42 replies to this topic

[just]

Assuming that the mesmerising form of Ballack means that Frank should not be a nailed on starter when he comes back, is the same to be said for Alex when JT returns?

Not an opinion either way. Just putting it up for discussion. Alex has been 120% solid.

[Gem]

It's a good point to make Just, Alex and Carvalho look solid, Ballack seems to have this captaincy down to a fine art (years of practise perhaps?)... so do we need John Terry? For me there isn't a doubt in my mind - we do need him. We would have never let in 4 against Villa with him at the back - leadership, responsibility, positioning and ability... 4 things that it takes to make a good centre half, and he has all that and then some. Him and Riccy are our perfect partnership.

[loz]

Pretty much agree with Gem.   It iwll be tough on Alex as he has done a very very fine job however JT is club captain and his place in the team is guaranteed whilst he maintains his form.  The big difference between JT and Lamps is that Lamps form has dropped and Ballack is playing a lot better (and the team is playing better as a consequence) whereas JT's form is fine.

If JT were to come back and his form was to dip noticeably then there would be a case for Alex alongside Ricky (same goes for Ricky of course)

[sweet waffle]

JT straight back in no question despite Alex having done well.

It is going to be interesting when Lamps comes back in, I imagine during the ACN that the midfield for the majority of the games will be:

----------Maka

Lamps-------------Ballack

and then when the ACN is over and Essien and Mikel return, Avram is going to have to do some serious jiggery-pokery as nobody is going to be happy sat on the bench for any length of time.

[g3.7]

generally he's been great so far, alex.

but... his timing is still off a little and we do miss jt's organisation...

JT is the better player for me in many areas, but alex does look an excellent signing (whoever was behind it) nonetheless.

a wider point is it's great to see how well we've done without lamps, drogba and jt- 4 points off the top is very good.

[Bodzilla]

It seems we are back to getting goals from all over the park again, like in our title winning seasons. Last year it seemed like only Drogs or Lamps scored.

[JT26CFC]

not a question really, JT's needed.  I don't really no what else to say about that, he's Terry our captain....now about lampard, hard to say, it's been nice not yelling at my t.v. saying "LAMPARD MAKE IT OVER THE WAAALL!"  gotten used to the midfield and what Bodzilla said, our play isn't focused on Drogba scoring goals only, everyone's scoring.

[mad_mac]

straight back in, no doubt!

[Jimboola69]

Ballack and Alex have nothing to be removed for, thats for sure.

I just think it is nice that for once big names are out and we are not all running around screaming at the tops of our voices.

We have adapted, taken it in our stride. Big up to players and management for pulling that off I think.

However JT is one of the worlds best. So it is a quandry.

[TrueBlue89]

With Ballacks fine form, it is now time that the manager plays probably the best midfield in the premiership, which, Ballack, Essien and Lampard.
Now with Jose gone, I can't see Carvalho staying much longer, which means it will be Alex and JT.
There is no doubt, we need JT and Lamps back, they are true blues at heart.

[Liam]

JT back in but for Carvalho. What do you think Just?

I'd leave Ballack there and let Lamps consider his future from the bench for a while.

[G4 Squared]

Who ever deserves the place on merit and nothing else including the captain's armband should decide. Perhaps one good thing is that neither player needs to be rushed back as I think was the case in the past; JT needs full rehabilitation and the support of medical staff that ensure he gets it without pressure from management to get him back asap.

[wicksy]

"gullit4":1k6wz7es said:

generally he's been great so far, alex.

but... his timing is still off a little and we do miss jt's organisation...

JT is the better player for me in many areas, but alex does look an excellent signing (whoever was behind it) nonetheless.

a wider point is it's great to see how well we've done without lamps, drogba and jt- 4 points off the top is very good.

"4 points off the top is very good"?
What a massive understatement!!!
Considering our early season poor form, the disproportionate number of injuries we've had to key players compared to our rivals, the turmoil of José's sudden departure and the much talked about "fantastic form" of Arse and Manure, to still be in contention at this stage is nothing short of remarkable in my opinion. Way back in October I thought we'd struggle to qualify for next season's champion's league.

[coombsie]

"Brian M":3gykhcj7 said:

JT for sure. He 'is' Chelsea.  But Lamps for me can cool his heels on the bench while Ballack takes centre stage.  There are enough games for both of them to start.  Though maybe not together.

I agree Brian.

I have been really impressed by Ballack and to be truthful have not been impressed with Frank since this time last year. His form for Club and Country has been well below the high level he has set himself.

If Ballack's fitness is maintained or improved, I would start with him in preference to Frank. This though, would almost certainly accelerate his exit from the Club.

[AmericanBlue]

I was slightly disappointed with Ballack's focus yesterday.  That being said, our offense seems to run much smoother though him.  Hopefully, he will return to form in the next fixture.

What are your opinions about the results of Ballack, and Lampard alongside.  Will this be a sucessful venture? Or, will there not be enough pace, and quality defense to justify both as starters?

[geezer]

Well I'm going to say neither JT nor Lamps should walk straight back into the team. Neither is indispensable any more whilst Alex and Ballack are in the starting XI on merit. JT might not like being on the bench however it may just make him raise his game to yet another level by telling the heirarchy 'I'm going to perform so well that you can never ever leave me on the bench again'.

[Tim]

On the one hand, I think as club captain, JT should always be in the line up if fit.

On the other hand, I actually think he's been playing a bit below par, for him, for a while now. Granted this has been mainly due to injuries, and being rushed back too quickly after these to patch up our back 4, but when was the last time JT absolutely bossed a game, like we know he can?

He should be back in, but if his form is not what it should be, then the case of the return of Alex will br a strong one...

Nice dilemma to have though!

[Qaz]

I think this writing off of Lampard is ridiculous. He is still the right side of 30 and has plenty of games left to offer Chelsea. If he has to spend a few games riding pine everynow and again then so be it, everyone else at Chelsea has at some point. There is no doubt in my mind however that (career ending injuries aside) that if Lampard remains at Chelsea, his still go alot of first class performances left to give.

PS. I think Lampard CAN play alongside Ballack no problems.

[ethicalstrategy]

"Qaz":3v51fpsv said:

I think this writing off of Lampard is ridiculous. He is still the right side of 30 and has plenty of games left to offer Chelsea. If he has to spend a few games riding pine everynow and again then so be it, everyone else at Chelsea has at some point. There is no doubt in my mind however that (career ending injuries aside) that if Lampard remains at Chelsea, his still go alot of first class performances left to give.

PS. I think Lampard CAN play alongside Ballack no problems.

Alex has done really well and is a very good replacement for JT. When JT is fit I'm sure he will get his place back but he can't afford to be complacent. Leaving Carvalho out would be a big mistake. He has the pace and mobility that JT and Alex lack.

As far as Frank is concerned, he will be straight back in the team when fit and rightly so. I'm constantly amazed at those who question his contribution to the team.  {SMILIES_PATH}/300.gif