we will go to bayern, barca, real and play deep counter strategy. that's where defensive responsibilities are needed the Most. Listen to Martin Tyler in the CL final and educate yourself before calling me deluded

i am being realistic while you are being optimistic that we will play much better ground passing i.e attacking football next season. it may happen but with the players we have as of now - highly unlikely with the players we have and without a change in system. don't think di matteo will change the system. maybe he will add a new system but the deep counter is the way we will play against the big clubs atleast

[Stats 7,147]

Oh, I'm in the same camp as you, it definitely wasn't pure luck against Barca. It was sheer determination more than anything.

Ramires works as a right winger against Barcelona. He doesn't work against the likes of Stoke. Sturridge would be effective there if he actually wanted to play there but he doesn't. That leaves us with no recognised right sided forward. That's why someone like Hulk is needed.

Oh, I'm in the same camp as you, it definitely wasn't pure luck against Barca. It was sheer determination more than anything.

Ramires works as a right winger against Barcelona. He doesn't work against the likes of Stoke. Sturridge would be effective there if he actually wanted to play there but he doesn't. That leaves us with no recognised right sided forward. That's why someone like Hulk is needed.

The sad thing is Sturridge best performances were coming the right wing but his play seemed to be one dimensional and his performances level dropped. Hulk is expensive but no matter what league he played in I think he will be a brilliant signing. He is much better than Sturridge levek of ability and while many feel Hulk will be found out in the Premiership, I feel he can only excel with better players around him.

[TorontoChelsea 4,064]

Like Torres? Or Shevchenko? Or Ibrahimovic? Or Kaka?

Established stars sometimes don't warrant that price either.

Drogba and van Nistelrooy were strikers who came from weaker leagues for big prices in their day. Both thrived and excelled in a stronger environment playing with better players. There is no general rule.

Mata is 24 and Hulk is still 25 so there isn't 3 years between them. Although this debate is a waste of time IMO because a 25 year old should hardly be considered 'over the hill'. He should arguably be in or reaching his prime.

One of the things that Hulk does have on a par with established stars is the unique marketing opportunities available to us with him. He is also like 'one of their own' in Japan and Asia, and a huge draw over there. We obviously are not just buying him as a product, but it would take into consideration his price tag if more money can be made from his name and marketing potential.

Gone through 95 times out of 100? Well they haven't beaten us in the last 7 games over recent years so that doesn't really add up. And it's not just those games - they didn't win their league this year so something obviously went wrong in their results. I agree with the previous post, for all their pretty passing football, they lack a plan B. If they don't pass it through you they won't find a way through.

I'm not saying Hulk is the best player in the world or anything, but he will offer something which we don't seem to have now Drogba has left and Lampard plays much deeper. A genuine threat from outside the box. It scares teams from dropping too deep if we have a player who can bash a goal in from 25-30 yards. They will look to close him down which brings players out of a rigid formation and opens up spaces for others.

Yes, Barca would have gone through 95 times out of 100. I didn't think anybody, even Chelsea fans, would disagree. How we did against Barca 5 years ago is irrelevant. This Chelsea team was (ironically) the worst in years. They outshot us 47-11 over two games. We had 3 scoring opportunities in 2 games and scored on all of them. We got lucky. There's no shame in that, but saying that Barca have to change their style of play because of what happened against Chelsea is just ridiculous.

And Mata was 23 when he moved here and Hulk will be 26 in a month. That's a 3 year difference.I'm not saying that 26 is over the hill, it isn't, but there is a difference between buying a mid-career player and buying someone like Hazard who is very likely to improve.

[YouNameIt 1,511]

you are not getting my damn point. there is a big difference between defensive wingers and defensively responsible wingers. get that in your head first. i am saying that we should go on the attack against the midtable teams and even liverpool, everton but when we face bayern, barca its different. listen to martin tyler in the CL final and don't tell me he is deluded as well. he clearly said that we should be wary of over-committing. yes, we may have better wingers next year but that doesn't mean we are a devastating attacking force overnight. even Ashley Cole himself said that when facing Barca you don't know who you are up against on the flanks. it may be iniesta, messi, fabregas, alves, cuenca, surely you are not suggesting we attack ALWAYs with the double pivot we have

There is no other team like Barca, so when speaking in general terms u cannot use Barca as an example. And you are missing a point... If we, when we (counter)attack actually manage to score or get a decent goal-chance and dont lose the ball as much due to insecurity, slow moving or horrible passing we wont have to have the whole team defending. There is a differance in losing the ball due to mistakes and create a dangerous situation and to allow the other team to create the chances. I cant remember how many times I saw Chelsea fummling with the ball, losing it and then either almost conceding a goal or actually do. And many times these mistakes were in the defense, and the reason as I see it was that they didnt know what to do with the ball. There was zero creativity.

Once again, using barca is a poor example beacuse they are a unique team and we will always be able to adapt our tactics against such team, because unlike barca we are actual able to adapt and have a plan b.

[Strike 7,492]

There is no other team like Barca, so when speaking in general terms u cannot use Barca as an example. And you are missing a point... If we, when we (counter)attack actually manage to score or get a decent goal-chance and dont lose the ball as much due to insecurity, slow moving or horrible passing we wont have to have the whole team defending. There is a differance in losing the ball due to mistakes and create a dangerous situation and to allow the other team to create the chances. I cant remember how many times I saw Chelsea fummling with the ball, losing it and then either almost conceding a goal or actually do. And many times these mistakes were in the defense, and the reason as I see it was that they didnt know what to do with the ball. There was zero creativity.

Once again, using barca is a poor example beacuse they are a unique team and we will always be able to adapt our tactics against such team, because unlike barca we are actual able to adapt and have a plan b.

as i said, barca-real-bayern i.e the big teams. you can loosely add the top 2 english teams to that as well

agree with the zero creativity. we need to play better passing football and retain the ball better. personally, i want di matteo to change this system where he keeps 6 players in defensive positions. as kof said, we have to be dynamic next season.

Hulk gives us that extra attacking weapon we need but i would rather pick Ramires on the flank for a game against big opponents with world class wingers

[The Skipper 20,609]

we are a small club atm. we may be famous all over the world but our play is small club play. we don't go to barca, bayern real and attack, mate. that's delusional thinking.

How many times have we seen Real Madrid go all out attack against Barcelona? Exactly. By your logic Real are a small club as well.

You're being delusional by thinking that having a potential line up of Torres, Hazard, Mata and Hulk wouldn't threaten the likes of Barcelona or Real. That front line is as good as any in Europe.

You go on and criticise how we have the mind set of a small club yet want us to sign wingers who are good when given defensive responsibility?

Contradicting yourself mate.

[English Freak 456]

I probably am Hulk's biggest criticizer on the talk-chelsea forums but I have to say that Hulk is the best RW available in the market this season.

He might not be world-class but it seems as though he would add a different dimension to our attack.

Apologises to all TC forum users for my pathetic posts/responses as to why we shouldn't be buying Hulk.

[KonohasOrangeFlash 2,607]

we are a small club atm.

Wow. I stopped reading there...We are getting the players to play attacking football. Thank God. Enough of this defensive anti-football crap. Let's do what Arsenal can't and WIN with style.

[Strike 7,492]

How many times have we seen Real Madrid go all out attack against Barcelona? Exactly. By your logic Real are a small club as well.

You're being delusional by thinking that having a potential line up of Torres, Hazard, Mata and Hulk wouldn't threaten the likes of Barcelona or Real. That front line is as good as any in Europe.

You go on and criticise how we have the mind set of a small club yet want us to sign wingers who are good when given defensive responsibility?

Contradicting yourself mate.

, for the record I will say exactly what i wanted to say and what a lot of people misinterpreted

#smallclubmentality - i meant last Season when we didnt attack against Benfica, Spurs and Liverpool as well. Also

#smashingsmall clubs - yes we should play ATTACKING players against small teams - (i consider liverpool, newcastle, arsenal as small teams)

[Strike 7,492]

Wow. I stopped reading there...We are getting the players to play attacking football. Thank God. Enough of this defensive anti-football crap. Let's do what Arsenal can't and WIN with style.

we'd need a creative mid in addition to Hulk

[Stats 7,147]

I probably am Hulk's biggest criticizer on the talk-chelsea forums but I have to say that Hulk is the best RW available in the market this season.

He might not be world-class but it seems as though he would add a different dimension to our attack.

Apologises to all TC forum users for my pathetic posts/responses as to why we shouldn't be buying Hulk.

I probably am Hulk's biggest criticizer on the talk-chelsea forums but I have to say that Hulk is the best RW available in the market this season.

He might not be world-class but it seems as though he would add a different dimension to our attack.

Apologises to all TC forum users for my pathetic posts/responses as to why we shouldn't be buying Hulk.

Thank you, he will vastly improve us. He strikes the fear out of defenders and his goalscoring record speaks a lot. Whilst Ramires put in brilliant performances on the right wing it is not his natural position. The difference with Hulk is that he has the strength, pace, skill, technique and versitality to succeed here

[YouNameIt 1,511]

as i said, barca-real-bayern i.e the big teams. you can loosely add the top 2 english teams to that as well

agree with the zero creativity. we need to play better passing football and retain the ball better. personally, i want di matteo to change this system where he keeps 6 players in defensive positions. as kof said, we have to be dynamic next season.

Hulk gives us that extra attacking weapon we need but i would rather pick Ramires on the flank for a game against big opponents with world class wingers

I belive we will be. I think our team will be very dynamic and we will be able to shift our tactics and approach nicely. A great way to start, perhaps the first 60 minutes or so would be:

Cech

Ivanovic - Cahill - Luiz - Cole

Mikel/Romeu

Hulk - Mata - Hazard

Sturridge - Torres

or

Cech

Iva - cahill - luiz - cole

Romeu - Mikel

Hulk/Ramires - Mata - Hazard/Marin

Torres/Sturridge

When a more defensive tactic is more needed, we could go for something like:

Cech

Iva - cahill - terry - cole

Mikel - Romeu

Ramires/Hulk - Mata/Meireles - Hazard

Torres

or even

Cech

iva - cahill - luiz - cole

Romeu - Mikel - Lampard/Meireles

Hulk/Ramires - Torres - Hazard/Mata

Plus we'll also have Bertrand who has really stepped up bigtime, with Terry also not ruled out. I think we will look impressive with Hulk as an addition. Just having someone who can offload Ivanovic some would be awesome, though not a replacement yet. Our defensive capabilities are great, with cahill, luiz and terry at the center and mikel who i belive is great and will be greater plus Romeu who most seem to have forgotten.

[The Skipper 20,609]

, for the record I will say EXACTLY what i wanted to say and what a lot of people misinterpreted within the 100 different points i tried to put across in the last hour.

#smallclubmentality - i meant last Season when we didnt attack against Benfica, Spurs and Liverpool as well.

I see what you mean mate, perhaps could've worded it a little better but regarding the way we played against the likes of Benfica, Spurs et al last season was due to the fact we didn't have the players to attack them. Our wingers were the weakest part of our team. It's no coincidence that a team of:

Malouda - Drogba - Anelka

Lampard - Essien - Ballack

Is way stronger than a team of:

Mata - Torres - Kalou

Lampard - Ramires

Mikel

The previous team allowed us to dominate almost any team, I really loved that Chelsea, but the latter one is too weak to create any sort of consistent attacking threat.

The signings of Hazard and Hulk would change that latter team immensely.

[Strike 7,492]

let's all cover up that tactical discussion with some Hulk related posts. We don't want BlueLion to try out his new Ban system now

Hulk is a no-brainer . i can understand some people having reservations over Hulk's price but whom would they have ahead of Hulk? Johnson? Krasic? Hell NO

[TorontoChelsea 4,064]

Like Torres? Or Shevchenko? Or Ibrahimovic? Or Kaka?

Established stars sometimes don't warrant that price either.

Drogba and van Nistelrooy were strikers who came from weaker leagues for big prices in their day. Both thrived and excelled in a stronger environment playing with better players. There is no general rule.

Forgot to respond to this point. No, big name stars don't always make up for their transfer fees and sometimes players from smaller leagues turn out to be great. But, sometimes you can get a royal flush at poker, it doesn't mean you should go all-in every hand just in case you get one. It's about making smart bets and minimizing risk. If you have 38M pounds to spend, spend it well. Last, year in the premier League, 38M would have got you Mata, Arteta, Scott Parker, Demba Ba, and James McClain. Or, Papa Cisse, Nasri, Danny Graham, and Vorm. If you're going to pay more than 25-30M or so for a player, you have to be certain that they will be a superstar calibre player.Otherwise, It's better to spread the money out to minimize risk. While it's possible Hulk is that superstar guy, it's also quite possible he isn't and for 38M, you can't take the risk at such a high price. If the rumours are true and Chelsea are not willing to get into a bidding war, this would signal a start to a smarter transfer policy and I'd be very happy. I suppose we'll see.

[Strike 7,492]

I belive we will be. I think our team will be very dynamic and we will be able to shift our tactics and approach nicely. A great way to start, perhaps the first 60 minutes or so would be:

would prefer Ramires as a B2B than Romeu. added attacking option plus his stamina enables him to get back and defend. our very own yaya toure.

Torres

Hazard Mata Hulk

Ramires Lampard

Shit just got real

[KonohasOrangeFlash 2,607]

Edited

our very own new Essien.

Toure is a poor mans Essien (at his prime).

I'd like to see a midfield of Romeu-Ramires

[YouNameIt 1,511]

would prefer Ramires as a B2B than Romeu. added attacking option plus his stamina enables him to get back and defend. our very own yaya toure.

Torres

Hazard Mata Hulk

Ramires Lampard

Shit just got real

Agreed. My point was that we will indeed be able to rotate and play in various different ways and still (on paper) be strong, as you also say. We can use Lampard, Mikel, Romeu and Ramires as DM, that is in my eyes enough quality there.

Hazard, Mata, Hulk, Marin and then torres, sturridge up front. These players in harmony together is, again on paper, a devastating team with versatility. I cant wait for the new season to start!

[Strike 7,492]

Edited

Toure is a poor mans Essien (at his prime).

I'd like to see a midfield of Romeu-Ramires

Torres

Hazard Mata Hulk

Ramires Romeu

Now that's team may become a devastating attacking force

[Strike 7,492]

Forgot to respond to this point. No, big name stars don't always make up for their transfer fees and sometimes players from smaller leagues turn out to be great. But, sometimes you can get a royal flush at poker, it doesn't mean you should go all-in every hand just in case you get one. It's about making smart bets and minimizing risk. If you have 38M pounds to spend, spend it well. Last, year in the premier League, 38M would have got you Mata, Arteta, Scott Parker, Demba Ba, and James McClain. Or, Papa Cisse, Nasri, Danny Graham, and Vorm. If you're going to pay more than 25-30M or so for a player, you have to be certain that they will be a superstar calibre player.Otherwise, It's better to spread the money out to minimize risk. While it's possible Hulk is that superstar guy, it's also quite possible he isn't and for 38M, you can't take the risk at such a high price. If the rumours are true and Chelsea are not willing to get into a bidding war, this would signal a start to a smarter transfer policy and I'd be very happy. I suppose we'll see.

The chelsea scouting team maybe shit But you would need to be God to pick out unheralded talent like that. by your point, we should be signing the likes of Junior Hoilett. your logic is wrong though you have a point. we should indeed be looking at Cabaye, Debuchy etc but we need TOP quality in one or two positions and for that we have to pay,mate