The Chelsea Thread

[damola3]

Eh? We have barely been linked to anyone tbf. Our strongest link was to Morata whom you love.

I do agree with you though. Our squad is really not as good as the league table suggests. Even before this season, I was happy with Top 4 and I would still be happy with that if we lose the title. However, next summer we have the opportunity to get back into the elite group of clubs. We cannot waste it.

Here is a hypothetical. If you were in-charge at Chelsea, who would you buy and why?

I do like Morata. His ceiling is Costa. Fired Juve to a UCL final. Elite mentality and big game player.

First player would be Emerson. Been a top 5 left back this season for Roma and 20 years old. He's been crazy good.

Second would be a central defender. It's very hard to judge defenders across systems. Even pro scouts have mixed success. This is because defensive systems vary so much that it's hard to judge strengths and weaknesses. Cahill is a joke defender. Luiz is good but not at the highest level. Christensen is an extremely intelligent defender. Only one I can say is good for sure would be Daniele Rugani.

I'd replace Moses as well. He's a weak link defensively. I reckon you could wrestle Hysaj off of Napoli.

Next would be a DM. As Fabregas will leave, I'm thinking someone that can dictate and control a game. N'Zonzi has arguably been the best in Europe this season. Has a 30 Million Euro release clause at Sevilla. Don't be surprised to see him at City/Bayern come the summer.

Naby Keita would be a dream partnership with Kante. Physically homogenous players. Literally crazy amounts of energy. Naby Keita can do what Kante does plus create and destroy.

Belotti/Morata to replace Costa is a no brainer.

Chelsea could make a statement of intent and try to sign Mbappe/Bernardo Silva/Thomas Lemar. Crazy how Monaco have 3 young wide forwards better than Martial a year after selling.

You need Morata, or a player of his ilk.

Need Christiensen plus one more at CB at least

Another central defender is needed definately

Costa is going, If Griezmann heads to United

So Griezzman is probably leaving then? Yep I can ses your point there. Atletico can then use that money to buy back Costa.

Costa is leaving primarily for cash plus Griezmann is being sold due to the stadium. Unsure about that. Looks like China.

 

[damola3]

Do you see Morataas a foil to Costa or replacing him directly? I believe Conte initially targetted him to pair him up front with Costa. What about Zouma? Can he be the 'new CB' alongside Christensen?

Replacement for Costa then, and other back up CF needed
Zouma and Christiensen
Wing back on the right needed. This is a huge target, needs to be a top player.

Zouma is a rotation quality player. The amount of time he makes last ditch tackles and get caught out of position... He's also not good enough on the ball. Christensen is a class above.

 

[Chelski Shogun]

Replacement for Costa then, and other back up CF needed
Zouma and Christiensen
Wing back on the right needed. This is a huge target, needs to be a top player.

Seen a few reports about Conte wanting Florenzi in the summer. I've been impressed with what I've seen of him at Roma and for the national team (especially during the Euros). But would you class him in that 'top' bracket?

 

[damola3]

Seen a few reports about Conte wanting Florenzi in the summer. I've been impressed with what I've seen of him at Roma and for the national team (especially during the Euros). But would you class him in that 'top' bracket?

Florenzi is good going forward but Hysaj is the best full/wing back in Serie A.

 

[Mike.]

Florenzi? definitely.

If i was buying a midfielder, i'd want a hard working passer in there, someone who can change the game in a heartbeat. Weigl springs to mind. Or even Verratti

 

[damola3]

Florenzi? definitely.

If i was buying a midfielder, i'd want a hard working passer in there, someone who can change the game in a heartbeat. Weigl springs to mind. Or even Verratti

Weigl has a contract until 2021. No way you could afford Verratti or PSG will sell. N'Zonzi has been better than both.

 

[Alc]

Wouldn't put it past Verrati to force a move through. Elite player who has probably achieved all he can with PSG.

 

[damola3]

Wouldn't put it past Verrati to force a move through. Elite player who has probably achieved all he can with PSG.

Why would you when you can get N'Zonzi for £27 Million?

 

[Alc]

Why would you when you can get N'Zonzi for £27 Million?

I am just saying mate.

 

[Mike.]

Probably because N'Zonzi isn't and never has been a passing maestro, certainly doesnt have Verratti's range. But is a powerful box to box option who has improved as the years have gone by

 

[damola3]

Probably because N'Zonzi isn't and never has been a passing maestro, certainly doesnt have Verratti's range. But is a powerful box to box option who has improved as the years have gone by

Delete

 

[Mike.]

The question for me alc is: what kind of midfield option do I want to add.

You don't have anyone like Verrati apart from Fabregas really, and then not quite the same, which is why I like him.

 

[damola3]

Probably because N'Zonzi isn't and never has been a passing maestro, certainly doesnt have Verratti's range. But is a powerful box to box option who has improved as the years have gone by

Seriously though, he's an incredible regista with an incredible physique. Being huge, athletically talented and a great destroyer, his biggest quality is overlooked. His passing ability and ability to dictate are his biggest strengths.

 

[Alc]

The question for me alc is: what kind of midfield option do I want to add.

You don't have anyone like Verrati apart from Fabregas really, and then not quite the same, which is why I like him.

Thats the thing. We already have a passing maestro in Fabregas. What else do you think someone like Verratti will add to a team?

 

[Alc]

Seems to me like we need a more all-rounded midfielder in the mould of N'Zonzi. Someone like Pogba who has the mobility, strength and qualities to be a decisive factor in both halves of the pitch. Kante is an excellent destroyer and Matic is a bit more well-rounded but neither of them are the answer.

 

[Mike.]

Depends what happens with Fabregas.

Also N'Zonzi is an easy buy tbh. 26m release clause if he wants to go, isn't renewing his contract currently.

He's really well rounded. Remember how you wanted Nainggolan? Then get N'Zonzi

 

[damola3]

Depends what happens with Fabregas.

Also N'Zonzi is an easy buy tbh. 26m release clause if he wants to go, isn't renewing his contract currently.

He's really well rounded. Remember how you wanted Nainggolan? Then get N'Zonzi

They're both very different players. If a want a DM, I'd take N'Zonzi who can press, sit and control a game. If I want a complete midfielder who can destroy, score and create then I'd have Nainggolan. I'd take both tbh.

 

[damola3]

Seems to me like we need a more all-rounded midfielder in the mould of N'Zonzi. Someone like Pogba who has the mobility, strength and qualities to be a decisive factor in both halves of the pitch. Kante is an excellent destroyer and Matic is a bit more well-rounded but neither of them are the answer.

N'Zonzi is nothing like Pogba. The former can dictate play from deep and offers more defensively than Pogba. Think of N'Zonzi as Michael Carrick with s***loads of strength and stamina.

 

[Mike.]

If im thinking about all the deals likely needed, I'd get N'Zonzi.

You will have to shell out for a top line hard working forward, and a RB.

Even getting back 40m for Costa, anyone else coming is going to be expensive.

 

[CJACKO11]

Chelsea are far off the UCL. This may not be popular but the players Chelsea have been linked with aren't impressive other than Kolasinac. Remember that Chelsea don't have the best squad in the Premier League. Arsenal and especially United are well ahead. Chelsea have good coaching on their side.

In my opinion, Chelsea should be looking at players like Keita, N'Zonzi, Mbappe and Emerson etc to reach the next level.

You lost my attention at N'Zonzi!!!!!! Seriously!!!! The former Stoke City midfielder N'Zonzi!!!!! He may look a presence in the Spanish league but that's because he stands out in a league with technical midfielders. He was average at best in the Premier League.

I do like Morata. His ceiling is Costa. Fired Juve to a UCL final. Elite mentality and big game player.

First player would be Emerson. Been a top 5 left back this season for Roma and 20 years old. He's been crazy good.

Second would be a central defender. It's very hard to judge defenders across systems. Even pro scouts have mixed success. This is because defensive systems vary so much that it's hard to judge strengths and weaknesses. Cahill is a joke defender. Luiz is good but not at the highest level. Christensen is an extremely intelligent defender. Only one I can say is good for sure would be Daniele Rugani.

I'd replace Moses as well. He's a weak link defensively. I reckon you could wrestle Hysaj off of Napoli.

Next would be a DM. As Fabregas will leave, I'm thinking someone that can dictate and control a game. N'Zonzi has arguably been the best in Europe this season. Has a 30 Million Euro release clause at Sevilla. Don't be surprised to see him at City/Bayern come the summer.

Naby Keita would be a dream partnership with Kante. Physically homogenous players. Literally crazy amounts of energy. Naby Keita can do what Kante does plus create and destroy.

Belotti/Morata to replace Costa is a no brainer.

Chelsea could make a statement of intent and try to sign Mbappe/Bernardo Silva/Thomas Lemar. Crazy how Monaco have 3 young wide forwards better than Martial a year after selling.

Another central defender is needed definately


Costa is leaving primarily for cash plus Griezmann is being sold due to the stadium. Unsure about that. Looks like China.

So your basically saying sign a kid because he's had 1 good season and he'll ensure your a force in Europe?????

And seriously Cahill a "joke" defender! Where the **** do you get off! The one thing he is good at is defending! Out of position where is is right now and does struggle but to call a man who won all top trophies available to him in quickest time ever is shocking.

Not even going to entertain the N'Zonzi opinion again.

You also have to remember here the players your naming play in leagues that are inferior, how many players come over here and struggle.

If Costa goes my personal first choice would be Lukaku you may say "wouldn't do well in europe" but how do you know??? Has Belotti smashed Europa??? Morata done okay in Europe for sure but maybe won't settle in the Premier League where as Lukaku will because he already has.

Your just frustrating me with the constant "sign these kids" as if they are going to take us to that next level in Europe. This current side we have right now looks as if it could ease Chelsea to a Premier League title so why on earth would they be so caught out in Europe! Man City tore Barca apart this season remember and we went to the Etihad and especially in the 2nd half tore City apart.

If Chelsea in your mind are miles away from doing anything in Europe then my god where does that leave the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool, Spurs, City and Utd!

Zouma is a rotation quality player. The amount of time he makes last ditch tackles and get caught out of position... He's also not good enough on the ball. Christensen is a class above.

This is absolute bull and i'll tell you for why. A lot of the games in which Zouma featured in (before his injury) he was playing right side of the centre backs. And i know this because i remember pointing this out time and time again when it was happening b the way. A very declining Ivanovic was always beaten for pace or caught out of position and Zouma had to always come across to cover him and this happened on multiple occasions. He's played 2,565 minutes of Premier League football and received 1 yellow card so if he as you say "has to make last ditch tackles because he gets caught out" at least he's getting them spot on.