Exactly my thoughts. More Hazards and less Pogbas and modern footballers wouldn't have such a bad rep. Don't see how we can realistically expect to keep Hazard if we can't challenge for the real top honours. Next contract/move will be his last real big one.
Iv'e got a grip mate. Hazard has been "brilliant" in the games that our opponents play to win and don't go all defensive. He has been not so brilliant when the shop is shut up and we pound away with no effect for half the game. Not all his fault, but that's what happens. Last game he was great for 45 mins then disappeared as our midfield faded. Could make the same judgement on Willian and Pedro. Not surprising when our 2 best players on previous form, Hazard and Kante are struggling to lean their new roles. Hazard has been sniping on about Real for almost 3 years now, but might have missed that boat, as they chase Neymar and /or Mbappe. As a player many would build a team around, his non commitment to our long term future is not ,in my opinion, particularly helpful, and needs to be sorted ASAP. Perhaps when we get a striker and a midfield that functions better, Hazard would be the player he can be. In our current set up, I see him as wasted vis a vis his ability. Fabregas is now just too slow for the pace of the PL, while Ampadu is only game time from being able to improve our midfield (or defence), something that Fabregas can't do now. That's why he is being let go, along with Cahill, Moses, Zappa, hopefully Morata and Giroud, though Giroud has a bit of fight in him.They aren't all hopeless players, just not right for Sarri. Christensen needs nurturing, RLC is in better form than any of our other midfielders and Jorghino can't do it alone, since every other team has worked him and us out. It should be obvious that as far as Sarri ball goes, we aren't actually getting better now ,and the reasons are flashing red. So credit that we are hanging in there, but now time for pragmatism. Our problems ? Midfield and its' poor threat on goal, striker, and lack of power throughout the attack . They're my opinions, you're welcome to yours.
He has conducted himself with dignity and been a model pro when he could have engineered a move to Real more than once
How many times have you seen Amps live? He looks great, very composed. But only a fool Would drop Rudiger, who Has been brilliant this season, for Amps
True, but rotating and dropping are 2 different things. I think both Amps and Christensen could be rotated, not together, but one at a time, for Luiz and Rudiger, at least occasionally, or subbed for that matter. Both the youngsters experiencing game time with both the 1st choice CDs' would bring the kids on AND give us far more flexibility for when injuries inevitably happen. All I am ever hoping for is to bring all the squad up to a level of readiness. Right now almost all our subs are below par through too little game time.
Which games recently do you think we could have brought Ampadu on for Rudi.or started him: City, Wolves, Spurs, Brighton?? I can’t think of any. Also, maybe he needs to bulk up a bit before facing a very physical striker for 90 mins
Have to say, Hazard aside, I think Rudiger must be pretty much first name on the team sheet this season. Turning into a very good player. I like Ampadu and think he has a great future but at centre half he may be a bit light at the moment. He's only what 18? So he'll pack on some beef in the next couple of years I'm sure and will be a better player for it. Rudiger and Ampadu could be our future partnership for years to come though.
Re Hazard, I think he is torn but leaning towards a move to Real. He can't help it if he's asked questions about it in pretty much every interview he does. If he said he wanted to stay and then left, he'd be vilified for it so I cant criticise him at all for being vague. He's been involved in more goals than anyone else in the league this year despite being double marked and constantly fouled - so don't think his form can be questioned. The guy is brilliant. Just think the load needs to be shared.
