With all the rumours flying round it is looking like a big overhaul of the squad is ready ahead of wednesdays deadline Rumoured to be leaving are Malouda, Kalou, Benayoun and Alex And in their place are either Meireles or Modric, Van Der Wiel and Alvaro Pereira I think the changes would make our squad better equipped to challenge this year and add that spark to the team that has been missing for the last 12 months Team likely to be Van Der Wiel - - David Luiz - - Terry - - Cole - Modric - - - - - Ramires - - - - - Lampard - - - - -Sturridge - - - - - - - - - Mata - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Torres - - - - - - - - - - With Drogba, Lukaku, Pereira, Mikel, Ivanovic, Bosingwa on the bench and Mceachran, Romeu, Anelka, PVA in reserve Looks like a more balanced squad and a very pacey side. What are my fellow blues thoughts??????
I know I really hope these deals conclude, would like Anelka and Ferreira to go too but thats me being greedy, only other option for me would be an out and out right footed winger although I guess VDW and Bosingwa could easily fill in to mix it up a bit
Van Der Wiel - - David Luiz - - Terry - - Cole - Modric - - - - - Ramires - - - - - Lampard - - - - -Sturridge - - - - - - - - - Mata - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Torres - - Spot on for me, lets hope the deals are all done in time
Apart from Alex leaving I wouldn't be too upset over the others. I do not think we should sell to PL rivals though, especially Liverpool and Arsenal.
Agreed Arsenal are reportedly in talks with Mertesacker so hopefully THEY leave Alex alone and he goes abroad.
Hmm, again I would be sad if Alex left, and I like Malouda but not a staggering loss. One thing, McEachran needs to be on the bench. I see him ahead of Lampard in later season when Lampard gets tired. I hope the stories about Spuds accepting our moddy bid are true.
The first three I am in favour of, however I do not want Alex to go. Having four centrebacks, each with their own argument as to why they deserve a place in our starting XI, is a strong sign of squad depth in defense. The fact that Branislav Ivanovic can play at right back, left back and as a defensive midfielder, along with David Luiz also being able to play at left back and as a defensive midfielder makes our defense versatile and means that both of them can get time on the pitch. I would rather we got rid of Paulo Ferreira. As good a servant as he has been, the guys's just no longer good enough back-up in my opinion and has been out of favour for the last few seasons. Gregory van der Wiel and Alvaro Pereira would insure that Jose Bosingwa and Ashley Cole respectively, have to keep on their toes if they want to keep their place in the starting XI. Having said that, keeping hold of Florent Malouda could be good in the long run to make sure that there is competition for places between him and Juan Mata. I would just really like it if we also bought a right winger in these last couple of days. By the way, anyone knw what's happened with Joao Moutinho? If the Luka Modric bid fails, why can we not go for him instead of Raul Meireles?
I agree Yurilly, I'd rather go for Mouthino than Meireles - Meireles is a poor mans Lampard. Moutinho/Modric are the exact kind of players we need = playmakers.
I have to say, really think we should keep Alex and flo at the moment. Both are quality especially as back up (luiz and Mata will surely now take their positions in the 11). Bos has also started the season well. The essential signing has to be a central midfielder. The rest are bonuses for the squad.
Even for Van Der Wiel and Pereira? Completely agree with the CM point, we shouldn't really be trying for anyone BUT a central playmaker at the moment.
VDW is a very good player but I haven't seen much of Pereira. Just think that whilst these players would add to the squad we are more in need of players in other positions (central mid, back up keeper etc)
I think Drogba and Ferriera are due a free for services rendered. They'll stay to end of contract. I can see the same for Lampard and Terry. I have no idea why Alex would be sold unless he wanted it. He carried JT through part of last season. You just do not 'get rid' of proven players if they are happy to stay. There is no little red light in a player's palm that starts to flash age 30 when they have to go to the disintegration chamber. What does happen is that they get jaded and often need more motivation. Wiliness to sacrifice for the squad is far more important than anything else and I would like to see more rotation of players who drop form. Get them out into reserves regardless of seniority. In fact I don't believe in seniority in a team, I think you have to prove yourself for your spot every week regardless of age. I'm certain this isn't the case at Chelsea. So on one paw I'm all for keeping the oldies, but on the other I'm one for demanding a lot more from them.
