http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/thefootballtacticsblog/2011/08/torres_on_song_but_chelsea_nee.html With two weeks left before the transfer window closes, the temptation to sign Luka Modric may have grown and Dixon believes his inclusion in the team would also help Lampard flourish. "John Obi Mikel's distribution can sometimes appear a bit slow and if Michael Essien was fit he probably wouldn't be in the team," Dixon says. "Chelsea have Ramires, who looks quite sharp on ball, and the midfield has support from the two full-backs Jose Bosingwa and Ashley Cole, who like to bomb forward. "But sometimes it takes a while for Lampard to get into his stride from a fitness point of view. He's at an age, 33, where long term injuries can take time to get over. He will only get back to his best when he's bombing into the box, making runs and scoring goals. "Chelsea definitely need an injection of something a bit different, maybe from someone like Modric and I'm pretty sure they will go back in for him. It will take somebody like him to relieve the creative pressure off the midfield and release Frank a little bit further forward. "You need someone who is comfortable on the ball, who can see a pass, who can receive it in all sorts of positions and also create a bit of uncertainty in the opposition. "Modric puts fear into midfielders or defenders so they might just drop off deeper and that could create space for the likes of Lampard or Torres. It also allows the players to make a run into a position they might not usually go, because they know the ball will arrive or he will drive into a different space. It's almost like a domino effect when a player of that ability gets on the ball. "After the Stoke game, Villas-Boas will have learnt that there is a lot of quality in his team and that they can be in a position to challenge for honours. He will also have discovered that a creative midfield player is not necessarily there." _________________________________________________________ Of course Dixon wants Chelsea to sign Modric, anything that will weaken Spurs and improve his teams chances of scraping 4th. I can't stand how the BBC continues to employ these obviously biased 'pundits'. It's not just Dixon - Lawrenson and Hansen are just as bad with their glorification of Liverpool.
I used to think Dixon knew what he was on about..."if fit Essien wouldn't get in the team"...I'm spoilt for choice as to which smiley should follow that! "Modric puts fear into midfielders or defenders so they might just drop off deeper" - We haven't seen it, Modrics best work is done in the CM, therefore players there are hardly going to drop off deep, unless the opposition are parking the bus.
I think he meant if Essien was fit, Mikel wouldn't get into the team. Not that I'm disagreeing that he daoesn't have a clue. Ex-footballers have some level of insight into the game in general that's limited to dressing room atmosphere, handling the pressure of playing the PL and other experiences they've had. Someone like Curbishley can bring more insight into the game in general so I don't know why they persist with a bunch of clueless footballers, especially Shearer after he failed so badly at management, although I think he was the only one to predict Spurs would get into the top 4
the pundits are the really boring part of motd,i usually turn over channels for afew minutes while they are doing thier bit
Exactly what I do. I use the 'analysis' after games to put the kettle on or go for a quick ciggie. I hate the way they suck up to Utd as well, all in the hope Baconface will one day talk to them.
Lineker's wasted in the role that he occupies at the moment. Either get rid of him entirely or move him over to replace Shearer and bring in a proper presenter.
Agreed, we need new blood on the box, but I can't be doing with him. I guess it's just personal taste.
The dulcet Manc tone of his voice put me to sleep, I doubt he could make womens topless football sound interesting.
Don't cry I check all boards, as I said I have an interest in football and sports discussion hence why I joined Not606, I'm sorry that has reduced you to tears
"I'm sorry that has reduced you to tears" ...is this your best provocation!...oh dear! ..."i check all boards" (spoken in a sarcastic girlie voice!)....what a tit! please log in to view this image
