venom2011

I don't think Oscar has anything to lose. Fantastic talent but not quite ready to lead a big team week in and week out. I'm sure he will be in a season or two and Jose has realised this. Cesc is the filler.

Terrible effort from him in this entire WC to be honest. Someone of his talent should really feel displeased with such performances. You look at the difference-makers for other teams and they're making off the ball runs, coming deep to get the ball, crosses from different positions etc. Ambling about and laying off the ball is about all he's done. And he's had similar periods of performance for us. Taking that responsibility is the only way he'll make the next step.

He only has two years left on his contract though. I'd wager he'd fetch between 30-40m. But as some have suggested, he is a bit overrated right now. He is nowhere near as dominant as he's made out to be. Still amazing for his age though.

..................Pogba................ Pogba Pogba Pogba Pogba ............Pogba...Pogba....... ..Pogba.......Pogba.....Pogba .....................Pogba............. Let's get some Pogba up in this b*tch.

He's not quite the finished article but some of the stuff he pulls off is just delicious. He has everything you want from a CM. Mourinho spoke last season of his admiration for the City midfield pairing - both Fernandinho and Toure being capable in all facets of the game. Matic and Pogba sounds like it would be his dream pairing.

Costa is quite familiar with playing second fiddle. I'm sure we'll see him and Lukaku (if he stays) upfront at some stage.

Ooh. Forgot about Tiago as well. Was just thinking 'what if Matic was injured?'. Ramires - Mikel would hurt my soul.

Ridiculous.

Yes it is never fair to judge someone's performance level in such a space of time, but you can judge the quality of his attributes. If someone on the pitch for 5 mins, makes a 100m sprint in 10 seconds, you can unequivocally say he's quick. No one is comparing his level with Lukaku's but it is more than fair to suggest he has been more effective at the WC and looks better technically.

Possibly the only reason why we haven't wrapped up Luis yet? The 'wait and see what Utd offer' approach.

He has some impressive attributes for sure. Strong, quick and looks a bit better technically compared to Lukaku. Very raw though, but would be a good investment for a reasonable price.

https://vine.co/v/MTYdiXUjYFY

Who can blame someone for having an attitude if, even with the best collection of players at the world cup, the coach picks the most impotent eleven regularly and sticks to his pseudo-Barca dinosaur tactics.

Agreed. But these players often grow into that sort of role as their stature rises within a team. Hazard, as an example, doesn't have that just yet. In fact the transfer policy of the club over the last 3 seasons has a lot to do with it. That's why it's no surprise to see the club linked with more experienced heads - Fabregas/Costa/Lavezzi/Tiago/Felipe Luis. We have enough young talent to create Arsenal 2.0, but what we truly need, as Jose said, is...BALLS.

'Lukaku is better than Costa'. I think I've seen it all now. I can die a happy man.

Yes forget the class season he has had and the numerous big performances he had in tight games for Atleti. These games for a woefully underachieving Spain, featuring Del Bosque's dinosaur tactics, is where he should be judged. On the flip side, Mexico's Ochoa is now the best GK in the world. Fact.

This. I'm sorry but I can handle Costa losing his cool, even though I believe Jose will curb his aggression. But what I will never forgive is someone throwing a strop and then you're basically down to 10 men because he doesn't feel loved. Costa gives his maximum in every game and I'll take that over the apparently 'super talented' Mario any day.

Yes. Please guys stop referring to Oscar as a number 10, his regular and best position.

Take the rumoured fee with a pinch of salt. Even guys with credible sources get it wrong regularly and have no idea how the fee is structured.

"Ancelotti is a special coach for me, and I really appreciate him. He helped me a lot when I arrived at Chelsea and he was very important in helping me adapt to my position as a central midfielder. He's a very good coach", said the player.

What makes Piazon so special? Traore and Atsu had a good time AFAIK. I can only see the partnership between the clubs getting stronger. They need a striker next season and we have a Bamford.

If you mean 3-4 years then yes it is short term. But: A: he is better than Shaw B: chances are that it will remain that way for the next 3-4 years C: I'll take the improved chance of title wins in that time over potential future gains D: in that time there'll be a new crop of LBs who may be better and cheaper E: the club locking itself into a big deal for a non-world class teenage player is ridiculous.

I'll take that over Sulkotelli any day.

Oscar is an even better example. People forget that he's also coming back from injury. A classic number 9 trying to gel with that Spain starting XI is always going a tough ask.

100%. Alonso and Xavi aren't the players of 4 years ago. It's a dinosaur selection. The defense was always going to be shaky, Ramos and Pique are about as positionally aware as David Luiz. All night Pique broke the line and dropped deeper. All it takes is a word from his coach or partner.