The Chelsea Thread

[Alcaraz]

Lol naming young players just for the sake of it. Will see how mnay of those young players will get a chance and how many will stay with Chelsea after say 2-3 years..

pure assumptions... same can be said of your football club or any football club

---------- Post added at 05:01 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:00 PM ----------

It's really got ****-all to do with not winning trophies, or about replacing Xavi. It's about their arrogance and the fact that they are clearly reluctant to let any of their young players go unless - like Fabregas - they go on to be brilliant and Barca are made to look a little silly that they didn't prioritise their development.

The buy-back clause won't "expire". It's mandatory. In maximum 2 years, Barca will HAVE to make a €15m offer to Chelsea, which Chelsea HAVE to accept, unless they want to pay Barca a further €20m to block it.

The reason I'm bringing up Cesc is because you're always on the opposite side of the fence to me re: the saga - that Barca are well-entitled to shout their mouths off about Cesc because he wants to go back and hasn't achieved enough at Arsenal etc etc. What I'm saying is that Xavi will be even more entitled to open his mouth in a year, or two year's time (the buy-back clause is just €10m after the first year) and tempt Romeu back.

The only real reason you've given for Cesc being different to Romeu is that he hasn't won anything at Arsenal. What's to say Romeu is guaranteed success at Chelsea? An ageing squad which nearly fell out of the top 3/4 last season and who have made no major business in this summer's window.

I look forward to your reaction - whether you stick to what you're saying now or not - when a new saga inevitably crops up.

---------- Post added at 11:54 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:53 PM ----------



You don't think that's at all hypocritical? You'd be sad to see them leave, but if they're not 100% happy (which they clearly weren't for whatever reason) then good riddance? Which is it?

If Barca do that to Romeu and Romeu does not come out and commit himself to Chelsea which Fab has not done, then **** him, I do not want players who are not commited to the club

---------- Post added at 05:04 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:01 PM ----------

I think there was some foul play in signing youngsters, but the reason people don't moan is because club presidents/officials just accept that every club can do it.

lets not pretend that we are the only major club that engages in foul play when signing youngsters....

---------- Post added at 05:06 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:04 PM ----------

You really think anyone will act over Barca doing something perfectly legal, but pretty ****-ish?

Have they acted on the constant tapping up of players? Not just Cesc, but Villa, Sanchez, any other player they want.

Will they act on Barca's €400m debt and prevent then from entering European competition on the grounds of FFP? I doubt it. Barca are the world's envy and most people are too far up their **** to do anything about it when they're in the wrong.

I am not a fan of the way they are going after Cesc either and not respecting Arsenal, I really hope Jose Mourinho ***** them this year

 

[Joss]

I know its not just you that speaks about it but time and time again i say if you took time to look deep down then Chelsea are in a much better position than many give credit for. Yes we have Drogba, Lampard, Anelka, Cole, Malouda and Terry who are all 30+.
But when you see Torres (5years younger than Drogba)
McEachran (15years younger than Lampard)
Ramires (9years younger than Lampard)
Sturridge (11years younger than Anelka)
PVA and Bertrand (10 and 9years younger than Cole)
Luiz (6years younger than Terry)
Kalas (11years younger than Terry
Bruma (11 years younger than Terry)
Rajkovic (8years younger than Terry)
Chalobah (14years younger than Terry)

And this already goes with the likes of Courtois (19), Romeu (19), Mikel (24) and Kalou (25) and whoever else comes through our much improved youth acadamy.

---------- Post added at 12:54 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:53 AM ----------



Same goes with every bigger club though i think, if the big club can offer the smaller club an ammount of money they cant refuse then they would be stupid not to take it.

Your (probable) First XI:

Cech - 29
Ivanovic - 27
Terry - 30
Luiz - 24/Alex - 29
Cashley - 30
Essien - 28/Mikel - 24
Lampard - 33
Ramires - 24
Anelka - 32
Malouda - 31
Drogba - 33

Avg Age (if we take Luiz and Ramires rather than Alex and Essien) = 29.
Avg Age (if we take the other two) = 30.

It's clear that there's too big a gap between the players you've relied on for the past few years; Essien, Lampard, Drogba, Terry, Cole and a) the squad players, who are largely below par - Kalou, Mikel, Anelka even are not - in my, and I think a lot of people's opinion - title-winning quality.

You can't just name a whole load of players - including a 16 year old who won't be anywhere near your FT for at least 3/4 years, however good he is now - who haven't yet broken into the First Team to prove you don't have an old squad.

Clearly, you have some excellent talents coming through - the likes of McEachran and PVA for example, but as last season showed, you can't yet rely on them to bridge a rather large gap between them and the first XI. You prove that with your age differences...

McEachran is 15 years younger than the player he's supposed to replace. He's made 1 start in the PL. Romeu is 9 years younger than Essien, has made 1 app in La Liga, and has to adapt to a new country, but he could make "20 or so apps" with Essien injured for most of the season. Bruma is on loan, etc etc.

Anyway - as I said, this is boring, but I wasn't expecting you to post half of your squad and try to argue that a 16 year old in your academy helps prove your squad isn't ageing.

 

[sunilvk7]

pure assumptions... same can be said of your football club or any football club[COLOR=#00e0]

[/COLOR]

Where is the assumption..? I said will wait for 2-3 years..

 

[Alcaraz]

Your (probable) First XI:

Cech - 29
Ivanovic - 27
Terry - 30
Luiz - 24/Alex - 29
Cashley - 30
Essien - 28/Mikel - 24
Lampard - 33
Ramires - 24
Anelka - 32
Malouda - 31
Drogba - 33

Avg Age (if we take Luiz and Ramires rather than Alex and Essien) = 29.
Avg Age (if we take the other two) = 30.

It's clear that there's too big a gap between the players you've relied on for the past few years; Essien, Lampard, Drogba, Terry, Cole and a) the squad players, who are largely below par - Kalou, Mikel, Anelka even are not - in my, and I think a lot of people's opinion - title-winning quality.

You can't just name a whole load of players - including a 16 year old who won't be anywhere near your FT for at least 3/4 years, however good he is now - who haven't yet broken into the First Team to prove you don't have an old squad.

Clearly, you have some excellent talents coming through - the likes of McEachran and PVA for example, but as last season showed, you can't yet rely on them to bridge a rather large gap between them and the first XI. You prove that with your age differences...

McEachran is 15 years younger than the player he's supposed to replace. He's made 1 start in the PL. Romeu is 9 years younger than Essien, has made 1 app in La Liga, and has to adapt to a new country, but he could make "20 or so apps" with Essien injured for most of the season. Bruma is on loan, etc etc.

Anyway - as I said, this is boring, but I wasn't expecting you to post half of your squad and try to argue that a 16 year old in your academy helps prove your squad isn't ageing.

agree with you that our squad is geing and AVB had his work cut out but to me, this squad is still title-winning quality bar Anelka.... Drogba still hit the back of the net 11 times even though he had malaria and there have been many players ho have performed well in their 30s, Giggs anyone?

But yes we do have some excellent talents coming through and what I have always maintained is that we build the squad around a core of our best and most experienced players and complement them with average players like Kalou and some excellent talents like Josh and PVA and we seem to be heading in that direction

---------- Post added at 05:14 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:13 PM ----------

Where is the assumption..? I said will wait for 2-3 years..

as I said, there is no basis in your statement as many players you rate highly at Trafford will end up staying at Man Utd for 2-3 years either so iit s risk all clubs face and its not a risk only Chelsea face

 

[sunilvk7]

there have been many players ho have performed well in their 30s, Giggs anyone?

Scholes.

[COLOR=#00e0]
[/COLOR]as I said, there is no basis in your statement as many players you rate highly at Trafford will end up staying at Man Utd for 2-3 years either so iit s risk all clubs face and its not a risk only Chelsea face

All I have said is Jacko just named all the young players and have to wait 2-3 years to see where they will be. It can happen to any club. Where did I deny that.

Saying that we have few young players who have already proved their worth in the league or in some other league..

 

[Alcaraz]

Scholes.



All I have said is Jacko just named all the young players and have to wait 2-3 years to see where they will be. It can happen to any club. Where did I deny that.

Saying that we have few young players who have already proved their worth in the league or in some other league..

we also have a few youngsters who have done the same

 

[sunilvk7]

we also have a few youngsters who have done the same

Who? *I dont remember so only I'm asking*

 

[Alcaraz]

Who? *I dont remember so only I'm asking*

Courtois, Luiz, Ramires, Rajokvic, Sturridge and if the deal takes place then Lukaku and Kevin De Bruyne...... our list of youths who are proven in the PLM or other league

 

[oja20]

SkyGraemeBailey
Reports in Belgium claim Anderlecht general manager Herman Van Holsbeeck will be in London today to finalise Romelu Lukaku's move to Chelsea

 

[Alcaraz]

Lukaku near Chelsea switch


If he comes, I can see Anelka being sold or taking a fringe role in the team, the article mentions that Lukaku may not get enough games as both Torres and Drogba will be ahead of him in the pecking order for the Central Striker position but AVB has experimented with quite a few formations so I see no reason why Lukaku should not get 20+ apps this season and then when Drogba decides to go to more lazy pastures, he can step up to the plate... will be an excellent signing
​

 

[sunilvk7]

Courtois, Luiz, Ramires, Rajokvic, Sturridge and if the deal takes place then Lukaku and Kevin De Bruyne...... our list of youths who are proven in the PLM or other league

I never knew we can call 24 year old players as youngsters.

Anyways my initial point was lets wait and see how many of thsoe named by Jacko will stay in the club after 2-3 years..

 

[Alcaraz]

I never knew we can call 24 year old players as youngsters.

Anyways my initial point was lets wait and see how many of thsoe named by Jacko will stay in the club after 2-3 years..

we call them youngsters at our club

 

[oja20]

I wouldn't play immediately if I join a top European club but I will be in an environment that will make me stronger. I will need a period of adjustment, perhaps a season, before I can compete.

Obviously someones had a word with him!

 

[CJACKO11]

Lol naming young players just for the sake of it. Will see how mnay of those young players will get a chance and how many will stay with Chelsea after say 2-3 years..

Its not like im just naming anybodys is it. Im naming players that everyone knows and with good reason.

Your (probable) First XI:

Cech - 29
Ivanovic - 27
Terry - 30
Luiz - 24/Alex - 29
Cashley - 30
Essien - 28/Mikel - 24
Lampard - 33
Ramires - 24
Anelka - 32
Malouda - 31
Drogba - 33

Avg Age (if we take Luiz and Ramires rather than Alex and Essien) = 29.
Avg Age (if we take the other two) = 30.

It's clear that there's too big a gap between the players you've relied on for the past few years; Essien, Lampard, Drogba, Terry, Cole and a) the squad players, who are largely below par - Kalou, Mikel, Anelka even are not - in my, and I think a lot of people's opinion - title-winning quality.

You can't just name a whole load of players - including a 16 year old who won't be anywhere near your FT for at least 3/4 years, however good he is now - who haven't yet broken into the First Team to prove you don't have an old squad.

Clearly, you have some excellent talents coming through - the likes of McEachran and PVA for example, but as last season showed, you can't yet rely on them to bridge a rather large gap between them and the first XI. You prove that with your age differences...

McEachran is 15 years younger than the player he's supposed to replace. He's made 1 start in the PL. Romeu is 9 years younger than Essien, has made 1 app in La Liga, and has to adapt to a new country, but he could make "20 or so apps" with Essien injured for most of the season. Bruma is on loan, etc etc.

Anyway - as I said, this is boring, but I wasn't expecting you to post half of your squad and try to argue that a 16 year old in your academy helps prove your squad isn't ageing.

And as i said that starting 11 can be replaced with much younger players and we have the players to possably to that. So just because Josh has 1 PL start that means he isent good enough?? Have you not seen the lad, he is sensational simple as that and you can tell a good player when you see one by the respect his teammates give him. Mikel when fully fit is good enough easily, Kalou is a squad player and every side needs these squad players and how you have come to the asumption thay Anelka isent good anymore is beyond me. 15goals still last season think again mate, he will be faded out proberly by Sturridge but he is still good enough for Chelsea.

I never knew we can call 24 year old players as youngsters.

Anyways my initial point was lets wait and see how many of thsoe named by Jacko will stay in the club after 2-3 years..

24 is young, another 10years possibly playing time left if they do everything right. And 24 comparred to Lampards 33 is young indeed.

 

[Alcaraz]

Finally this club is doing things the right way in the transfer market... injecting some much need Youth Talent through Romeu, Courtois and now hopefully we can add Lukaku, De Bruyne and Mata to the list

 

[Mike.]

Lukaku near Chelsea switch


If he comes, I can see Anelka being sold or taking a fringe role in the team, the article mentions that Lukaku may not get enough games as both Torres and Drogba will be ahead of him in the pecking order for the Central Striker position but AVB has experimented with quite a few formations so I see no reason why Lukaku should not get 20+ apps this season and then when Drogba decides to go to more lazy pastures, he can step up to the plate... will be an excellent signing
​

As Jamie covered above, he wont come unless he is certain of first team football. And you arent getting rid of Anelka becuase he has already stated he will resist any move and will see his contract out, so you have a real problem there

 

[CJACKO11]

As Jamie covered above, he wont come unless he is certain of first team football. And you arent getting rid of Anelka becuase he has already stated he will resist any move and will see his contract out, so you have a real problem there

There's always a way, if a club throws the green stuff at him then im sure he will find it hard to resist.

 

[Mike.]

There's always a way, if a club throws the green stuff at him then im sure he will find it hard to resist.

Except no clubs have, and therein lies the problem

 

[CJACKO11]

Except no clubs have, and therein lies the problem

But at the moment he hasen't been offered out to clubs. It may even be Kalou not Anelka, who knows.

 

[Mike.]

But at the moment he hasen't been offered out to clubs. It may even be Kalou not Anelka, who knows.

Nicolas Anelka intends to see out the final year of his contract at Chelseabefore leaving the club under the Bosman ruling, potentially for Major League Soccer, on a free transfer next summer.
The veteran France international, a £15m signing from Bolton Wanderers in 2008, has effectively moved down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge following the £50m arrival of Fernando Torres in January. Yet, despite reported interest from clubs in the United States and the Middle East this summer, Anelka remains intent on impressing Chelsea's new manager, André Villas-Boas, in pre-season to convince the Portuguese that he should play a key part in the first team next term.
"I still have one more year, and I am pleased with the work I've done since I came to Chelsea," said Anelka. "I'm still here. I want to stay on until the end of my contract in one year and after that we will see what happens. I have never said I wanted to leave Chelsea. Even if there's an offer from someone else, I don't care because I'm seeing out my contract at the club."
While Chelsea are hopeful of securing Didier Drogba, another player entering the final 12 months of his current deal, on a one-year extension to the summer of 2013, Anelka suggested he would not be seeking to open negotiations aimed at prolonging his own spell at the club. "I'm OK with one year," he said. "That's fine for me. I said in the beginning, when I signed, that I wanted to stay until I finished my contract. I still have one more year and I'm happy."
Anelka's eagerness to stay would potentially influence Villas-Boas' policy in the transfer market this summer given the striking options already at his disposal. While midfield reinforcements such as Luka Modric and, more latterly, Scott Parker have been prioritised, Chelsea have also been vigorously pursuing the Belgium attacker Romelu Lukaku – Paris Saint-Germain have emerged as rivals for the 18-year-old Anderlecht forward – yet they will retain four senior forwards in Drogba, Torres, Anelka and Salomon Kalou.
There is also a desire to retain the England Under-21 international Daniel Sturridge at the club and, indeed, offer him more playing time on the pitch despite interest from Bolton Wanderers and Newcastle United to take the striker on long-term loan. "Competition brings out the best in everybody," added Anelka. "When you play for a team like Chelsea you will have to fight for your place. We have a lot of good strikers here. We're going to be fighting this season and the best player will play. That's good for us, good for Chelsea, good for the fans and good for the title, because we want to win it again."

I would personally work on shifting Kalou