Elliott started the first four games last season and was really good especially linking up with Salah. The injury set him back or who knows how the rest of his season would have gone. He looked sharp yesterday as did Carvalho. Former teammates and it showed. I can't think they will play too many games together this season but what a pair of prospects.
In which case, I completely disagree. Yes, pre season gives fitness but it ALSO give a view to how a player will fit, how they will blend into the team (or not) work rate, football savviness, confidence and form….so, basically #notjustaboutfitness
and experience. Theres how many kids along and 90% will never make it with us but will be advanced and perhaps make them into a better pro we can sell. Goalkeepers: Davies, Mrozek Defenders: Van den Berg, Bajcetic, Chambers, Norris Midfielders: Morton, Clarkson, Frauendorf, Mabaya, Hill Forwards: Clark Its a lot of learning for these boys. 2 or 3 might even be worth a few mil. In the end if one of these goofs off or causes trouble they will be cut off from the first team pretty quick, all good learning for the staff about them. Its also finally about system and doing the 20-30 sessions where you drill the crap out of the players to really understand the role. Carvalho,. diaz and nunez in particular will benefit us greats form this.
Voronin was a world beater in pre-season, Pacheco and Suso looked quality too, means nothing. It's completely about fitness with a tweak of learning about each other and our way of playing as a bonus.
Sheyi Ojo has finally landed at a new permanent home, heading to the Championship on a free transfer after 11 years at Liverpool and seven loan moves. Ojo was among the seven players released by Liverpool this summer, departing the club after over a decade, having failed to kick on after promising signs.
I think he’s better than anything chelsea currently have up top. Will contribute goals but he also now needs to become the main man up there and won’t get as good a service and tap ins at the back post like he would get from city’s style. Intrigued how he and chelsea like up as in their current formation, they normally play 2 behind the front man more centrally.
I can't even think who Chelsea already have up top other than their goals (from memory) come from Havertz, Mount and Jorginho - is that mainly midfield?
weren’t they after Raphina too? Suggests that they’re not so happy with the options they have now. Havertz is very good though, So it’s him, Sterling plus one other?
I just checked and Lukaku was their top scorer. I'd forgotten about him. They will have his goals to make up too. Can you see Sterling getting 15 this season?