venom2011

Correct. We have 4 senior options for 2 CM positions. 6/7 options for the AM positions. 6 senior options for DEF. And 3 for the striker spot. No worries even though we are probably a little light.

Can't see him playing regularly in another position but he has a fight on his hands, which can only be good for the club. I absolutely want him to stay and improve at the club. But as I've said above, in the short term I feel Willian will just pip him for a regular spot. He would never be 2nd choice and receive the same number of minutes as Schurrle and Salah. He's too good to be ignored.

The quality of the player is a matter of debate/opinion, I certainly wouldn't say he's average and I think he will improve as well. The player hasn't changed radically, but his position and what's demanded of him has changed. Juan Mata under Jose was the same player but looked a shadow of himself when placed in a different system and asked to perform other tasks. Yeah Oscar has done well, no argument. And he is a favourite of mine. But within the short-term (6-12 months) I just think Willian will pip him to the position with Cuadrado making the right position his own. If Oscar continues to improve then ultimately he'll come out on top.

Positional sacrifice is a massive adjustment. Prior to Chelsea he has played most of his professional career as a drifter/in a free role. He had the kind of freedom Mata enjoyed. But as Jose said last season when Sky compared Mata and Oscar - You cannot compare a no.10 with someone who plays wide on the right and must chase the fullback. He does look more creative down the middle. And his stats aren't terrible if you consider what likes of Silva and Iniesta have produced. My prediction is that initially Cuadrado will rotate predominantly with Willian but eventually Willian will replace Oscar as our regular no.10.

100%. But Schurrle and Salah pale in comparison to Oscar and Willian with regards to their awareness. That's why they need to leave. The gap is just too big, and is causing huge inconsistencies in our play if we lose any of the starting midfielders. On Willian, I find myself almost never criticising his performances because I always think about what he's sacrificing for the team. He and Oscar are similar and both should be playing number 10. If Jose used Oscar on the right instead, I think fans would criticise him more than Willian. Oscar was sacrificed when Mata was here and the same now with Willian. Expectations need to be adjusted.

I think he likes the option of doing that, but he knows how vital Oscar is to the style of play that he wants to see. Oscar vs Mata, Jose said Oscar can press the double pivot, or centre back, which is what he wants. Fabregas is better than Mata defensively, but the style of play with both as our no.10 is similar. We play vastly better football with Oscar, the intense pressing allows us to dominate games.

He is still a little inconsistent in these areas though, but the upside of him playing regularly next to Terry is massive. His confidence is probably what I've found most impressive.

Not that it will happen but I'd love to see Tevez take up a rotation role. He's still doing very good work at Juventus.

For 75m we can complete our squad, which would be a better scenario. Imbula in for Mikel. Varane in. Another forward to replace Drogba or Remy. The age of squad is great for overall market value. And the one in - one out method is keeping our net spend quite low.

Is it not because they do a 100% source check before reporting deals?

Redknapp dig for those who haven't seen it.

Oh I'm sure you could be had for much less Sir.

Absolutely no way he chooses Man Utd over us and that's why going for players with release clauses plays right into our hands. We can't be outbid, and they'd have to stupidly overpay in wages to attract such players. If they do, the big risk is that the player doesn't perform and can't be moved-on.

Micah Richards on Cuadrado: "I have been training with him every day and he’s got everything; technique, speed, power, pace. All his attributes would be suited to the Premier League so I can see exactly why he is being linked with a move there."

I'm of the same opinion. Obviously the club scouts have been watching him for a while and they must believe he fits into the team style. From the games I've seen he looks like the player many hoped Schurrle would become but he's a lot sharper and more tactically flexible than Schurrle.

I understand your point but when showing comparisons I don't think you can gain much from seeing a Toyota vs Ferrari, irrespective of how much you want the Toyota to perform, or how much you paid for it. I wouldn't choose any of those options. I'd go for hidden option C, the guy I believe can possibly outperform his true competition (Willian and Schurrle) . Did another comparison just for you then, although still kept Willian and added Navas:

Then we should never have compared Torres to Aguero because he cost 18m more. The quality of the player/expected role is far more important to consider.

You want to compare a player most likely being brought in for rotation to the elite? Does that make sense to you? You can do all the nonsensical comparisons you want on the Squawka website.

Sanchez is having his best ever season so would bias the comparison. Hazard is the best AM in the league so again that would be an unfair comparison. And Cuadrado has played many games this season as a 10, hence the Mata inclusion.

Anyway, Cuadrado's passing accuracy last night: 96.2% (Although none of the attacking band had a great amount of touches) and he was fouled 9 times. My honest opinion is that he will in the very least challenge the likes of Oscar or Willian, but I've only seen him on 3/4 occasions. Here's a comparison between Cuadrado and some other players for this season:

That's one hell of a conclusion after 90 mins.

Just objective spots from tonight's game: Played behind Mario Gomez Made many purposeful runs behind the defence. Something Cesc would love. Some smart movement on occasion Was on defensive duty for attacking corners. Started in the 10 position but drifted out wide often. Always looked to take-on his man Looked very comfortable with the ball at his feet. Good touch and sharp skills. He was fouled quite a bit after some clever play and use of his body. Pressed players on the ball very well in 2nd half. Visibly upset at the lack of support in pressing on occasion. Played a couple of neat through balls.

I'm not sure what Kompany has to do with it because he has been class for a while, but yes Cahill, while not being of the top brass, is still more than decent. In fact I'm sure they'd love to have him at just about any top team because the likes of Madrid, Barca, United and City have some very poor second CB options.

I've only seen him at the WC. I'll do the same tonight and then we can collate our thoughts after the game.

You don't think he could reach similar heights? Malouda was 29/30 when he produced his best, having already been here for 3 seasons. Willian is 26 and has been here for one and a half seasons. I do expect his impact (not necessarily goals) to improve as he gains experience.