Willian

[nadavTKL 1,787]

I personally think we will be a much better team with someone like Sterling/Bale rather then Koke or Pogba. There is always so much space to be exploited on the right side. It is always congested on the left and the middle. Willian, Oscar, Hazard, and Cesc all like to play through the middle. For me it is perferable to see Willian and Oscar fight it out for the CAM position.

Mou has never been about dominating midfield, for him it is more about bypassing it.

Its a valid and a reasonable opinion. But i just think adding a CAM like the two i mentioned would be a safer bet than adding a RW. i really dont want us to change our line up in the big games, like Jose do with Ramires, it has to stop and Pogba/Koke would give Jose enough stability while giving us more flair. I think Jose want to dominate midfield better than we do right now, maybe he doesnt want us to do it against Bayern and Barcelona, but i think he's worried about the way we cant keep the ball sometimes, especially against the better teams or when we're under ball pressure. Thats why imo he plays with Ramires and turns us into a "parking the bus" team, cause he cant trust the players to dominate the game. We lack that another "flair" player instead of Oscar.

[Chelsea Legend 11 4,062]

The little engine that could. He defines industry. I will always appreciate that about his game. Cuadrado was supposed to be the superior player... people often don't realise what they have.

I think you're being a bit too quick to judge. Cuadrado will need at least a half of a season in Jose's system before he can even challenge for a spot. He did the same thing with Schurrle and willian, you need to gain his trust before you feature.

Having said that I've always liked Willian and though he worked hard for the team. He needs to dwell on the ball less and be more decisive in the final third. Pretty sure everyone will agree with that.

[Essien19 1,415]

I usualy dislike him, but tbh I think its pretty much down to how we play and how Mou instructs him. If there was no Hazard for some reason in our team, Willian would have much bigger impact in attack with bit more free role. He would rack up stats, but sure he would influence the attack more, even more from left or middle.

He already has very limited role in team, but he also has to do half of Iva work.

Probably I like Willian alot more after seeing how Cuadrado is playing too.

If Willian is put on the left flank, he is much more dangerous, because his right feet is better and cutting in is easier for him.

Lucescu knew that and therefore he always played there.

You are right that he doesn't have much freedom, supporting Ivanovic doesn't help either.

I ask myself, would Sterling be instructed to play similar?!

[Joker10 946]

Its a valid and a reasonable opinion. But i just think adding a CAM like the two i mentioned would be a safer bet than adding a RW. i really dont want us to change our line up in the big games, like Jose do with Ramires, it has to stop and Pogba/Koke would give Jose enough stability while giving us more flair. I think Jose want to dominate midfield better than we do right now, maybe he doesnt want us to do it against Bayern and Barcelona, but i think he's worried about the way we cant keep the ball sometimes, especially against the better teams or when we're under ball pressure. Thats why imo he plays with Ramires and turns us into a "parking the bus" team, cause he cant trust the players to dominate the game. We lack that another "flair" player instead of Oscar.

If you believe Willian is a significently much better player in the middle, which you believe he is. Why not improve the RW position? because you improve the CAM and RW role. If like so many here believe that Willian is a better CAM and can do better then Oscar, then essentily you kill two birds with one stone by signing another RW like Bale/Sterling. You get more out of Willian and you get someone better on the RW.

[nadavTKL 1,787]

If you believe Willian is a significently much better player in the middle, which you believe he is. Why not improve the RW position? because you improve the CAM and RW role. If like so many here believe that Willian is a better CAM and can do better then Oscar, then essentily you kill two birds with one stone by signing another RW like Bale/Sterling. You get more out of Willian and you get someone better on the RW.

Like I said, because I'm not sure Jose will trust this line up in the big games (new RW+Willian in the 10), and I'm not sure it will give us enough domination in midfield. It's very much depends on which RW we would get. For example I don't think Bale and Sterling are the way to go, because unlike Willian or Hazard they are not players who works for keeping possession, they are both very direct and mainly likes spaces, and to run deep so someone will find them with a through ball. I don't think they'll give us that improvement I'm talking about - dominate the game and keeping the ball. Koke-Willian-Hazard-Cesc-Matic, this imo will give us that. Bale/Sterlihg will give us more goal threat, but I just think it's shouldn't be the main thing we should address, I think that even when we don't have a proper RW, we can still find goals when we need them. More important imo is to make the team more balanced, a team that controls the situation, right now we can't do that comfortably. Like I said I don't think Bale and Sterling are those kind of players, but I think a different kind of RW, someone similar to Hazard with a left foot, could fit. Fekir, the 21 yo from Lyon is an example, but I don't think we'll go for that so early. Except him I can't think of any players we could buy who will offer both this "keeping the ball" mentality and ability im thinking about, AND the goal threat from the right wing you want.

[Joker10 946]

Like I said, because I'm not sure Jose will trust this line up in the big games (new RW+Willian in the 10), and I'm not sure it will give us enough domination in midfield. It's very much depends on which RW we would get. For example I don't think Bale and Sterling are the way to go, because unlike Willian or Hazard they are not players who works for keeping possession, they are both very direct and mainly likes spaces, and to run deep so someone will find them with a through ball. I don't think they'll give us that improvement I'm talking about - dominate the game and keeping the ball. Koke-Willian-Hazard-Cesc-Matic, this imo will give us that. Bale/Sterlihg will give us more goal threat, but I just think it's shouldn't be the main thing we should address, I think that even when we don't have a proper RW, we can still find goals when we need them. More important imo is to make the team more balanced, a team that controls the situation, right now we can't do that comfortably. Like I said I don't think Bale and Sterling are those kind of players, but I think a different kind of RW, someone similar to Hazard with a left foot, could fit. Fekir, the 21 yo from Lyon is an example, but I don't think we'll go for that so early. Except him I can't think of any players we could buy who will offer both this "keeping the ball" mentality and ability im thinking about, AND the goal threat from the right wing you want.

Then we just have to agree to disagree, because that is exactly what we need. Cesc, Oscar, Hazard, and Willian all like to be on the ball and they all prefer to make the pass then receiving it. We need more off the ball movements and runs, we have plenty of players that look to make the pass and that want to help in the buildup. Adding this demension would make us much more balance then adding a Pogba or Koke.

As for Mou, i expect him to do what he has done through out his career. His expertise is playing on the counter and a direct style. Which is fine. He has never been one to want more possession, so i wont expect anything else.

I feel adding a player like Sterling/Bale is much more likely what we will actually do in the summer then signing a Pogba or Koke.

[nadavTKL 1,787]

Then we just have to agree to disagree, because that is exactly what we need. Cesc, Oscar, Hazard, and Willian all like to be on the ball and they all prefer to make the pass then receiving it. We need more off the ball movements and runs, we have plenty of players that look to make the pass and that want to help in the buildup. Adding this demension would make us much more balance then adding a Pogba or Koke.

As for Mou, i expect him to do what he has done through out his career. His expertise is playing on the counter and a direct style. Which is fine. He has never been one to want more possession, so i wont expect anything else.

I feel adding a player like Sterling/Bale is much more likely what we will actually do in the summer then signing a Pogba or Koke.

I think when people are talking about "Mourinho needs to adjust to today's game" it's exactly about that. I dont think Bale and Sterling have a place in a top top team today, I think Bale will not be a first choice for too long in Real because he's limited when he doesn't have the space he likes. I believe if a team wants to be realy strong today, you first need the maximum of players with exeptional ball control, and very good work rate.

I think if Jose didn't understand it this season, we won't get to the level we're dreaming of. But that's my opinion only.

Personally, my guess is that Jose will do things differently this time, and I think he already done things differently by playing with Willian-Oscar-Hazard as is favorite trio. When like you said, all three are players who likes the ball at their feet. He didn't liked Schurlle and Salah and preferd Willian, I think he said something by that decision. And by getting Pogba or Koke he'll just replace Oscar with a better player, no change in the way we play from this season, just a better 10#/8#.

It's too early to say, but right now rumors talking about Pogba, not about any RWs. I'll be happy if that's the real case, but we'll see... let's hope no metter what the move will be, the team will get stronger.

[BlueLyon 9,359]

If Willian is put on the left flank, he is much more dangerous, because his right feet is better and cutting in is easier for him.

Lucescu knew that and therefore he always played there.

You are right that he doesn't have much freedom, supporting Ivanovic doesn't help either.

I ask myself, would Sterling be instructed to play similar?!

Exactly. I have strange feeling having Reus, bale etc wont work on our right side. Because it will be either him or Hazard who would have limited role and less attacking freedom.

Mou team doesnt have free role player, two even less. Thing is we always have and always will play safe in big games. And as soon as we take lead there is no point in having Hazard, Bale, Sterling etc in team. 5 CBs would be more useful in that situation.

But Mou has to find balance, create a team that works together in attack and defense.

There is another problem called Ivanovic who is good in attack, but terrible in defense.

[DYC. 7,542]

I think you're being a bit too quick to judge. Cuadrado will need at least a half of a season in Jose's system before he can even challenge for a spot. He did the same thing with Schurrle and willian, you need to gain his trust before you feature.

Having said that I've always liked Willian and though he worked hard for the team. He needs to dwell on the ball less and be more decisive in the final third. Pretty sure everyone will agree with that.

When the possibility of Cuadrado joining Chelsea was a mere rumour, I already thought Willian was the better player. So this is not a case of judging too quickly. He'll obviously do better with time, but not better than Willian imo.

Then we just have to agree to disagree, because that is exactly what we need. Cesc, Oscar, Hazard, and Willian all like to be on the ball and they all prefer to make the pass then receiving it. We need more off the ball movements and runs, we have plenty of players that look to make the pass and that want to help in the buildup. Adding this demension would make us much more balance then adding a Pogba or Koke.

As for Mou, i expect him to do what he has done through out his career. His expertise is playing on the counter and a direct style. Which is fine. He has never been one to want more possession, so i wont expect anything else.

I feel adding a player like Sterling/Bale is much more likely what we will actually do in the summer then signing a Pogba or Koke.

Both that added dimension and more dynamism and quality in midfield are needed. Same goes for more athleticism and quality in the backline.

[Jase 43,479]

Ironically, we had two players who are good/great at making off the ball runs and getting at the end of passes but we got rid of them for more ball players...

[stroey 2,525]

Just rewatched the game and wow, he was insanely good. So many attacks started with him.

- Willian>Cahill>Remy shot

- Willian>Hazard>Oscar

- Willian>Cesc>penalty

- Willian fk>Ivanovic

- Willian interception>Eden>Remy goal

And then he also beat his man on the RW and crossed the ball a few times. Combined well with Cesc and Eden. Created space with his pace running forward. And then his superb pass (one of his most underrated assets) to Cuadrado. Pfff this guy was so good, absolutely his top 3 best games for us.

Stoke at home is his favourite enemy now, last season he was the motm in that game. (Also playing at #10)

Really want to see him in the middle cause he actually also can score from outside the box:

- Norwich (left foot)

- Southampton

- Stoke

- Everton

- Watford (not televised FA cup game)

And something I've noticed ( I might be wrong) is the reason that Willian takes some set pieces is because of the ball speed. Cesc his passing and set pieces aren't that hard and fast, his balls are mostly high floating balls without a lot of power (example, assist to Costa vs Arsenal) but accurate. Willian's set pieces are faster and harder and that's tougher to defend for the enemies compared to the floating balls from Cesc.

[nadavTKL 1,787]

Ironically, we had two players who are good/great at making off the ball runs and getting at the end of passes but we got rid of them for more ball players...

Thats because both of those players doesnt wotrh much if they're not given any space. And when you play for a top club like Chelsea you're not giving any, not by the small teams who seats and wait for your move, and not by the big teams who puts pressure on the ball. Salah's and Schurlle's technical abilities are too limited so they couldnt contribute in helping the team breaking a defensive fotmation, they couldnt pass or kept the ball good and quick enough under pressure. I think it will be pretty much the same with Cuadrado, but i hope and believe he's slightly better than that, so he could come off the bench and help when we need something different. First he should get stronger physically over the summer.

[Jase 43,479]

Thats because both of those players doesnt wotrh much if they're not given any space. And when you play for a top club like Chelsea you're not giving any, not by the small teams who seats and wait for your move, and not by the big teams who puts pressure on the ball. Salah's and Schurlle's technical abilities are too limited so they couldnt contribute in helping the team breaking a defensive fotmation, they couldnt pass or kept the ball good and quick enough under pressure. I think it will be the same with Cuadrado, but i hope and believe he's slightly better than that, so he could come off the bench and help when we need something different.

Nobody is saying they should be starters but more to the point of having different options in the team. By having so similar players in the side, we're making it somewhat easy for opponents to defend when majority of the play is done in front of them. We aren't shooting and scoring enough goals at the moment and one, if not both, of the players we let go could have solved the problem when we needed. If you want to talk about technical abilities and being limited, then what about Ramires and especially Oscar? It's not like they are pulling up any trees in those aspects.

[nadavTKL 1,787]

Nobody is saying they should be starters but more to the point of having different options in the team. By having so similar players in the side, we're making it somewhat easy for opponents to defend when majority of the play is done in front of them. We aren't shooting and scoring enough goals at the moment and one, if not both, of the players we let go could have solved the problem when we needed. If you want to talk about technical abilities and being limited, then what about Ramires and especially Oscar? It's not like they are pulling up any trees in those aspects.

We now have Cuadrado instead of them, who isnt exactly a ball playing player, he could make those runs and with better ball control (once he'll get stronger).

Ramires/Oscar needs a replacemnt for that reason mainly, thats what i was talking about in the previous page, dont know if you read it. But anyway Oscar is more gifted on the ball than Salah, Schurlle and Cuadrado, thats why he's still here and playing.

[Jase 43,479]

We now have Cuadrado instead of them, who isnt exactly a ball playing player, he could make those runs and with better ball control (once he'll get stronger).

Whether or not that will happen remains to be seen. Right now, the signs are not good at all. It's plain silly that we've left ourselves shorthanded on the attacking front.

Ramires/Oscar needs a replacemnt for that reason mainly, thats what i was talking about in the previous page, dont know if you read it. But anyway Oscar is more gifted on the ball than Salah, Schurlle and Cuadrado, thats why he's still here and playing.

More gifted doesn't mean much when on its own, Oscar isn't all that great and to say he's still here and playing because of that is pushing it.

[nadavTKL 1,787]

Whether or not that will happen remains to be seen. Right now, the signs are not good at all. It's plain silly that we've left ourselves shorthanded on the attacking front.

More gifted doesn't mean much when on its own, Oscar isn't all that great and to say he's still here and playing because of that would be pushing it.

1. The signs were never good with Salah, you should remember that only Schurrle helped us (sometimes). But i agree that right now Cuadrado looks as bad as Salah.

2. Im not saying Oscar is a great gifted player, im saying he's MORE gifted than those 3 players, thats why he's playing and they're not. The main reason anyway. Like i said, its not enough and i think Jose knows that too.

[Jase 43,479]

1. The signs were never good with Salah, you should remember that only Schurrle helped us (sometimes). But i agree that right now Cuadrado looks as bad as Salah.

Maybe Salah was never meant to feature for us but think he had a better half-debut season last year than Cuadrado right now. Schurrle only helped us sometimes this year because he had that illness (whatever that was). Last season, he showed his quality and did great for us on several occasions. Scored some very big goals too.

2. Im not saying Oscar is a great gifted player, im saying he's MORE gifted than those 3 players, thats why he's playing and they're not. The main reason anyway.

Disagree. The main reason why Oscar has played so much is because of his workrate, tactical discpline and ability to provide balance in the side. Otherwise, doubt Mourinho would have selected him ahead of Mata to become our No.10 when the latter is undoubtedly way better on the ball in every aspect than Oscar.

[nadavTKL 1,787]

Disagree. The main reason why Oscar has played so much is because of his workrate, tactical discpline and ability to provide balance in the side. Otherwise, doubt Mourinho would have selected him ahead of Mata to become our No.10 when the latter is undoubtedly way better on the ball in every aspect than Oscar.

Wait.. Mata? i thought we're talking about why Oscar plays this season, why he gets the nod over Salah, Cuadrado and Schurrle. You mixed it up a little.

Its well known that Oscar played instead of Mata because of the issues you mentioned - workrate, tactical discpline, providing balance. And off course those things also helped him in getting game time this season too, but imo its not the main or at least not the only reason.

And as for Schurrle, i dont think illness was the issue, i always thought it will end with him sooner or later. Never really fitted imo. Yeah he got some goals last season, but didnt played well through games and that hurt us.