Now I would like to see young players make it into our team as much as anyone, but could someone please tell me why so many are so desperate to see them no matter what? For me I just want the manager to pick a winning team, whatever that team is. I have a preference as to where I would like them to be from, young players promoted through the club is obviously the ideal. But some Chelsea fans seem so desperate to see them logic evades them when it comes to team selection. Is this a legacy of jealousy over the Utd team of the 90`s who all came through at the same time (even though they did still buy a lot of players for that squad), jealousy over Wenger`s borderline obsession with youth players (dont win much though....) or just wanting to be able to make a point with opposing fans. We all feel a lot more affinity with a player who has came through the ranks, but sometimes it seems we are blinded by this to the needs of the team.

Edited January 15, 201114 yr by dkw

Well many here seems to think that we're f*cked in the league so maybe they think we might as well give the youngsters loads of time on the pitch.

Personally I'm still saying we've got a chance to win the title and even if we fail that I want us to do well and possibly end in 2nd place.

And I don't believe players will lose their bad form by sitting on the bench.

Don't get me wrong, I like to see the youngsters get a chance, but to say we should always play them is ridiculous. If they're good enough they will get time.

It's not "no matter what". It's a simple case of players like Essien, Malouda and Drogba being very disappointing week in week out, and players like McEachran and Sturridge being impressive. They deserve a chance at starting a few games in a row.

I think we are doing ok gradually introducing the youngsters, in fact its probably why players like Josh already look like first team players.

I really believe he is the exception and could command a first team place, that said I can understand why Carlo uses him sparingly and its working well.

I would be more inclined to get what we can from the likes of Anelka Malouda and Drogba as they are the players we need in form for a decent tilt at the CL and thats the way Carlo seems to be playing it.

I think complaining about the managers decisions is habitual and to be able to back it up with some reasoning (like we should be playing the youngsters) makes people that like to complain gather a bit of a following and it gos on from there, obviously there is a big case for Mceachran and he is being nurtured in, then there is Sturridge whos reserve team goals have given him a shout but although its not really a fair comparison as Kalou got longer, I feel again today Kalou looked the better player when he came on and still feel Danny needs a bit more time.

I wouldn't be slagging the Manager off if he started him all the same and would like to think he will when he thinks the time is right (why wouldn't he?)

I think people are just scared of seeing potential go to waste. For players like Mcheachran and Kakuta to become good, they need game time.

We have 5 young players who are actually part of our squad, not additions to the 25 like other clubs have. With that in mind surely we should be using them more if only to rest senior players? Yet alone if the seniors are out of form. Putting them in en masse will never work but the odd start here and there (when they have earned the right) is surely not too much to ask for? Today if I was Sturridge I think I'd be questionning what future I have at the club,still he's always got a cup match to look forward to. The lad needs games now at his age to improve his overall game, at 21 many his age are now regular starters and he must wonder if joining us was the right option admittedly his wage packet will soften the blow no doubt.

You mention United, and it grieves me to say( living just outside of Manchester myself) that SAF has got the balance just right, he gives them a taster , not scared of using them to WIN matches and uses the loan option very well in preparation for permanent first team action or to sell on at a healthy profit if he deems them not good enough for United.

Negative publicity also has a lot to do with it. Ever since Ferguson stated that Chelsea's squad were too old to win the title, "Chelsea's aging squad" has been something of a cliche. Ferguson of course, conveniently forgets to mention Man U's own senior squad members: Giggs (37), Scholes (36), Van Der Sar (40) and Gary Neville (35).

Looking at those four makes Drogba, Lampard, JT and Ashley Cole seem almost juvenile by comparison. Back to the issue of actually introducing and playing youngsters, this is something Ferguson's had decades of practice at. We've been playing catch-up, not helped by managerial instability, I feel, and people are getting impatient.

Having said that, I feel there's certainly a case to be made for Sturridge for instance, being given more game time. But I also feel that more risks would have been taken if results hadn't been so poor for so long.

I'm all for Carlo picking the team with the most experience, the only problem I have is that he picked the OUT-OF-FORM Essien and Drogba over the obviously in-form McEachran and Sturridge. I just find it odd. Add insult to the fact that Kalou was picked ahead of Sturridge off the bench today.

I guess as the old saying goes if you're good enough then you're old enough,didier,anelka and lamps are all the wrong side of thirty and like it or not sooner rather than later the young players will have to be in the side, (unless we go on another big spend up soon, which lets face it, ain't gonna happen).

It shouldn't have anything to do with being desperate to play youngsters no matter what. It is about finding the right balance between what is best for now and what is best for the future. Looking to the future does require the playing in of some youngsters to build their experience and also gradually assess whether they really do have what it takes to make it to the top.

However there are times where the 'best for now' can also involve playing youngsters for more than a token 15-20 minutes and we have been in one of those times. When so many regular first team players are so badly out of form (in particular Drogba, Malouda, Essien and, until today Anelka) then there is a clear case for the likes of Mceachran , Sturridge and Kakuta to be given more playing time as I don't think any of those three could contribute less than the four mentioned have over the past month or so.

McEachran in particular has, in every opportuity he has been given, shown that he is more than capable of holding his own in the first team and, given that, I see no reason why Essien is ahead of him on the team sheet (or Malouda although that would require a shuffle). Sturridge I am not so convinced by however he has been scoring in the reserves and did well against Ipswich so I see no reason why he shouldn't be preferred to Drogba whilst Drogba carries on in this form.

Kakuta I am not so sure about - I think he is still a long way off first team quality.

I'm all for Carlo picking the team with the most experience, the only problem I have is that he picked the OUT-OF-FORM Essien and Drogba over the obviously in-form McEachran and Sturridge. I just find it odd. Add insult to the fact that Kalou was picked ahead of Sturridge off the bench today.

Pretty much this. Not so much about Kalou rather than Sturridge, but certainly the fact that there are players (for me mainly Malouda, who onlylooked interested in the game after we took the lead. And Drogba, who just seems to be resigned to the fact that he'll be off to OM in the summer), who are being picked game in, game out regardless of the levels of effort that they put into the games.

I know there are some who will argue that they must be showing something more in training, but training is one thing - a game is another. And so far, McEchran and Sturridge appear to be more hungry in the games than Drogba and Malouda - I know they play different positions, but that's not the point.

Obviously Drogba has had Malaria, and that can't be helping, he really looks out of sorts, so why keep playing him? Malouda again lookstempremental, akin to when he first arrived only to have Jose shown the door, and we all know that he is a confidence player. On paper, when I saw our team today,I felt it was the strongest side that we could have played, but at the same time was slightly disappointed that Sturridge, who had played very well and scored two great goals as a starter against Ipswich was reduced to the bench.

It is a fine balancing act, but I'll continue to maintain that our lack of competition for positions is causing some players to be lethargic.

Scott

its not as cut and dry as that i for one have been calling for youngsters to get more game time there are several reasons for this

there are any players who r just going threw the motions and not giveing it there all id rather see sumone who is going to atleast give it his all

i also want to see our players develop infront of us i think they all just need time to develop specially in sturridges case he is deffo ready and a run of games could make him into a good player

we struggle for a lack of flair and kakuta and josh escpecially can offer us that

maybe if the 1''st team players see they are not invincable then maybe they will put more into there own game

and lastly to rest the big boys for games like the champs league tho if the youngsters are doing well then why let there more elustriouse counter parts back in

It shouldn't have anything to do with being desperate to play youngsters no matter what. It is about finding the right balance between what is best for now and what is best for the future. Looking to the future does require the playing in of some youngsters to build their experience and also gradually assess whether they really do have what it takes to make it to the top.

However there are times where the 'best for now' can also involve playing youngsters for more than a token 15-20 minutes and we have been in one of those times. When so many regular first team players are so badly out of form (in particular Drogba, Malouda, Essien and, until today Anelka) then there is a clear case for the likes of Mceachran , Sturridge and Kakuta to be given more playing time as I don't think any of those three could contribute less than the four mentioned have over the past month or so.

McEachran in particular has, in every opportuity he has been given, shown that he is more than capable of holding his own in the first team and, given that, I see no reason why Essien is ahead of him on the team sheet (or Malouda although that would require a shuffle). Sturridge I am not so convinced by however he has been scoring in the reserves and did well against Ipswich so I see no reason why he shouldn't be preferred to Drogba whilst Drogba carries on in this form.

Kakuta I am not so sure about - I think he is still a long way off first team quality.

You must have posted this as I was typing Loz, but one area I have highlighted in particular. Today when he came on he just looked so frech and hungry, great positioning, great vision, great passing, and even Carlo is calling him a young Pirlo. That is fantastic praise for a 17 year old; let that sink in....17 YEARS OLD! The other thing that really impresses me is that he appears to rise to every challenge, it's as if he's blissfully unaware of the level of football he is playing. He shows up for any pass in his area, he wants the ball, he wants to be involved, and appears very composed on the ball (even if he does try that linekar esque step over move).

There is no reason he shouldn't be playing. I also think that Ramires is developing more and more with each game; which he got via playing time. McEchran, Sturridge, and to a lesser extent Kakuta are all worthy of playing time.

I don't think it'd be too much of a stretch to see us play a team like this:

.....................Cech

Bossie.......Ivan.......Jt......Cole

.................McEchran

.....Ramires...............Lampard

Sturridge........................Kakuta/Malouda

..............Drogba/Anelka

Now,I think a mixture of that would be fine. Obviously have Essien in for McEchran, and Kalou or Nico out wide for Sturridge, but you get the idea that these playersare more than capable of stepping into those positions.

Also,I noticed again today that Nico was better when he was positioned morein the middle. Also, Nico and Drogs were better when playing upfront together under the dreaded Diamonf. but I'm suprised Carlo hasn't gone back to try that formation.

..............................McEchran

...................Ramires..............Lampard

..............................Kakuta

..................Sturridge/Nico....Drogba

Ancelotti explaining why he chose Drogba and Essien over Sturridge and McEachran:

We needed to have more size. I knew Blackburn would use the long ball and set pieces and I wanted to have power in the box so Essien and Drogba started the game,' he reasoned.

Which I take to mean that because Blackburn are a big physical side, he felt that the strength of Essien and Drogba made them better suited to the task. Fair enough?

LINK

Yep, very fair, and very logicalforthis game. I just hope that if we play a team that doesn't pose such a threat in his aforementioned areas that we don't continue to play the same old heads

I would have thought a manager can put faith in a younger player keen to prove himself,rather than say, a old pro running down his contract.Skill in footballers is always admired and rightly so, but how many times of late have we questioned comitment of certain players on this forum?.We need to keep things fresh,to keep the team challenging for the honours available and at the moment i can see us for the first time, slightly on the backfoot.The young players at chelsea are the best crop for many a long year and now is the time for them to be trusted to take chelsea forward.

One question for those wanting our better players who are out of form dropped for younger players, realistically which players will we need to rely on towards the end of the season if we do get to a final or manager to be battling for the title? If like me you believe its Essien, Malouda and Drogba rather than Sturridge, Bruma and McEachran (though I do think Josh could step into a first choice position at the moment) How would those 3 players get back to form if not by actually being on the pitch?

Ancelotti explaining why he chose Drogba and Essien over Sturridge and McEachran:

Which I take to mean that because Blackburn are a big physical side, he felt that the strength of Essien and Drogba made them better suited to the task. Fair enough?

LINK

You sod Hutch, I was holding that one in hand to use later on in this. Thats pretty much what I was getting at about some Chelsea fans allowing logic to go out the window when it comes to Carlo`s decisions on who to play in certain games. He is 100% right in what he said, comparing Drogba with Studge and Essien with McEachran theres obviously no contest when it comes to power and strength.

One question for those wanting our better players who are out of form dropped for younger players, realistically which players will we need to rely on towards the end of the season if we do get to a final or manager to be battling for the title? If like me you believe its Essien, Malouda and Drogba rather than Sturridge, Bruma and McEachran (though I do think Josh could step into a first choice position at the moment) How would those 3 players get back to form if not by actually being on the pitch?

This is certainly a valid point, DKW; however, you could look at it from another perspective and say - If they continue to play so lethargic there is no way we'll even be in any final, or challenge for the title (which, I personally feel is a pipe dream). Also, if they continue to play without a rest they could be too tired should one of these situations arise. And, if they continue to play bad and get completely disheartened then that's not good for anyone.

I really think Drogba being benched for a half not that long ago showed him that he wasn't impervious and he came out firing in the second half. I think that type of rocket up the arse is something a few players need.

Scott

One question for those wanting our better players who are out of form dropped for younger players, realistically which players will we need to rely on towards the end of the season if we do get to a final or manager to be battling for the title? If like me you believe its Essien, Malouda and Drogba rather than Sturridge, Bruma and McEachran (though I do think Josh could step into a first choice position at the moment) How would those 3 players get back to form if not by actually being on the pitch?

playing devils advocate at what point would YOU drop them if their form didnt improve?

You sod Hutch, I was holding that one in hand to use later on in this. Thats pretty much what I was getting at about some Chelsea fans allowing logic to go out the window when it comes to Carlo`s decisions on who to play in certain games. He is 100% right in what he said, comparing Drogba with Studge and Essien with McEachran theres obviously no contest when it comes to power and strength.

I hope no one is suggesting that they are, but what I want to know is what reason does he have for not playing one or two youngsters in a game (for more than the obligatory 10 minutes) where the rough-and-ruggedness of the oposition is not a concern?

Certainly he has played them in CL and FA Cup matches, with good results, so why not in the premiership?

playing devils advocate at what point would YOU drop them if their form didnt improve?

Now theres a question, and one I honestly cant answer. They have earned the right in my opinion to be given time to play out of a poor period, but quite how much time is a difficult thing to know. The problem for a manager is as I explained in my last post, the players he will need to rely on towards the back end of the season are the likes of Malouda, Drogba, Essien etc. He needs to show confidence in them to allow their own confidence to rise. Where the breaking point is I have no idea, but then again I`m not expected to. Carlo on the other hand does, but surely he can only be judged at the end of the season as to whether he got it right or not.

I agree with that answer and its why being a manager as opposed to a fan is so much harder. One other concern though is, taking my Chelsea hat off, if my son was a very promising young talent would Chelsea be the club I would advice him to sign for over say Arsenal and United given their record of bringing players through?

You really have to factor in the expectations for the rest of the season...

Only Carlo can really measure the progress of the young players at his disposal and only Carlo will face the Sack if he doesn't keep us top four and make a decent fist of it in the CL.

I would imagine he has had some sleepless nights wondering if the Hunger of players like Danny is enough to make the difference and he has to think about the best way to get some form out of Drogba Malouda Essien and Anelka to be able to mount a realistic CL challenge.

If he rested say Malouda and Drogba for a game and Danny and Kakuta (I've seen nothing of Gael to say he deserves first team starts as yet) played he would get slated on here for bringing the big boys back next game regardless of how the youngsters played unyet if he didn't bring them back in can anyone say the likes of Danny and Gael are ready to challenge the Barcalonas and Madrids we may soon be facing?

The players he is sticking with are vital to the rest of this season and although its possible that some of the kids could step up and their hunger could produce a better performance than some of the lak-lustre ones we've seen from the usual faces at times it very likely would only be a littel boost for the boys and a knock to the already low confidence of the experienced players, that could have a huge detrimental effect on our CL chances and the rest of the season.

We've seen Drogba have a mood swing most seasons and he has come through it, when he is firing that rubs off on the rest and confidence rockets.

Its a hard job for the Manager but he really has to think about his Job and put faith in the players he feels will have the best chance of bringing silverware this season so he makes sure he will still be here to use these promising youth players next year hopefully along with a couple of signings.

Edited January 15, 201114 yr by Chippy

It shouldn't have anything to do with being desperate to play youngsters no matter what. It is about finding the right balance between what is best for now and what is best for the future. Looking to the future does require the playing in of some youngsters to build their experience and also gradually assess whether they really do have what it takes to make it to the top.

However there are times where the 'best for now' can also involve playing youngsters for more than a token 15-20 minutes and we have been in one of those times. When so many regular first team players are so badly out of form (in particular Drogba, Malouda, Essien and, until today Anelka) then there is a clear case for the likes of Mceachran , Sturridge and Kakuta to be given more playing time as I don't think any of those three could contribute less than the four mentioned have over the past month or so.

McEachran in particular has, in every opportuity he has been given, shown that he is more than capable of holding his own in the first team and, given that, I see no reason why Essien is ahead of him on the team sheet (or Malouda although that would require a shuffle). Sturridge I am not so convinced by however he has been scoring in the reserves and did well against Ipswich so I see no reason why he shouldn't be preferred to Drogba whilst Drogba carries on in this form.

Kakuta I am not so sure about - I think he is still a long way off first team quality.

Great response - couldn't have put it better myself.

Glad we got a win today and a clean sheet - that will do the confidence a load of good. But it seems the usual suspects still didn't have great games and I'm sure we would have won had McEachran & Sturridge started ahead of Essien/Malouda & Drogba.

I can see them getting chances from now until May with a view to both being first 11 regulars come the start of next season.

Edited January 15, 201114 yr by Nibs