As we all know Chelsea have released Jose Bosingwa after his contract expired and thus are looking at possibly signing another right-back Now many believe we dont need one and that Branislav Ivanovic is the answer, but it seems he is being primarily used as the utility between right and centre back So Chelsea look ready to overlook youth (again!!!) and sign an out and out right back The targets that have been mentioned in the last few weeks are Gregory Van Der Weil - the 24 year old Ajax and Holland international has been the most talked about target the last few months and would fit the bill perfectly but has had a couple of up and down seasons since his impressive 2010 World Cup Cost: 7-10m (in last year of contract) Cesar Azpilicueta - the 22 year old Marseille player i a somehwat highly rated player that missed out on the Spain squad for the Euros but could be part of their olympic squad. Chelsea seem to rate him highly and could be a good bet as he would add to the Romeu, Mata, Torres Spanish contingent. And with Marseille without CL footy could be a good time to grab him Cost: 12-14m Bacary Sagna - the guys above dont actually have experience of the premier league, but Arsenal full back has been a great performer in the PL, but has a bad injury record with 2 broken legs last season. Would cause unrest between the two clubs like Cole did but wouldnt need to adapt to the premier league Cost: 14-16m Matthieu Debuchy - the Lille and France player ha had a great two seasons for Lille and is a somewhat cheaper but equally effective fullback and would join former team mate Eden Hazard at the Bridge, giving him someone to connect with Cost: 5-6m Now these are the main targets being talked about and my pick would be either Debuchy or Azpilicueta for the obvious reasons of age and performance (Sagna is ready made but we dont need ready made and Sagna has the injury problems, VDW is a somewhat lackng in form for the last few years and would be a gamble, in all honesty Debuchy is the perfect fit, being 26, having great form and a good price) What is everyone elses thoughts and who would you pick if you had to pick a new out and out right back (I know we have Kane and Hutchinson but I dont see them getting the chance)
Todd Kane please, Sam Hutchinson is primarily and centre back who can play right back ala Ivanovic. Don't need another right back.
Absolutely spot on CFCTEL. With Hutchinson, Brana, JT, Luiz Cahill, Cole and Bertrand there is a heap of opportunity to switch around our defenders and include Todd Kane slowly but surely into the squad. As Bertrand has done, he will reward the confidence shown in him by becoming an excellent 2nd right back, and in a couple of years take his place as Brana winds down. That's what should happen, hope it does. Put the chequebook away Roman, the kids are hot to trot.
We look set to play Branna there at the moment--who I think is pretty good at RB, but cover would be essential whether from the younger ranks or a cheap and excitying player with promise for the future!
That's for sure BM2, but the trouble is there aren't too many exciting ones who come cheap !!!!! Whatsmore, "cheap and exciting with promise for the future" describes Kane to a tee !!! And Brana is more than "pretty good", he's simply great. Spend the dosh where we need it more, we're OK along the back line, and will be even better when the kids get cracking. Youth AND experience, just what we have both been screaming for for 2 years. Creative midfield a la Modric is my call, not him necessarily, but a controller and director of action.
CP--Although Branna has done his best work at CB--we have Luiz, Cahill,JT and him vying for 2 places in the team! Sure we need to encourage the young ones like Kane, Hutchinson et al. Its a great problem to have particularly if we are going to take all 4 domestic/Euro trophies seriously, but I'm inclined to think the PL/CL will always be strongest available in every game and the promising up and coming ones used selectively in the plastic /FA cups!
I don't think we will need Modric now we have Hazard to play the 'number 10' role. Lampard will be sitting deeper alongside Ramieres or Mikel and will be directing the play from deep. Then the likes of Mata and Hazard (Hulk??) will be relied on to create further up field. However I agree re the right back. Much like with left back, have an experienced player and a youth back up. Bertrand on left Kane or Hutchinson on the right. We still have the likes of Luiz and Ferreira who can cover too and Ivan is a solid right back.
Got to say that's my call as well. You may well be right about midfield. When we are stronger all over, the pressure comes off everyone, and just maybe one of our midfielders can start to show more flair.
Actually, I can see Kane going out on loan next term. May be a good move for his continuing education.
