Nathaniel Chalobah

[themightyblue 443]

Every time I've seen him play on tv, it's looked easy for him. Guys like him need to be pushed and if Zola can't coach him to stop dawdling on the ball then maybe he needs to be around better influences.

The only way we're going to know if he can make it as this club is by giving him a shot and I think he'll simply do what he's always done, and step-up.

Yeah which is why I said we should see how he does in Pre-season before passing judgement on who he's should replace or displace in our team. Could be like Wilshere who fitted instantly, or Cleverley who needed a few more loans

[The only place to be 11,313]

Yeah which is why I said we should see how he does in Pre-season before passing judgement on who he's should replace or displace in our team. Could be like Wilshere who fitted instantly, or Cleverley who needed a few more loans

He's definitely better than Cleverley was (and is, and could ever hope to be) and close to Wilshere in terms of ability but he doesn't have to do as much as Wilshere does in the Arsenal team. He has the ability to hit 40 yard passes or even take players on but he can always keep it small and simple.

The key point for me is that we already have players who make mistakes in that position. Mikel dawdles on the ball and gets caught out an alarming amount whilst Ramires struggles with his passing in games where teams put pressure on him. It's not like we're asking him to come in and be the new Messiah. He isn't replacing Makelele or Ballack or Essien in the team.

[themightyblue 443]

He's definitely better than Cleverley was (and is, and could ever hope to be) and close to Wilshere in terms of ability but he doesn't have to do as much as Wilshere does in the Arsenal team. He has the ability to hit 40 yard passes or even take players on but he can always keep it small and simple.

The key point for me is that we already have players who make mistakes in that position. Mikel dawdles on the ball and gets caught out an alarming amount whilst Ramires struggles with his passing in games where teams put pressure on him. It's not like we're asking him to come in and be the new Messiah. He isn't replacing Makelele or Ballack or Essien in the team.

But then Chalobah also makes mistakes in that position, and we'll probably sign a new CM too.

[The only place to be 11,313]

But then Chalobah also makes mistakes in that position, and we'll probably sign a new CM too.

The difference being that he's 18 and learning from every mistake, and not 25/26 and making the same ones over and over.

[themightyblue 443]

The difference being that he's 18 and learning from every mistake, and not 25/26 and making the same ones over and over.

Another difference being that those players have performed against the best players in the world, have played a big part in winning trophies for us and are currently better players.

[The only place to be 11,313]

Another difference being that those players have performed against the best players in the world, have played a big part in winning trophies for us and are currently better players.

They've also fucked up or disappeared against big teams. They may be better but not significantly in my opinion and certain not for much longer.

[themightyblue 443]

They've also fucked up or disappeared against big teams. They may be better but not significantly in my opinion and certain not for much longer.

Every player in the world does that. Ronaldo did that against Barca on numerous times. Where was Schweinsteiger in the CL final? Where was Van Persie in both legs against Madrid? The fact is they may have bad games from time to time, but every player does. There contribution playing against some of Europe's best and the PL's best has been immense and is why they've been handed new contracts. I don't think you realise the difference in quality between the Championship and Premiership. Put Mikel in the Championship and he'd look outstanding (Just like he did at the AFCON) same with Ramires. Obviously it's your opinion, but I do think you overrate Chalobah a bit. Undoubtedly talented, but he's got a long way to go

[Leif 6,006]

He's always played above his age group at both youth level and U21 etc. with the national team. I don't see why he can't do the same with senior club football at Chelsea.

[themightyblue 443]

He's always played above his age group at both youth level and U21 etc. with the national team. I don't see why he can't do the same with senior club football at Chelsea.

Huge difference in quality and pressure once again. And i'm not saying he can't, it's just far too early to be making a judgement considering he's only played 1 full season in competitive football. The expectation on some of our youngsters is often why we as fans are left disappointed. We have to see what Chalobah can do playing against the very best before saying he's better than 'so and so' as ultimately the level of quality they are playing against is on a completely different scale

[Leif 6,006]

Who knows. For all we know, we'll sign Mourinho, then viola - Chalobah is our Varane - only playing in midfield instead. Or defence. We'll see. No one can determine whether he is ready or not. I respect both opinions. I personally feel that he is ready to be thrown into the deep-end, but at the same time, I'd much rather see him loaned out for another season so I can get excited while tracking his progress over 30 or so games.

[themightyblue 443]

Who knows. For all we know, we'll sign Mourinho, then viola - Chalobah is our Varane - only playing in midfield instead. Or defence. We'll see. No one can determine whether he is ready or not. I respect both opinions. I personally feel that he is ready to be thrown into the deep-end, but at the same time, I'd much rather see him loaned out for another season so I can get excited while tracking his progress over 30 or so games.

Completely agree

[The only place to be 11,313]

Every player in the world does that. Ronaldo did that against Barca on numerous times. Where was Schweinsteiger in the CL final? Where was Van Persie in both legs against Madrid? The fact is they may have bad games from time to time, but every player does. There contribution playing against some of Europe's best and the PL's best has been immense and is why they've been handed new contracts. I don't think you realise the difference in quality between the Championship and Premiership. Put Mikel in the Championship and he'd look outstanding (Just like he did at the AFCON) same with Ramires. Obviously it's your opinion, but I do think you overrate Chalobah a bit. Undoubtedly talented, but he's got a long way to go

Mikel and Ramires aren't Schweinsteiger or Ronaldo. Not even close.

I do realise the difference between the Championship and Premier League, but I'm judging the kid on his entire body of work. Everything I've seen of him makes me think he can be a very good player indeed and he has intangibles that Mikel simply doesn't possess. That's why people talk of him as captain material.

It's also why I'd throw him in. Maybe he'd disappear against teams like Man City or give the ball away against European powerhouses like Juventus and Steaua, but would we really notice the difference?

[CHOULO19 24,332]

He's always played above his age group at both youth level and U21 etc. with the national team. I don't see why he can't do the same with senior club football at Chelsea.

These are the kind of exaggerated expectations that set back Josh's career.

[Stats 7,140]

Put it this way, if Watford can gain promotion with Zola in charge I firmly hope Chalobah goes back to Watford again on loan next season. I would like to see him in a Chelsea shirt which I am sure we will see some time but I will have no problem with him being loaned out again next season.

[themightyblue 443]

Mikel and Ramires aren't Schweinsteiger or Ronaldo. Not even close.

I do realise the difference between the Championship and Premier League, but I'm judging the kid on his entire body of work. Everything I've seen of him makes me think he can be a very good player indeed and he has intangibles that Mikel simply doesn't possess. That's why people talk of him as captain material.

It's also why I'd throw him in. Maybe he'd disappear against teams like Man City or give the ball away against European powerhouses like Juventus and Steaua, but would we really notice the difference?

I haven't compared their ability whatsoever. But you made a point of saying how they've disappeared against big team, but every player in the world does that. Ronaldo was an example as was Schweinsteiger. Does it mean that they should get rid of Ronaldo and play Callejon instead? No, because at the same time he's proven his worth against the big teams too like Mikel and especially Ramires.

You've just pointed out what i'm trying to say. Mikel possess the long range passing etc of Chalobah, in fact there very similar player barring the fact that Chalobah is probably more agile. The difference? Mikel has had to play in the PL, CL etc and try and show his ability at that level. Chalobah has been able to show it at championship level where their is a massive gulf in class. Completely different ball game. Mikel looked like Xavi while playing for Nigeria, but the pressure and quality at Chelsea is different. He could indeed be a very good player, but it's statements like he's just as good as Mikel/Ramires or he'll play ahead of this player next season which I think are just wrong. Plenty of players fail to make the step up to our level despite looking like world beaters playing in a different league.

It's easy to highlight only their bad games. Could just as easily say we'd certainly notice the difference when he's not showing the defensive solidity that Mikel did against Bayern, or the engine and ball-winning qualities of Ramires against United, Arsenal, Spurs, Barca, Valencia