Genuine Question...

[Skylarker]

Morning Chelsea Fans

Liverpool fan in peace.

After Daniel Sturridge's departure from you he has scored 19 goals and got 7 assists in 23 games.

Now that is a good return by anyone's standards - I remember watching him for you guys thinking he was very, very selfish - and to be honest wasn't overly keen when we signed him.

He has clearly matured as a player since then and is not selfish anymore, other than a natural strikers 'want' to score attitude.

Do you wish you'd kept hold of him? As you're struggling to find a consistent CF - or are you glad he's gone?

This is a serious question - I'm not here to Wum, I use the Man Utd board for that

Also 12mil was madness on your part, as I reckon he's now already worth nearly triple that.

Thoughts? Not just on Daniel but your strike options and what/who you'd like to see come in to improve them. For me Lakuku is your best option, and can't believe he's gone back on loan - no doubt it'll improve him and you'll have a hell of a striker on your hands, but I think he's ready for the current first 11 now.

Like I said a serious debate would be nice with no flaming etc..

Regards,
Skylarker

 

[chelsea - over 100 years of history]

I think the move to Liverpool and the trust at playing up front has done him the world of good. Us selling him was perhaps the kick up the backside he needed. He was always a promising lad but the Chelsea heirachy didn't like his attitude hence the sale.

I think the 3 x worth thing is a bit overstated at the moment, although he looks better than Andy Carroll at 35 million granted.

Still not that bothered we sold him as I don't think he'd have ever got the run of games up front to show what he can do. As for us, the Torres of the 2nd half v Spurs and in midweek is more than good enough, just hope his ban doesn't again derail what looks like a promising return to some form.

Not sure Lukaku is ready myself. He's still very raw and if you want to win / compete in the C.L experience is massive. One more year loan at a very good Everton side will do him wonders and in a years time we'll swap him for Ba or Eto'o I imagine.

 

[Drogs]

He's been brilliant for you, as I expected. The kid has real talent and I'm gutted we let him go in order to keep the current flock of ****e we have. I have no problem with someone being selfish, it's not the worst trait a player can have. People often forget he was playing as a utility player for us, shoved out of position on the right and, imo, was still brilliant. Regarding price, I think we did ok to get 12m at the time, I think his contract was up 6 months later anyway.

I'm willing to give Eto'o a chance, he looks good and his movement is brilliant, just lacking that bit of sharpness needed at the top but hopefully he'll adjust to the Premier League and gain that. The team will take time to gel under Jose properly though and I'm happy to be patient.

 

[Skylarker]

The trouble with Danny is he has never been given that run of games like he has now, can't work out why. City done the same as you did.

The kid as you say has always had the talent - but just not given the chance. Now he's been given the chance he's grabbed it with both hands and has been exceptional. You say he's not worth nearly treble what we paid - but take into account his age and the contract he's on, he's not far off that price imo. Many teams would snap him up - he's easily the best striker (perhaps behind Rooney??) for England. His competition are the likes of Welbeck etc. And lets be honest here they're no wher near as good - plus he's still young, which is a boost for England.

The 'hatred' I had for Torres when he left has gone now - and I actually enjoyed watching him play well in the 2nd half, a fine performance. To be honest I hope he does well for you. But I'm not convinced about Eto'o one bit - looks sluggish and his age is clearly showing. That's why I thought sending Lukuku out on loan again was a bit odd.

But what will be will be and I guess a clearer picture will be available in a couple of months.

One last thing - What do you think about Man Utd, if I'm being totally honest, leaving bias aside I think they may struggle even to get into the top 4 this season. Not saying Liverpool will, but I'm optimistic. It's going to be a strange season but an exiting one at that


P.S. long time no speak Drogs - hope you and yours are well buddy

 

[chelsea - over 100 years of history]

United have had a tricky start but losing to WB at home has really knocked them for 6 as they are no longer failing to win games against top opposition but midtable ones as well.

Think Liverpool, Spurs and Arsenal are doing really well but to be fair, they've only played 4 top (6th/7th) sides between them as opposed to Chelsea and United playing 3 each (and all of ours have been away from home). City is the suprise, beat United with ease but have lost to Cardiff and Villa and drawn with Stoke (and should have lost).

Arsenal have a very hard run in too with Chelsea, Spurs, Everton away and City at home in one particular 4 game spell in April.

As it stands, I think this will be the most open P.L title and top 4 race ever and United are no longer guaranteed top 4 like they pretty much were under Fergie. Personally I think over the course of 38 games they will get top 4, but I don't think they will win the title. City are still favorites for me as if they get consistency they are the best and most balanced side.

 

[Skylarker]

United have had a tricky start but losing to WB at home has really knocked them for 6 as they are no longer failing to win games against top opposition but midtable ones as well.

Think Liverpool, Spurs and Arsenal are doing really well but to be fair, they've only played 4 top (6th/7th) sides between them as opposed to Chelsea and United playing 3 each (and all of ours have been away from home). City is the suprise, beat United with ease but have lost to Cardiff and Villa and drawn with Stoke (and should have lost).

Arsenal have a very hard run in too with Chelsea, Spurs, Everton away and City at home in one particular 4 game spell in April.

As it stands, I think this will be the most open P.L title and top 4 race ever and United are no longer guaranteed top 4 like they pretty much were under Fergie. Personally I think over the course of 38 games they will get top 4, but I don't think they will win the title. City are still favorites for me as if they get consistency they are the best and most balanced side.

See that's interesting as I have you down as favourites, with City coming a close 2nd. I think 3rd and 4th is impossible to guess at this stage - could be any of 4/5 teams imo. I just have a gut feeling it won't be UTD - that would be soooo satisfying!!

 

[bluemoon2]

He's certainly done the business since he went to Anfield, and I'm surprised at his transformation! However, Torres is now . after a long spell, beginning to look like the class we paid £50m for and under Jose I have no doubt he will become star material again!

 

[Skylarker]

He's certainly done the business since he went to Anfield, and I'm surprised at his transformation! However, Torres is now . after a long spell, beginning to look like the class we paid £50m for and under Jose I have no doubt he will become star material again!

I agree that Jose will get him back to near his old form. Can't see him being as good though as I believe his prime was then, but he could return back to being a class striker. I guess Jose has plans for him, it's just down to Torres to keep his confidence levels up. So who know's? watch this space I guess...

 

[Drogs]

The trouble with Danny is he has never been given that run of games like he has now, can't work out why. City done the same as you did.

The kid as you say has always had the talent - but just not given the chance. Now he's been given the chance he's grabbed it with both hands and has been exceptional. You say he's not worth nearly treble what we paid - but take into account his age and the contract he's on, he's not far off that price imo. Many teams would snap him up - he's easily the best striker (perhaps behind Rooney??) for England. His competition are the likes of Welbeck etc. And lets be honest here they're no wher near as good - plus he's still young, which is a boost for England.

The 'hatred' I had for Torres when he left has gone now - and I actually enjoyed watching him play well in the 2nd half, a fine performance. To be honest I hope he does well for you. But I'm not convinced about Eto'o one bit - looks sluggish and his age is clearly showing. That's why I thought sending Lukuku out on loan again was a bit odd.

But what will be will be and I guess a clearer picture will be available in a couple of months.

One last thing - What do you think about Man Utd, if I'm being totally honest, leaving bias aside I think they may struggle even to get into the top 4 this season. Not saying Liverpool will, but I'm optimistic. It's going to be a strange season but an exiting one at that


P.S. long time no speak Drogs - hope you and yours are well buddy

Hate speculating at this point, I always get it wrong! I'll wait till November sort of time before passing judgement on any team but I will say that Arsenal and Liverpool have surprised me so far as they are winning games that they'd usually struggle in over the past two years. I don't think either of you have had a major problem motivating yourselves for the big games over the years, but it's the lesser sides that you normally fail to overcome consistently.

All good by the way mate, hope you are too?

 

[Skylarker]

Hate speculating at this point, I always get it wrong! I'll wait till November sort of time before passing judgement on any team but I will say that Arsenal and Liverpool have surprised me so far as they are winning games that they'd usually struggle in over the past two years. I don't think either of you have had a major problem motivating yourselves for the big games over the years, but it's the lesser sides that you normally fail to overcome consistently.

All good by the way mate, hope you are too?

Yeah man it's all good my end too, take care bud

 

[Spurlock]

He's worth nearly triple that?

He's no Andy Carroll.

 

[ChelseaCOE2012]

He has been really good for Liverpool and is turning into a great player so good for him and Liverpool, I still don't think even if you put him in our team now he'd replicate any of that Liverpool form or be any good for us though, it does look like an awful mistake selling him but he just didn't suit our team simple as and with us was arrogant, lazy and selfish 99% of the time, glad the Liverpool move gave him a kick up the ass that he needed though because he maybe knew it was his last chance to prove himself with a big club. Hopefully he can do well for England also

 

[Drogs]

Yeah man it's all good my end too, take care bud

Good lad

He has been really good for Liverpool and is turning into a great player so good for him and Liverpool, I still don't think even if you put him in our team now he'd replicate any of that Liverpool form or be any good for us though, it does look like an awful mistake selling him but he just didn't suit our team simple as and with us was arrogant, lazy and selfish 99% of the time, glad the Liverpool move gave him a kick up the ass that he needed though because he maybe knew it was his last chance to prove himself with a big club. Hopefully he can do well for England also

I get the jist of what you're saying, but arrogant and lazy? How so?

 

[Skylarker]

He's worth nearly triple that?

He's no Andy Carroll.

Over 4 x that then?

Torres!!

 

[Skylarker]

He has been really good for Liverpool and is turning into a great player so good for him and Liverpool, I still don't think even if you put him in our team now he'd replicate any of that Liverpool form or be any good for us though, it does look like an awful mistake selling him but he just didn't suit our team simple as and with us was arrogant, lazy and selfish 99% of the time, glad the Liverpool move gave him a kick up the ass that he needed though because he maybe knew it was his last chance to prove himself with a big club. Hopefully he can do well for England also

I don't think he was man managed correctly if thats the case, because he now looks up for it, very disciplined. So I don't personally agree that he wouldn't suit your style - he has everything a great striker needs. Power, pace, a great first touch, natural finisher, can take a man on, excellent movement. He's a very good all rounded number 9 so in my opinion would fit into any system.

 

[ChelseaCOE2012]

He was constantly berating managers by moaning in public about how he should be playing as a striker, and was always lazy in terms of he'd never defend and rarely bothered passing Drogs, just look at that classic example of when AVB asked him to start defending and tracking back vs United then a few minutes later gives a penalty away. He was rarely a team player and you just can't be like that in our team especially leading the line, he's not the type of striker that could lead our line and not capable of it

 

[Skylarker]

He was constantly berating managers by moaning in public about how he should be playing as a striker, and was always lazy in terms of he'd never defend and rarely bothered passing Drogs, just look at that classic example of when AVB asked him to start defending and tracking back vs United then a few minutes later gives a penalty away. He was rarely a team player and you just can't be like that in our team especially leading the line, he's not the type of striker that could lead our line and not capable of it

Interesting.

He has been quite the opposite for us, that's why I'm questioning whether he was man-manged in the correct fashion. Or has he just matured since leaving? Seems odd that a player can change from what you suggest in such a short time

 

[ChelseaCOE2012]

Interesting.

He has been quite the opposite for us, that's why I'm questioning whether he was man-manged in the correct fashion. Or has he just matured since leaving? Seems odd that a player can change from what you suggest in such a short time

I'd say it's probably more what i said earlier that he knew this is likely his last chance with a big club so he better get his act together, you could say man managed but he done the exact same at Man City, and we had like 4 different managers while he was with us and the only one that ever seemed to rate him was AVB and even he grew tired of him near the end of his reign due to his reluctance to work for the team and track back

 

[Drogs]

He was constantly berating managers by moaning in public about how he should be playing as a striker, and was always lazy in terms of he'd never defend and rarely bothered passing Drogs, just look at that classic example of when AVB asked him to start defending and tracking back vs United then a few minutes later gives a penalty away. He was rarely a team player and you just can't be like that in our team especially leading the line, he's not the type of striker that could lead our line and not capable of it

Well I have no recollection of this 'constant' moaning, however he was right. Torres was failing to deliver and was still getting picked ahead of someone who finished too scorer despite being played out of position. Fair enough on your other points but the reason he didn't track back enough was because guess what? He was played out of position! He's a striker not a wide player. He deserved a fair crack at the number one spot and didn't get it because we have an overpaid lump leading our line and until he ****s off the same will happen to Lukaku, Feruz and any other young striker playing for Chelsea.

 

[CPofL KTBFFH]

One of the biggest differences is that at Chelsea he's had to compete for a place. Under AVB he did get a run of games and was ok. He had Drogba to compete with and maybe 'gave up' a bit. He doesn't really have any competition at Liverpool. Suarez plays off the front man and I can't think what other out and out strikers you have. No competition has worked in his and your favour.