Team of the Decade

[whats happening 1,612]

On 1/2/2020 at 8:02 PM, Henrique said:

Willian is a club legend imo.

jesus christ.

[Iggy Doonican 4,186]

3 hours ago, whats happening said:

jesus christ.

Don't think he'd make the final 11 not a fan of crosses 

[Tomo 21,751]

11 hours ago, Jason said:

It's just a team on paper, no need to read too much into the actual position. And I think you're bothering too much with Azpi's recent showings at LB. His best work, his most consistent years - especially defensively - came when he was playing at LB from 2013 to 2016, before being moved to CB in Conte's system. He rarely played at RB (before Sarri & Lampard). It's similar to Ivanovic as well on the other side. He could play as a CB but his best work came at RB and I seem to remember he was less reliable at CB than he was at RB. As for Cole, his impact after 2009/10 was minimal at best. Sure, there was the Champions League win and all but he certainly was no longer a strong force then than the years before, and of course, he got replaced by Azpi.

I'm opening myself up here but I feel Cole on had two very top season's with us and Azpi is far above him if we're judging on season by season consistency .

First season he was pretty wack (all be it recovering from an injury that kept him out most of his last season at Arsenal) and the second under Avram solid but unspectacular. It was under Scolari we saw him recover form and become the version we saw at Arsenal and then we got absolute prime Ash for two season's. Then after that he was still solid enough defensively (until about 2013 when he declined in that aspect also) but became non existent as an attacking threat which hindered us big time down that side.

[Superblue 6,372]

16 minutes ago, Tomo said:

I'm opening myself up here but I feel Cole on had two very top season's with us and Azpi is far above him if we're judging on season by season consistency .

First season he was pretty wack (all be it recovering from an injury that kept him out most of his last season at Arsenal) and the second under Avram solid but unspectacular. It was under Scolari we saw him recover form and become the version we saw at Arsenal and then we got absolute prime Ash for two season's. Then after that he was still solid enough defensively (until about 2013 when he declined in that aspect also) but became non existent as an attacking threat which hindered us big time down that side.

I think a lot comes down to your personal preference. I agree that Azpi has been the more consistent player for a longer period of time in the decade but the couple of stellar seasons that Cole had, for me, were at a much higher level than any seasons that Azpi has produced. To be honest even defensively Cole in his prime I don't think there was anyone better. Those two legs against Barca (especially the second leg where he played centre back) and the final were incredible performances that probably didn't get the same recognition as the likes of Cech and Drogba did.

So do you go for longer term consistent play, or shorter term high level play.

I think a similar argument could be put between Willian and Mata. Willian has been here much longer but been a little up and down in performances and form, compared to Mata who only had two seasons here but won player of the year in both years (deservedly so too).

[MoroccanBlue 5,375]

This isn't an argument of whose better. This is an argument of who performed better this decade. 

Cole's prime for us was arguably 07-11. That is one year of consistent form this decade. Azpilicueta played everywhere along the back line, and was solid throughout until the end of 2017. That is roughly 5 years of consistent performances. 

This isn't about a balanced XI. This is about fielding the best performers of this decade. 

[manpe 10,861]

1 hour ago, MoroccanBlue said:

This isn't an argument of whose better. This is an argument of who performed better this decade. 

Cole's prime for us was arguably 07-11. That is one year of consistent form this decade. Azpilicueta played everywhere along the back line, and was solid throughout until the end of 2017. That is roughly 5 years of consistent performances. 

This isn't about a balanced XI. This is about fielding the best performers of this decade. 

Or maybe let people interpret their team of the decade how they want  It's all just fantasy fun anyway. I find valid arguments for both sides (Ash or Dave) and there really is no true or false, no need to get all mormon and preach one truth.  

[OneMoSalah 8,883]

This may be questioned by many but here we go fuck it. From 2009 onwards. Matic and Cesc were tough to leave out but for me Ramires (was a huge favourite of mines) and Lampard deserved places. Suppose a bench would have Courtois, Cole, Matic, Cesc, Willian and Mata maybe 😂

Cech

Ivan - Cahill - Terry - Azpi

Ramires - Kante - Lampard

Hazard

Costa - Drogba 

[1905didierblue 748]

On 1/5/2020 at 2:17 PM, Jason said:

You know these individual, Team of the Year awards don't mean much, right? It's just like how the UEFA Team of the Year - or whatever it's called these days - always has the likes of Sergio Ramos, Marcelo etc in it even when they were not the best defenders that year. IIRC, there was the silly inclusion of Pogba in last season's Premier League Team of the Season and another example more closer to home, Hazard winning the 2018/19 Europa League Player of the Year award, even though Giroud was more deserving of it. 

Totally agree. Trying to justify your opinion using the "team of the year" argument is just lol.

We can crib all we want, azpi is our best left back of the decade. Sad, but true.