Ballack

[thejolta 1]

You mention quality defensive play... I think he's a good stopper in midfield simply because he will slide tackle the shit out of anyone making a run just to stop the attacking motion of the team. I don't think there's anything particularly special about Ballack's defensive abilities, just the fact that he's willing to go to ground and sacrifice a yellow card for himself to allow the team to get back to shape.

My biggest issue with Ballack is watching him play for Germany then watching him play for us. Maybe it's the fact he's not playing at the top of the diamond because of Frank, but he's absolutely world class when he plays for Germany. When he plays for us he's a decent distributor, but during some games last year he really made some dumb passes and his finishing and free kicks have been pretty poor this past year.

Originally I wanted him to leave, but I think he's going to provide some excellent depth and hopefully not at the expense of Mikel (who does a far superior job in the holding role than Ballack).

For me, my hatred of Ballack has more to do with who's being kept on the bench than his actual play. Although Ballack is a slow turd.

[Matterz 67]

You mention quality defensive play... I think he's a good stopper in midfield simply because he will slide tackle the shit out of anyone making a run just to stop the attacking motion of the team. I don't think there's anything particularly special about Ballack's defensive abilities, just the fact that he's willing to go to ground and sacrifice a yellow card for himself to allow the team to get back to shape.

My biggest issue with Ballack is watching him play for Germany then watching him play for us. Maybe it's the fact he's not playing at the top of the diamond because of Frank, but he's absolutely world class when he plays for Germany. When he plays for us he's a decent distributor, but during some games last year he really made some dumb passes and his finishing and free kicks have been pretty poor this past year.

Originally I wanted him to leave, but I think he's going to provide some excellent depth and hopefully not at the expense of Mikel (who does a far superior job in the holding role than Ballack).

For me, my hatred of Ballack has more to do with who's being kept on the bench than his actual play. Although Ballack is a slow turd.

Ballack is the spearhead or focal point if you will for Germany, at Chelsea he is not which is why he is out shined by Frank and Co. When Lampard doesnt play, then we see Ballack step up to the plate, His performances against Barcelona alone last year prove how valuable he is to this Chelsea team. I always feel as though he gives 100% to the team and is willing to sacrifice a lot of his own glory for the benefit of the team. He has been an integeral part of a side consistently competing for Champions Laegue and Premier League titles. So in my opinion he is every bit as important and consistent as any othger of our regulars.

[BlueLion. 21,491]

Completely agree with you mate. Spot on.

[TylerCFC 7]

Thejolta touched on the reason Ballack doesn't play as well for Chelsea as Germany, Frank Lampard. It's like Frank and Steven for England; only one player can have that attacking midfielder role.

[CFC58 22]

I'd rather give Mikel the holding role and free up Essien.

Great news.

+1