Transfer Watch – Part 1

[Strike 7,183]

“The early bird gets the worm” – That’s precisely Chelsea’s policy in this transfer window as the club have already confirmed 2 high-profile signings so early in the transfer window. For once, it is heartening to see the club finally decide to create a new team. All these years, Chelsea fans went into the transfer window expecting the squad to be strengthened considerably but were left disappointed. Last season, an AVB-inspired Chelsea went on a summer-long pursuit of Tottenham midfielder Luka Modric only to settle for Raul Meireles on deadline day. Juan Mata, Romelu Lukaku, Oriol Romeu and Thibaut Courtois were also signed in the window as the board looked to infuse youth into an ageing team but unfortunately, with the exception of Juan Mata, none of the others established themselves at the club. This summer though, things look promising as Chelsea have already dipped their toes in the transfer market by snapping up German winger Marko Marin for a mere 7 million and Belgian sensation Eden Hazard for 32 million. With reported interest in a whole host of players across Europe, next season may finally be the start of the post-Mourinho era at Chelsea.

1. Marko Marin

Marko Marin signed for Chelsea at the end of April (rejecting Tottenham) in what was seen as a ‘coup’ at £6 million by most Chelsea fans

Position – Marko Marin will almost certainly be used in the Left Wing position at Chelsea. He plays his best football on the wings and has struggled lately when Werder Bremen used him in the Attacking Midfielder role after Mesut Ozil’s departure.

Strengths -.Comparisons to Lionel Messi may be far-fetched but Marin has built a solid reputation in Germany as an “assist-maker”. His dribbling and acceleration are extremely good and he doesn’t hesitate to take defenders on and get past them. For once, it will be refreshing to see a true winger play on our flanks (Kalou)

Weaknesses - As much as I hate to agree with goal.com, Marin seems to be inept in his decision making on the field. Far from being a Messi, Marin’s style of play is more similar to Real Madrid winger Angel di Maria. Also, there is a big question mark over his fitness.

Tactical Implications

One of the reasons Marko Marin was brought in was to increase the overall strength of the squad. No more of playing Kalou and Malouda in the Champions League final. Plus, Marin is an out and out winger, something Chelsea have been lacking in the last few seasons. We have relied on overlapping full-backs to spread the game wide for a long while now, so Marko Marin will give us a different dimension in attack (something like Jesus Navas for Spain)

Stat – Marko Marin has made 40 assists in under 150 appearances for Borussia Monchengladbach and Werder Bremen.

Verdict – Can’t do worse than Kalouda and at 7 million it’s a very good deal – 7/10

2. Eden Hazard

After a transfer saga that threatened to spread out over the summer, Chelsea signed Eden Hazard from Lille 2 weeks after winning the Champions League. The fact that a manager-less Chelsea beat the Manchester clubs to his signature is particularly satisfying.

Position – Eden Hazard is a player who can play anywhere in attack mainly due to his vast array of skills. Rudi Garcia used him in the attacking midfield role occasionally switching to the flanks but with Juan Mata already occupying the CAM position, I think Eden Hazard will start his Chelsea career out on the wings.

Strengths - Just like Marin, Hazard will add pace and creativity to the side and gives Juan Mata a genuine wing option to pick out. He has brilliant agility, acceleration and is also known for his quick thinking and pin point passing evidenced by consecutive Ligue 1 Player of the Year awards.

Weaknesses – Eden Hazard should take up defensive responsibilities especially in the big games. For example, If Manchester United play Nani at RM and Valencia at RB, Eden Hazard should help out Cole in case he gets double teamed. Of course, his primary intent should be to run at defenders rather than track back to cover Cole but he has shown negligence in his defensive responsibilities. Also, he doesn’t seem to be a good header of the ball and that means both Hazard and Mata won’t go up for headers in attack.

Tactical Implications

di Matteo has a welcome headache in his team selection. With Eden Hazard on one wing and Ramires/Marin/Sturridge on the other, Chelsea’s attacks will be less of “stick it up to Drogba” next season. This falls right into the hands of Fernando Torres who likes to receive through balls rather than crosses. Also, Hazard adds a dynamic edge to the attack with his dribbling skills. He maybe Chelsea’s answer to Ronaldo and Messi

Stat – With his International debut, Hazard became the youngest player to represent Belgium at 17 years and 316 days

Verdict – Unnecessarily raised expectations with the transfer saga but he has the time and ability to live up to it – 9/10

Future Activity

Hulk

With a rumored pricetag of 38 million, the big man from Porto comes at a price but he’s big, he’s strong, he’s fast and you can’t go wrong with that. Hulk is seen as a replacement for Didier Drogba although he primarily plays on the wing. Signing Hulk will give Chelsea depth in the attack and his obvious strengths – strength and speed works well in the Premier League. He has got a bullet of a left foot as well as an astonishing goal-scoring record of 150 goals in 278 appearances overall.

Verdict – Make it happen, Gourlay - 8.5/10

Victor Moses

Is he in the same league as Hulk? No. But Victor Moses looks like the board’s fall back if their primary targets fail. Essentially costing peanuts, Victor Moses is pacy and has a great future ahead of him. He offers depth on the wings and in the centre-forward role

Verdict – Should be considered only if primary targets fail – 6/10

Mathieu Debuchy

Star of the Euros for the French National team, Mathieu Debuchy is a solid right back who plays for Lille. Frankly, he is far better than any of the other fullbacks we have been linked to (Selassie, van der wiel) evidenced by his solid performance against England in the Euros. He seems capable of running up and down the right flank all day long and would be a genuine option to challenge or rotate with Ivanovic for a right back slot.

Verdict – Solid full back. Bench-strength for defence – 7.5/10

The Old Guard is broken up, Mourinho’s shadow is lifted and a new team is being built. The future looks bright for the European Champions as di Matteo heads the dawn of a new era at the club.

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[Blue Armour 4,238]

“The early bird gets the worm” – That’s precisely Chelsea’s policy in this transfer window as the club have already confirmed 2 high-profile signings so early in the transfer window. For once, it is heartening to see the club finally decide to create a new team. All these years, Chelsea fans went into the transfer window expecting the squad to be strengthened considerably but were left disappointed. Last season, an AVB-inspired Chelsea went on a summer-long pursuit of Tottenham midfielder Luka Modric only to settle for Raul Meireles on deadline day. Juan Mata, Romelu Lukaku, Oriol Romeu and Thibaut Courtois were also signed in the window as the board looked to infuse youth into an ageing team but unfortunately, with the exception of Juan Mata, none of the others established themselves at the club. This summer though, things look promising as Chelsea have already dipped their toes in the transfer market by snapping up German winger Marko Marin for a mere 7 million and Belgian sensation Eden Hazard for 32 million. With reported interest in a whole host of players across Europe, next season may finally be the start of the post-Mourinho era at Chelsea.

1. Marko Marin

Marko Marin signed for Chelsea at the end of April (rejecting Tottenham) in what was seen as a ‘coup’ at £6 million by most Chelsea fans

Position – Marko Marin will almost certainly be used in the Left Wing position at Chelsea. He plays his best football on the wings and has struggled lately when Werder Bremen used him in the Attacking Midfielder role after Mesut Ozil’s departure.

Strengths -.Comparisons to Lionel Messi may be far-fetched but Marin has built a solid reputation in Germany as an “assist-maker”. His dribbling and acceleration are extremely good and he doesn’t hesitate to take defenders on and get past them. For once, it will be refreshing to see a true winger play on our flanks (Kalou)

Weaknesses - As much as I hate to agree with goal.com, Marin seems to be inept in his decision making on the field. Far from being a Messi, Marin’s style of play is more similar to Real Madrid winger Angel di Maria. Also, there is a big question mark over his fitness.

Tactical Implications

One of the reasons Marko Marin was brought in was to increase the overall strength of the squad. No more of playing Kalou and Malouda in the Champions League final. Plus, Marin is an out and out winger, something Chelsea have been lacking in the last few seasons. We have relied on overlapping full-backs to spread the game wide for a long while now, so Marko Marin will give us a different dimension in attack (something like Jesus Navas for Spain)

Stat – Marko Marin has made 40 assists in under 150 appearances for Borussia Monchengladbach and Werder Bremen.

Verdict – Can’t do worse than Kalouda and at 7 million it’s a very good deal – 7/10

2. Eden Hazard

After a transfer saga that threatened to spread out over the summer, Chelsea signed Eden Hazard from Lille 2 weeks after winning the Champions League. The fact that a manager-less Chelsea beat the Manchester clubs to his signature is particularly satisfying.

Position – Eden Hazard is a player who can play anywhere in attack mainly due to his vast array of skills. Rudi Garcia used him in the attacking midfield role occasionally switching to the flanks but with Juan Mata already occupying the CAM position, I think Eden Hazard will start his Chelsea career out on the wings.

Strengths - Just like Marin, Hazard will add pace and creativity to the side and gives Juan Mata a genuine wing option to pick out. He has brilliant agility, acceleration and is also known for his quick thinking and pin point passing evidenced by consecutive Ligue 1 Player of the Year awards.

Weaknesses – Eden Hazard should take up defensive responsibilities especially in the big games. For example, If Manchester United play Nani at RM and Valencia at RB, Eden Hazard should help out Cole in case he gets double teamed. Of course, his primary intent should be to run at defenders rather than track back to cover Cole but he has shown negligence in his defensive responsibilities. Also, he doesn’t seem to be a good header of the ball and that means both Hazard and Mata won’t go up for headers in attack.

Tactical Implications

di Matteo has a welcome headache in his team selection. With Eden Hazard on one wing and Ramires/Marin/Sturridge on the other, Chelsea’s attacks will be less of “stick it up to Drogba” next season. This falls right into the hands of Fernando Torres who likes to receive through balls rather than crosses. Also, Hazard adds a dynamic edge to the attack with his dribbling skills. He maybe Chelsea’s answer to Ronaldo and Messi

Stat – With his International debut, Hazard became the youngest player to represent Belgium at 17 years and 316 days

Verdict – Unnecessarily raised expectations with the transfer saga but he has the time and ability to live up to it – 9/10

Future Activity

Hulk

With a rumored pricetag of 38 million, the big man from Porto comes at a price but he’s big, he’s strong, he’s fast and you can’t go wrong with that. Hulk is seen as a replacement for Didier Drogba although he primarily plays on the wing. Signing Hulk will give Chelsea depth in the attack and his obvious strengths – strength and speed works well in the Premier League. He has got a bullet of a left foot as well as an astonishing goal-scoring record of 150 goals in 278 appearances overall.

Verdict – Make it happen, Gourlay - 8.5/10

Victor Moses

Is he in the same league as Hulk? No. But Victor Moses looks like the board’s fall back if their primary targets fail. Essentially costing peanuts, Victor Moses is pacy and has a great future ahead of him. He offers depth on the wings and in the centre-forward role

Verdict – Should be considered only if primary targets fail – 6/10

Mathieu Debuchy

Star of the Euros for the French National team, Mathieu Debuchy is a solid right back who plays for Lille. Frankly, he is far better than any of the other fullbacks we have been linked to (Selassie, van der wiel) evidenced by his solid performance against England in the Euros. He seems capable of running up and down the right flank all day long and would be a genuine option to challenge or rotate with Ivanovic for a right back slot.

Verdict – Solid full back. Bench-strength for defence – 7.5/10

The Old Guard is broken up, Mourinho’s shadow is lifted and a new team is being built. The future looks bright for the European Champions as di Matteo heads the dawn of a new era at the club.

Great read. And if we do go in for RB, it should be Debuchy. Very solid. On a side note, doesn't Real Madrid require a new RB as well? I just hope he doesn't catch their attention.

[Superblue 6,370]

Good post.

IMO we need a right back, a central midfielder, a right winger and a backup striker.

Hulk is the obvious choice because of his ability to play right wing and cover Torres upfront. Right back I would agree with Debuchy. Central midfield I would love for us to try and get Schweinsteiger, but it is very very unlikely! Cabaye would be a good buy, as would Javi Martinez.

If we were to buy players for the positions above I would probably look at letting Essien and Malouda leave, both of whom seem to have seen their best days pass them.

[Hutcho 8,443]

I think we should buy that mesut ozil fella. I hear he is pretty good...

[CHOULO19 24,332]

Hulk is the obvious choice

Apparently obvious doesn't come cheap!

We just signed the hottest talent in Europe for 32m, paying more for Hulk who is older and less talented than Hazard is ridiculous. I'm all for pulling the plug on this one and searching for alternatives, and there are alternatives unlike what Porto would have us believe; The likes of Jovetic, Hoilet, Moses, Krasic....are all available in the market.

But I do agree, I think we will need a Right winger and Right Back and possibly a central midfielder if we plan to loan out both Josh and Kevin. Luckily we have gone into the market early and the summer is still young.

[BlueSanti 290]

You've done brilliant work !

And about CM, we do not need CM! I want Josh to became world-class player and if he wont play for us regulary he won't become one.

[Superblue 6,370]

Apparently obvious doesn't come cheap!

We just signed the hottest talent in Europe for 32m, paying more for Hulk who is older and less talented than Hazard is ridiculous. I'm all for pulling the plug on this one and searching for alternatives, and there are alternatives unlike what Porto would have us believe; The likes of Jovetic, Hoilet, Moses, Krasic....are all available in the market.

But I do agree, I think we will need a Right winger and Right Back and possibly a central midfielder if we plan to loan out both Josh and Kevin. Luckily we have gone into the market early and the summer is still young.

The biggest argument for Hulk however is that he can play predominantly right wing which is a position we need a player for, but also offer genuine quality and a goal threat as a backup striker. We definately need another striker. I'm all for Sturridge and Lukaku being given bigger roles this season, but if Torres were to get injured long term, it would be a massive gamble to pin our hopes on two young strikers to lead the line and score goals for a lengthy period of time. Hulk would give us that more experienced additional option.

If we were to buy two players, one for right wing and one striker we could end up paying £30-40m for two players, neither being near Hulk's quality. Yes the price tag is high and difficult to justify, but his versatility is a massive positive for me not to discount him yet.

[English Freak 456]

The biggest argument for Hulk however is that he can play predominantly right wing which is a position we need a player for, but also offer genuine quality and a goal threat as a backup striker. We definately need another striker. I'm all for Sturridge and Lukaku being given bigger roles this season, but if Torres were to get injured long term, it would be a massive gamble to pin our hopes on two young strikers to lead the line and score goals for a lengthy period of time. Hulk would give us that more experienced additional option.

If we were to buy two players, one for right wing and one striker we could end up paying £30-40m for two players, neither being near Hulk's quality. Yes the price tag is high and difficult to justify, but his versatility is a massive positive for me not to discount him yet.

38 million for a decent winger is just too much. Hulk isn't world-class or anywhere near world-class in terms of ability. He only looks good because the standard of the Portuguese league isn't that great.

We should save this 38 million....and spend it on a RB (Cesar Azpi 12-15 million) and a CM (Cabaye, Moutinho).

[Justin_3d 1,140]

Marin is a cheaper version of Adam Jonhson.

[Superblue 6,370]

38 million for a decent winger is just too much. Hulk isn't world-class or anywhere near world-class in terms of ability. He only looks good because the standard of the Portuguese league isn't that great.

We should save this 38 million....and spend it on a RB (Cesar Azpi 12-15 million) and a CM (Cabaye, Moutinho).

And on your basis then not buy another attacker? We will be left incredibly thin if that being the case.

[Strike 7,183]

Apparently obvious doesn't come cheap!

We just signed the hottest talent in Europe for 32m, paying more for Hulk who is older and less talented than Hazard is ridiculous. I'm all for pulling the plug on this one and searching for alternatives, and there are alternatives unlike what Porto would have us believe; The likes of Jovetic, Hoilet, Moses, Krasic....are all available in the market.

But I do agree, I think we will need a Right winger and Right Back and possibly a central midfielder if we plan to loan out both Josh and Kevin. Luckily we have gone into the market early and the summer is still young.

38million is not Hulk's worth but its Porto's evaluation of the player. The market is going crazy these days but i would prefer that chelsea sign 1 world class attacker rather than a cheaper one - krasic barely played a game for juve last season, hoilett and moses are pacy but are not world class right now and as for Jovetic - paying around 25-30 for him is the same as paying 38 for Hulk. would love to see us use the "Champions of Europe" card and sign TOP talent rather than do a Liverpool in 05'

[English Freak 456]

38million is not Hulk's worth but its Porto's evaluation of the player. The market is going crazy these days but i would prefer that chelsea sign 1 world class attacker rather than a cheaper one - krasic barely played a game for juve last season, hoilett and moses are pacy but are not world class right now and as for Jovetic - paying around 25-30 for him is the same as paying 38 for Hulk. would love to see us use the "Champions of Europe" card and sign TOP talent rather than do a Liverpool in 05'

Yeh, I'd prefer Chelsea to sign 1 world-class attacker as-well. But Hulk isn't world-class.

If Hulk was world-class..there would be a number of top european clubs battling for his signature...but as it stands, only Chelsea want him.

Unless Hulk forces through a move, Porto are under no pressure to sell him.

[Strike 7,183]

Yeh, I'd prefer Chelsea to sign 1 world-class attacker as-well. But Hulk isn't world-class.

If Hulk was world-class..there would be a number of top european clubs battling for his signature...but as it stands, only Chelsea want him.

Unless Hulk forces through a move, Porto are under no pressure to sell him.

he is the best winger available. can't see anyone else in the market - lavezzi has gone to PSG and Hazard has already signed for us.

Hulk gives backup striker option as well. he's strong enough to handle the premier league. we have a portuguese translator as our 5th choice RB. seems like the best option.

[Jype 6,398]

Yeh, I'd prefer Chelsea to sign 1 world-class attacker as-well. But Hulk isn't world-class.

If Hulk was world-class..there would be a number of top european clubs battling for his signature...but as it stands, only Chelsea want him.

Unless Hulk forces through a move, Porto are under no pressure to sell him.

Define world class to me. To say Hulk isn't any good because other big clubs aren't targeting him is just wrong. The Spanish giants, both Manchester clubs and Bayern Munich are all pretty much stuffed at that department already and want to use their transfer budgets to some area they really need to strengthen. Also the likes of Arsenal and most Italian clubs simply couldn't afford him even if they wanted to so why even bother trying?

I agree that Hulk is not worth £38m but sadly that's what the market is like these days and fair play to Porto for trying to get as much as possible for their best player. There's really not a lot of "world class" alternatives available for us to the right wing and Porto know this very well and that's why they're playing hardball.

[Strike 7,183]

Appreciate the feedback

[DDA 9,675]

There's a constant tugging of thought in the back of my mind that tells me we need to buy a top quality play-maker in the mold of Modric, A player who can sit deep spraying balls around the pitch and through the channels, you might want to call them defense splitting passes. I know we have Mata who can make those passes and don't get me wrong for what I'm about to say may annoy some of you but even though Mata is undoubtedly a top class performer last season in some of the big games he went missing, he was weak and couldn't control the game! Now that's not to say i wouldn't want him in the team when playing against top sides because of course i would still want Mata playing in the whole behind the striker threading the ball through the eye of a needle and scoring goals too. Though i would love to have a Modric type player who could sit deep in the center behind him controlling the game from a deeper position allowing the creative and free roaming players we have to move about and express themselves more. We have Mikel who does have the ability to make a pass but for me even though he did become a massive contribution to the success we had last season after starting it so terribly i don't wish for us to rely on him and a young Romeu who seemed to be the real deal but maybe just needing a little more time to settle into what was a hectic whirlwind of a debut season he had.

The right back position doesn't bother me immensely though i would be more than happy to see a strong player brought into the team as maybe back up or first team fighter along side the ever present Ivan. Preferably somebody who is a lot stronger and reliable than what Bos was.

As for the wings it's no news to anybody who remotely likes football that The King's of Europe have signed one of the most promising young guns in football in the shape of Eden Hazard and he can play both left , right and even in the CAM role. My guess he will be started on the left seeing as there is much speculation on us buying the big man Hulk from Porto who i think will be put on the right wing to start with. With Marin, Mata and Sturridge's ability to start on the wing that would pretty much cover those positions.

Sorry if i have missed anyone out when talking about specific role's as i am on Facebook chatting to some extremely hot totti and I've kinda lost interest in writing a response now!