Mohamed Salah

[Shakez 755]

Alot of people are neglecting 1 fact. The way Arsenal played against us was an invitation too counter-attack. Something where players like Schürrle and Salah excell at. Mourinho said that he already knew Schürrle's qualities "both good And bad" in the post-match interview. Schürrle is a player who can exploit the space that attacking teams give us (Bayern, Arsenal...) + he is clinical in those situations to secure we bag in a goal in those moments. I would never trust Schürrle against teams who park the bus and require him to break their defence, he is a player that is more easily dispossessed and has a hard time getting past his man without pace. Both him and Salah have a hard time breaking up teams that park the bus (see the southampton game and the first half against fulham).

Though top 4, Arsenal's defence is far from solid. They conceeded 6 and 5 goals against City and Liverpool respectively. I doubt Schürrle could do the same thing against teams who have more solid fullbacks ala City/PSG. Nevertheless, he is a top choice against those sides that allow us possession and at the same time don't sit back that hard that gives us enough space for players like Schürrle and Salah too work in. Willian has other qualities wich we will need in the future, mainly the ability too hold the ball under pressure and link up play.

[Barbara 15,149]

Alot of people are neglecting 1 fact. The way Arsenal played against us was an invitation too counter-attack. Something where players like Schürrle and Salah excell at. Mourinho said that he already knew Schürrle's qualities in the post-match interview "good AND bad". Schürrle is a player who can exploit the space that attacking teams give us (Bayern, Arsenal...) + he is clinical in those situations to secure we bag in a goal in those moments. I would never trust Schürrle against teams who park the bus and require him to break their defence, he is a player that is more easily dispossessed and has a hard time getting past his man without pace. Both him and Salah have a hard time breaking up teams that park the bus (see the southampton game and the first half against fulham).

Though top 4, Arsenal's defence is far from solid. They conceeded 6 and 5 goals against City and Liverpool respectively. I doubt he could do the same thing against City/PSG. Nevertheless, he is a top choice against those sides that allow us possession and at the same time don't sit back that hard that gives us enough space for players like Schürrle and Salah too work in. Willian has other qualities wich we will need in the future, mainly the ability too hold the ball under pressure and link up play.

I agree partially.

There are some matches that aren't suited for them, but I don't think they're as limited as you may sound (or as I interpreted your words).

They're still a work in progress. We don't know the players they'll turn to be, especially under Mourinho, I'm sure he'll develop him better than if they were if someone else and will mold them to be the players he needs to.

Let's see where it goes, but you have a point about them not being suitable for some sort of matches. Then again, if a defense parks a bus, neither is Willian (although given his style he should)

[Blue Armour 4,436]

Fast...just, so incredibly fast...

[Jase 43,479]

I agree partially.

There are some matches that aren't suited for them, but I don't think they're as limited as you may sound (or as I interpreted your words).

They're still a work in progress. We don't know the players they'll turn to be, especially under Mourinho, I'm sure he'll develop him better than if they were if someone else and will mold them to be the players he needs to.

Let's see where it goes, but you have a point about them not being suitable for some sort of matches. Then again, if a defense parks a bus, neither is Willian (although given his style he should)

Shakez mentioned a valid point but also, against sides that defend deep against us, you need movement, someone to make those penetrative runs in behind oppositions' defence and Schurrle does that better than Willian. He complements our ball hoggers Hazard, Oscar IMO. And besides, these teams won't be just defending all the time. There will be times they get out of their shell to attack us and need players like Schurrle to exploit the space behind them.

[Shakez 755]

I agree partially.

There are some matches that aren't suited for them, but I don't think they're as limited as you may sound (or as I interpreted your words).

They're still a work in progress. We don't know the players they'll turn to be, especially under Mourinho, I'm sure he'll develop him better than if they were if someone else and will mold them to be the players he needs to.

Let's see where it goes, but you have a point about them not being suitable for some sort of matches. Then again, if a defense parks a bus, neither is Willian (although given his style he should)

Idd. Im glad our squad is looking more solid, was a bit worried that our am department was a bit thin in quality after the departure of mata and kdb. Just need more consistency from all the players. Willian will be back when we need him, just like schurrle whp went missing mid season.

[Barbara 15,149]

Shakez mentioned a valid point but also, against sides that defend deep against us, you need movement, someone to make those penetrative runs in behind oppositions' defence and Schurrle does that better than Willian. He complements our ball hoggers Hazard, Oscar IMO. And besides, these teams won't be just defending all the time. There will be times they get out of their shell to attack us and need players like Schurrle to exploit the space behind them.

I tend to agree with him instead of you. If the teams sit deep waiting for us, Schurrle isn't on his best. He needs his runs, and how will he run if the defense is sitting there with four guys waiting for him? I think he's our best player finding the right spot, but normally when we're counter-attacking or attacking quickly. If we pass the ball from one side to the other trying to CREATE space, Schurrle adds nothing or very little to that. He's great FINDING space, not creating it. Against deep defenses you have to create it. If someone creates it for him, maybe he has a chance, but we don't have a master in creating space other than Hazard and even then, I see Schurrle taking little advantage of what Hazard creates because normally they're in opposite sides of the field, in the wings. And there are teams who defend all the time against us. Some don't even try to win the matches, it's pathetic and frustrating. I remember at least a couple of matches like that in the league this season and given some of the teams we'll face home in the remaining matches, I can see another couple of games like that. I don't look forward to them at all.

[Jase 43,479]

I tend to agree with him instead of you. If the teams sit deep waiting for us, Schurrle isn't on his best. He needs his runs, and how will he run if the defense is sitting there with four guys waiting for him? I think he's our best player finding the right spot, but normally when we're counter-attacking or attacking quickly. If we pass the ball from one side to the other trying to CREATE space, Schurrle adds nothing or very little to that. He's great FINDING space, not creating it. Against deep defenses you have to create it. If someone creates it for him, maybe he has a chance, but we don't have a master in creating space other than Hazard and even then, I see Schurrle taking little advantage of what Hazard creates because normally they're in opposite sides of the field, in the wings. And there are teams who defend all the time against us. Some don't even try to win the matches, it's pathetic and frustrating. I remember at least a couple of matches like that in the league this season and given some of the teams we'll face home in the remaining matches, I can see another couple of games like that. I don't look forward to them at all.

But you need movement, someone to make run threatening runs in and around oppositions' defence to have a threat at goal and Schurrle provides that option with his directness as well as better than the rest. With the trio of H-O-W, there is a tendency to be doing everything in front of the opposition and not enough behind them. At times, the ST is our only attacking/passing outlet upfront while there is not enough support breaking forward.

[Mohammed Seif 1,451]

I tend to agree with him instead of you. If the teams sit deep waiting for us, Schurrle isn't on his best. He needs his runs, and how will he run if the defense is sitting there with four guys waiting for him? I think he's our best player finding the right spot, but normally when we're counter-attacking or attacking quickly. If we pass the ball from one side to the other trying to CREATE space, Schurrle adds nothing or very little to that. He's great FINDING space, not creating it. Against deep defenses you have to create it. If someone creates it for him, maybe he has a chance, but we don't have a master in creating space other than Hazard and even then, I see Schurrle taking little advantage of what Hazard creates because normally they're in opposite sides of the field, in the wings. And there are teams who defend all the time against us. Some don't even try to win the matches, it's pathetic and frustrating. I remember at least a couple of matches like that in the league this season and given some of the teams we'll face home in the remaining matches, I can see another couple of games like that. I don't look forward to them at all.

I would hate to compare and maybe I might be a bit inaccurate, but I see him playing against teams you sit deep. Pedro has a similar game, and like Shurrle he definitely shines a lot on the counters a however still manages to time his runs when facing opponents with tight defenders. But I would really hate it if Shurrle doesn't try to develop his game to suit such situations. Just like I would really hate it if Salah becomes nothing but pacey player.

[Barbara 15,149]

I would hate to compare and maybe I might be a bit inaccurate, but I see him playing against teams you sit deep. Pedro has a similar game, and like Shurrle he definitely shines a lot on the counters a however still manages to time his runs when facing opponents with tight defenders. But I would really hate it if Shurrle doesn't try to develop his game to suit such situations. Just like I would really hate it if Salah becomes nothing but pacey player.

yeah, I think they'll develop further, as I said in my first post in response to Shakez, but as it is now, I don't see Schurrle making much of a difference if we don't create space for him. But I'm positive both will develop further than that. You know Salah better than me, so you can tell me better what you expect him to be.

[Mohammed Seif 1,451]

During his time in the Egyptian league he demonstrated the ability to dribble in tight spots very well. He also had more courage taking long shots at the goal and they were pretty decent. When he first played for the national team he would create chances for his teammates. Having said all of that he didn't do that as much as we had hoped. But he was 19 turning 20. As far as retreating and doing a defensive role he wasn't that good at all. But again this is the Egyptian league ( one of the best in Africa and the Middle East but FAR OFF international levels)

When he moved to Basle he showed signs of improvement as far as dribbling and speed are concerned. Creating chances hasn't really improved that much ( but there were signs of slight improvements). Occasionally he would take long shots. However the rate is low and accuracy is not of a high percentage.

Here is the thing though he adapts very well. The players he prefers to play along side with are the good dribblers. Not comparing here, but the two players ( probably no body heard of other than the Africans mainly) who knew how to bring the best out of him were his national teammates Abu Trika ( who performed amazingly against Brazil in the 4-3 defeat in the confederations cup 2009) and Shika ( who recently joined Sporting Lisbon) were both good dribblers. Him playing alongside Oscar, Willian and Hazard will definitely up his game. He just connects well with those type of players. He didn't get that option at Basle where they mainly depended on his speed ( sorry to say this but he showed more than this when he was offered a challenge from Spurs and Chelsea). Finishing skills are inconsistent at Basle but very impressive with the national team.

Personality wise he is very shy and humble. He just got married a few months ago during the transfers and he comes from a middle class family.

Does that do it @Barbara, ?

[quickpassnmove 924]

Di María doesn't always get recognition for the part he's played, not many recognizes what a player he is. We didn't have a player like that, but maybe Salah can become just that. Angel also has a lot of pace (but no one compares to Mo, lol), he's objective, he can assist or he can cut in and finish, his first touch is second to none and he tracks back. He's a perfect winger for me. Hopefully we'll see Salah developing into that.

imo that's not who Willian is. He's more similar to Ozil than Oscar is himself, but he's still struggling. There may be matches where we may use both of them, but I think it's unlikely and I'm positive Mourinho has noticed that... and then we're faced with the awful truth: we got a backup for over 30m... unless he turns things around and proves to be a better option than Oscar because I don't think he'll ever offer what Mourinho wants for the RW in the long term. As I said, it all depends on how Salah develops himself here, how long it takes. Willian's own evolution isn't as important as Salah's in the role he'll play in the team because he isn't cut for what José wants from his wingers. But maybe he can surprise us all.

I agree with you, Barbara. Willian does look like an overpriced backup player. Schuerrle always looked great on counterattacks for Germany and sometimes for his clubs in Germany. Salah is an excellent all-around attacking player, just needs to adapt to the Premier League under Jose (here's to hoping he does).

So, I would say that Torres, perhaps David Luiz, Willian, Marin, Moses were all poor signings. Luiz might turn it around, Willian might turn it around, but at this moment, I would not choose any of them for their transfer fees (blatantly obvious on Torres and Marin the exact moment I heard of the transaction). Hopefully the striker, center midfield and fullbacks positions are filled by quality players, Torres leaves and we can just forget all these mistakes for the future.

[quickpassnmove 924]

During his time in the Egyptian league he demonstrated the ability to dribble in tight spots very well. He also had more courage taking long shots at the goal and they were pretty decent. When he first played for the national team he would create chances for his teammates. Having said all of that he didn't do that as much as we had hoped. But he was 19 turning 20. As far as retreating and doing a defensive role he wasn't that good at all. But again this is the Egyptian league ( one of the best in Africa and the Middle East but FAR OFF international levels)

When he moved to Basle he showed signs of improvement as far as dribbling and speed are concerned. Creating chances hasn't really improved that much ( but there were signs of slight improvements). Occasionally he would take long shots. However the rate is low and accuracy is not of a high percentage.

Here is the thing though he adapts very well. The players he prefers to play along side with are the good dribblers. Not comparing here, but the two players ( probably no body heard of other than the Africans mainly) who knew how to bring the best out of him were his national teammates Abu Trika ( who performed amazingly against Brazil in the 4-3 defeat in the confederations cup 2009) and Shika ( who recently joined Sporting Lisbon) were both good dribblers. Him playing alongside Oscar, Willian and Hazard will definitely up his game. He just connects well with those type of players. He didn't get that option at Basle where they mainly depended on his speed ( sorry to say this but he showed more than this when he was offered a challenge from Spurs and Chelsea). Finishing skills are inconsistent at Basle but very impressive with the national team.

Personality wise he is very shy and humble. He just got married a few months ago during the transfers and he comes from a middle class family.

Does that do it @Barbara, ?

thanks for posting this.

[Barbara 15,149]

I agree with you, Barbara. Willian does look like an overpriced backup player. Schuerrle always looked great on counterattacks for Germany and sometimes for his clubs in Germany. Salah is an excellent all-around attacking player, just needs to adapt to the Premier League under Jose (here's to hoping he does).

So, I would say that Torres, perhaps David Luiz, Willian, Marin, Moses were all poor signings. Luiz might turn it around, Willian might turn it around, but at this moment, I would not choose any of them for their transfer fees (blatantly obvious on Torres and Marin the exact moment I heard of the transaction). Hopefully the striker, center midfield and fullbacks positions are filled by quality players, Torres leaves and we can just forget all these mistakes for the future.

David Luiz saved our sorrow arses a few times in the last two seasons and I think he's part of what won us European titles. Just because he's in bad form now it doesn't undo what he's done in the past, so for that alone he can't be considered a poor signing.

I'm not sure Willian will turn out in a bad signing, I just think it's a waste of money if he doesn't fit as well in the system. I thought he'd fit better than he did so far, maybe it's adaptation or maybe he just isn't suitable for English football and/or our system.

Marin is the biggest flop after Torres and I think Moses was decent given what were our goals when he was around here. It makes no sense to recall him imo.

There are a lot of guy I'd like to see going off on loan (or continuing) or just sold. We have way too many useless players for us. I think we tried to value their price tags this season, but few of them hit the target. Moses is one that didn't pay off for Liverpool. It seems like Marin wants to stay at Sevilla, the question remains if Sevilla is even interested.

There isn't one player other than Lukaku I'd recall. I'd have 3 players from the academy and junior teams to fill up the homegrown quota, but I don't remember now any player I'd like to come back to SB, not even Oriol.

During his time in the Egyptian league he demonstrated the ability to dribble in tight spots very well. He also had more courage taking long shots at the goal and they were pretty decent. When he first played for the national team he would create chances for his teammates. Having said all of that he didn't do that as much as we had hoped. But he was 19 turning 20. As far as retreating and doing a defensive role he wasn't that good at all. But again this is the Egyptian league ( one of the best in Africa and the Middle East but FAR OFF international levels)

When he moved to Basle he showed signs of improvement as far as dribbling and speed are concerned. Creating chances hasn't really improved that much ( but there were signs of slight improvements). Occasionally he would take long shots. However the rate is low and accuracy is not of a high percentage.

Here is the thing though he adapts very well. The players he prefers to play along side with are the good dribblers. Not comparing here, but the two players ( probably no body heard of other than the Africans mainly) who knew how to bring the best out of him were his national teammates Abu Trika ( who performed amazingly against Brazil in the 4-3 defeat in the confederations cup 2009) and Shika ( who recently joined Sporting Lisbon) were both good dribblers. Him playing alongside Oscar, Willian and Hazard will definitely up his game. He just connects well with those type of players. He didn't get that option at Basle where they mainly depended on his speed ( sorry to say this but he showed more than this when he was offered a challenge from Spurs and Chelsea). Finishing skills are inconsistent at Basle but very impressive with the national team.

Personality wise he is very shy and humble. He just got married a few months ago during the transfers and he comes from a middle class family.

Does that do it @Barbara, ?

that's perfect, sweetie. Thanks

[Sheva. 5,373]

But you need movement, someone to make run threatening runs in and around oppositions' defence to have a threat at goal and Schurrle provides that option with his directness as well as better than the rest. With the trio of H-O-W, there is a tendency to be doing everything in front of the opposition and not enough behind them. At times, the ST is our only attacking/passing outlet upfront while there is not enough support breaking forward.

This.

No matter how big the bus, chances will still be created, but you need people in the right positions to convert.

It's why Lamps should always play against these teams, and Schurrle instead of Willian/Oscar as he is the bigger goal threat.

[LAM09 7,043]

IMO, he is the final piece of the puzzle par a new CF. If he manages to nail down a starting role as a RW, he will add another dimension to Chelsea's attack.