dermott

Absolutely. That was my point, probably badly made. I don't think he couldn't be arsed. I think he struggled, as did many others, to know what his role was. Sterling worked within a system at MC. He had a role. I'm prepared to wait and see what Pochettino can achieve.

It's more than a matter of exactly how many games someone played out of position. There is a bigger picture. There was never anything like a settled team, especially under Potter, even more so under Lampard. Players thrive on knowing their roles, developing understandings. That was pretty much impossible across the board.

FFP works on financial years which end on June 30.. It kicks in if losses over 3 financial years total more than, from memory, £105m. This financial year, Chelsea need income of £120m to balance the 3-year books by June 30. Hence the sales. If Chelsea don't balance the 3-year books, they face sanctions ranging from fines to transfer embargoes.

And £10 off his salary! Win win!

This has piled further pressure on the already beleaguered Juve. Zak was one of four players out on loan with options to buy in order to raise funds. All four are back, unsold.

I suspect it's highly unlikely, just more gossip. But Carlo doesn't play a traditional 9, not even with Benzema. Benzema, Vincius and Rodrygo all circulate, creating space for each other, setting each other up.

I think we can all agree on that.

Spot on. And not just Sterling. It was a ludicrous season for all. Which is why I'm reserving judgement on a lot of players.

Spotrac.com is very seriously unreliable. From memory, DD is on something like 30K a week.

He wants records. PL records.

It's more that he came back from the WC (a) buggered; and (b) carrying niggling injuries that weren't given time to clear up.

Romelu already speaks about 4 languages. He'll master Spanish in no time.

I suppose it boils down to whether his social media represents his real feelings or whether he was taking the p*ss. If the former, things will end in tears. If the latter, you have to question his maturity.

Absolutely.

I think it's time we moved out Ethan Ampadu. He's a hard worker, a trier, but not good enough for the highest level. Seems to be enjoying himself in Italy. Spezia will probably stay up. Just.

Cesare Casadei penalty knocks England U20s out of the U20 World Cup. Not a huge surprise. I saw most of their first half against Iraq - finished 0-0 - and they were poor.

Never a truer word. The bottom line is that no one - apart from the club and Mason - know the ins and outs of the contract situation. Reports that an agreement had been reached only for the club to revise the offer; reports that Mason wanted parity with Reece James and nothing less; reports, reports, reports. One day the truth might out. In the meantime, people pile in regardless.

Last night sort of summed up Tammy Abraham's second season at Roma. Last season, long balls over the top for him to run onto. He scored goals. With Dybala onboard, Tammy has ended up in some sort of sub-sub-sub-Harry Kane role, getting deeper, trying to link up play. A role to which he just isn't suited. I suspect they'll sell him.

Injury-prone, certainly, but has never really convinced me. Played with his head down too often.

Very strange. Looked solid and capable at the very least. Never given a chance.

Latest goss in Italy is Juve looking at him for 20m. Juve are in deep financial doo-doo, no CL next season, got my doubts. I suspect Milan, if anyone.

L. Hall by the length of 3 streets. And the kid's 18.

I like him. Tons of skill, will o' the wisp. Very different player to Nkunku but I just can't see how they fit into the same team.

He has obviously been working on his delivery. Earlier in the season he was erratic, the last couple of weeks his crossing has been spot on. With a striker *sighs* in situ, they would have been assists.

Steady on, steady on ...