Remember at the beginning of the season when Deco was in astounding form and even won the Player of the Month award for August?

Well that was in the absence of Ballack through injury. It seems that as soon as Ballack reappeared, Deco's form dropped like a lemming, and Ballack hasn't impressed many either this season.

Does anyone think that they are obstructing each other? Ballack's form has picked up (if only very slightly) of late, since Deco has been dropped. Are the two connected?

I think both Ballack and Deco like to make strong runs into the box, but they often get in each other's way when they are played together, which means they both end up dropping back, with Deco floating in useless balls and Ballack in a position Makelele would be proud of.

What do you all think?

no.

If Ballack is getting in Deco's way as well as Lampard's then he should politely be told to eff off immediatley.

Is that a resounding "No" then?

yes

Seeing as they have hardly played together I'd go for no too.