wow. I love Press Pass. They are a great laugh except that Loserpool prick Steve Nicol who knows only Loverpool and slacks everyone else off, while he defends the most rubbish team in the world. Lebouef is a nice balance in Chelsea's favor. Hislop is well rounded and relatively objective. Tommy Smith is there for the show and hates on just about everyone constantly. Great fun for the evening and I love the Gomez hate there - Hislop is 100% right, this guy is lucky and he usually scores in Pippo style - by the ball hitting him instead of him hitting the ball.

I do also like presspass, thats where i go to watch people give their opinons, i wasnt criticising that at all however when those guys are commentating they spout nonsense and dont do the role that the commentator is there for.

Steve Nicol is absolutely delusional, wouldnt shut up for a week that carrols non goal in the fa cup final was over the line despite the conclusive evidence that it quite clearly was not. Hislop is very hit and miss, has some dreadful opinions

If we were looking at a right back to bring in now we're letting Bosingwa go I'd say that Lille's Debuchy would be a great signing. Apparently Newcastle are interested in bringing him in too though. He would be relatively cheap at £7-8m and is 26 so relatively young. He was also one of Lille's best performers when they won the League last year and is probably going to be France's first choice right back for the Euro's as he has been given the number 2 shirt.

I read that too. I think Newcastle will get him and he will be a great player for them, while we will end up overpaying for someone else who will turn out to not be what we are looking for.

We have heard a few random rumours that the club would like to have a joint press conference for both Hazard and Hulk. This leaves me to wonder that maybe a third seat could be set for that press conference, one for the manager.

If Roman is looking to make a statement of intent by having those two players share a press conference, maybe he wants the manager to be unveiled at the same time?

We have heard a few random rumours that the club would like to have a joint press conference for both Hazard and Hulk. This leaves me to wonder that maybe a third seat could be set for that press conference, one for the manager.

If Roman is looking to make a statement of intent by having those two players share a press conference, maybe he wants the manager to be unveiled at the same time?

I don't see us tying up a deal for Guardiola by the weekend....unless they want to keep the worst secret in the world for a while.

Couple of rumours suggesting we might be going in for dembele, which I think would be a good player for the squad. Whilst we are there, how about a cheeky bid for that young lad Kerim Frei. Seemed to have good ability when he came on against us in the cup and began to start towards the end of the season I seem to recall. Surely wouldn't cost much?

Would love to see Dembele be a direct replacement for Malouda, but can't see Dembele getting much game time with Hulk Hazard Mata and Marin all infront of him. Still want him here though!

The article I read in the Mail suggested Dembele is a deeper central midfielder who is being lined up as a long term replacement for Super Frank.

Surely with Hulk, Hazard, Mata, Marin, Ramires, DeBruyne and Malouda looking like going he's going nowhere, we're up to our necks in winger type players.

Dembele has excelled in a far deeper role than winger/attacking midfield player; his end product is simply not good enough for playing as one of the attacking four (in a 4-2-3-1). I think he would be the perfect complement to Mikel in a double pivot (in my opinion a far better alternative than Ramires) since he is massive built with great pace and has great vision and technique. From there he would have have license to advance forward while still having the physical presence to defend good aerially and pure duels man to man.

However, I can't see us trying for him. Ramires is almost certain given one position on the field and we need a "Mikel" who is pure holding. We also have Essien, Meireles, Romeu, Lampard, KdB and Josh fighting for those two spots. It's just too much, but I would have loved to chip out Essien and Meireles and gotten Dembele in. A great player, one of my favorites in the Premiership.

Dembele has excelled in a far deeper role than winger/attacking midfield player; his end product is simply not good enough for playing as one of the attacking four (in a 4-2-3-1). I think he would be the perfect complement to Mikel in a double pivot (in my opinion a far better alternative than Ramires) since he is massive built with great pace and has great vision and technique. From there he would have have license to advance forward while still having the physical presence to defend good aerially and pure duels man to man.

However, I can't see us trying for him. Ramires is almost certain given one position on the field and we need a "Mikel" who is pure holding. We also have Essien, Meireles, Romeu, Lampard, KdB and Josh fighting for those two spots. It's just too much, but I would have loved to chip out Essien and Meireles and gotten Dembele in. A great player, one of my favorites in the Premiership.

I don't think he's defensive enough to be playing in the two of a 4-2-3-1 , I've always thought Fulham utilised him best when they played him further forward, must say I don't watch much of them but when I have Dembele always impressed me.

Hmm, ok. He was initially a striker but his position became deeper and deeper the more chances he blew (he can't finish for sh*t). He is often deployed in the more advanced role in the double pivot (like Kroos is more advanced than Schweini). Absolute beast of a player, reminds a LOT of Yaya Toure; perhaps a bit weaker physically (no shame however) but far better technically and more creative.

What I fear with Ramires as one of the two holding (with Mikel most likely) is that our deep midfield can't create anything. They don't have the vision or technique to pass the ball fast enough from defense to attack. Ramires also lack aerial ability, so that when the oppositions goalkeeper kicks out, one of our center backs needs to get out of position to head it away. Mikel has negative jumping ability (I'm a massive fan of him, but not his jumping...), so he won't be much help either.

I just can't see how Ramires would fit into a double pivot with a rather not-creative Mikel by his side. Mikel will also struggle; he is a beast when he has someone creative by his side (read: Lampard the last two months). That means that he can win the ball, pass 10 yards [to the creative player], sit back with a joint and chill out. With Ramires by his side he would have to take MUCH greater responsibility when it comes to passing and creating. This is also why I've advocated a purchase of M'Vila (but NOT on the behalf of Mikel); he is GREAT physically and has superb vision and passing technique. Having two very deep midfield players will also allow our full backs to advance further up the pitch.

And with a pivot with Ramires and Mikel, what do we do with the rejuvenated Lampard? He simply cannot play with Ramires, that would be way to in-disiplined. Lampard must have a role in the team, both as a role model but also for his sublime passing in the latter stages of the season.

As for Dembele; great purchase, if we get rid of Meireles and Essien (and maybe Josh or KdB on loan). Team him up with Mikel and you will get results. He will also fill up some of the empty space that Drogba leaves us on set pieces (which must be replaced). However, I can't see it happening.

PS: this is written with a f**king tooth pain with no pain comparison what so ever.

Until Lampard can run and Ramires is fit I don't think there is space for either of M'Vila and Dembele. And by the time Lampard's legs die we should hopefully have a fully matured KdB as a like-for-like replacement. No place and would be a waste of money.

On the Mikel can't play with a noncreative player argument, I tend to disagree in general but there is some validity - he really is best with Lampard. Nevertheless, I don't agree with the notion that Ramires can't do short/creative passes. His physique and attributes all point to the fact that he would be great in such a role. Anyway KdB is my favorite for this position anyway, but he needs a season (or two) on loan in the Prem to develop a bit more before he starts playing for Chelsea just in time for Lampard's likely retirement.

This is the problem with signing Hulk. Ramires is now playing in a deep central position. He can't play alongside Lampard as they both like to go forward. Lampard himself is improving all the time in this position. In my opinion we will always have to have either Mikel or Romeu as one of the disciplined DMs and Lampard or Ramires as the other.

Get M'Vila in and play him alongside Ramires in midfield/

This is the problem with signing Hulk. Ramires is now playing in a deep central position. He can't play alongside Lampard as they both like to go forward. Lampard himself is improving all the time in this position. In my opinion we will always have to have either Mikel or Romeu as one of the disciplined DMs and Lampard or Ramires as the other.

The problem with Ramires is that he is neither a winger nor a central midfielder. He is a Maggio- type of player - he can run all the way on the wing - from an RB to a RW but he is not ideal for any particular position except a strict 4-4-2 with more defensive wingers (i.e. Beckham position?). Chelsea don't play with such a position - we have either very offensive wingers (Hulk, Hazard, Marin) or CM/DMs. He will have to adapt to a CM role if he wants to be in the first 11. How they work all that out with Lampz present is up to the Manager. For me 50/50 rotation between the two would be ideal. With Ramires occasionally filling in for Hulk, too, as he won't play every single game of the season.

I can't see us playing without Mikel type of player either. Even freaking Barca have Busquets and Real have Khedira/Xabi. It wouldn't make sense with so ineffective in defence front 4.

Get M'Vila in and play him alongside Ramires in midfield/

How is M'Vila btter than Mikel for what we need - solid defence? M'Vila is a passer from what I've seen on (admittedly) YouTube - he just makes endless short passes and tackles here and there. We already have Frankie, who for me is better suited to the role, and KdB as a potential replacement when Frankie's legs let go. Why pay 18m for M'Vila when he won't improve anything in our squad? Oh, and I don't doubt the front 4 will be banging goals left and right considering how much class there is in all of them so I wouldn't worry too much about have exceptional passers in the midfield although both Frankie and KdB are and I am sure Ramires can be if he wants to and prepares for it. The midfield needs to provide for a solid back-up to our back 4 and Mikel must be there to do that.

Edited June 2, 201214 yr by CacOBG

How is M'Vila btter than Mikel for what we need - solid defence? M'Vila is a passer from what I've seen on (admittedly) YouTube - he just makes endless short passes and tackles here and there. We already have Frankie, who for me is better suited to the role, and KdB as a potential replacement when Frankie's legs let go. Why pay 18m for M'Vila when he won't improve anything in our squad? Oh, and I don't doubt the front 4 will be banging goals left and right considering how much class there is in all of them so I wouldn't worry too much about have exceptional passers in the midfield although both Frankie and KdB are and I am sure Ramires can be if he wants to and prepares for it. The midfield needs to provide for a solid back-up to our back 4 and Mikel must be there to do that.

because Mikel is just a tackler, where as is a great defensive midfielder with the ability to pass the ball. Mikel can't pass and if we're to play Ramires and Mikel in midfield where are the passes going to come from? Ramires isn't the best passer either but his strength is running forward with the ball. M'Vila is just a better player than Mikel and sadly I just don't rate Mikel very highly.

because Mikel is just a tackler, where as is a great defensive midfielder with the ability to pass the ball. Mikel can't pass and if we're to play Ramires and Mikel in midfield where are the passes going to come from? Ramires isn't the best passer either but his strength is running forward with the ball. M'Vila is just a better player than Mikel and sadly I just don't rate Mikel very highly.

Mikel is not a bad passer at all. He even came as a supposed playmaker at the club. It is just that they use him as purely as an anchor man, which I find nothing wrong with. He does that job very very well. For the place next to him, both Lampard and Ramires can pass, create and run forward. And KdB is essentially the same type of player Frankie is only 14? years younger. I want him as next great CM at Chelsea. Why buy all the players in the world when we have good players already. If Ramires can't do the job I am sure Frankie can do 1-2 more seasons at top level until KdB is fully mature as Frankie is an incredible professional and he won't give up on 34. So there you have - your passing concerns sorted. Now just the manager needs to digure out what to do with Ramires who is a great player and it would be a shame for him to be a substitute...

If you don't trust me on KdB - check out this -

.

I've seen a few full games of him. He is sensational on the ball.

Edited June 2, 201214 yr by CacOBG

The problem with Ramires is that he is neither a winger nor a central midfielder. He is a Maggio- type of player - he can run all the way on the wing - from an RB to a RW but he is not ideal for any particular position except a strict 4-4-2 with more defensive wingers (i.e. Beckham position?). Chelsea don't play with such a position - we have either very offensive wingers (Hulk, Hazard, Marin) or CM/DMs. He will have to adapt to a CM role if he wants to be in the first 11. How they work all that out with Lampz present is up to the Manager. For me 50/50 rotation between the two would be ideal. With Ramires occasionally filling in for Hulk, too, as he won't play every single game of the season.

I can't see us playing without Mikel type of player either. Even freaking Barca have Busquets and Real have Khedira/Xabi. It wouldn't make sense with so ineffective in defence front 4.

I'd class Ramires as an extremely versatile box to box midfielder. He's not creative but he does good things in attacking positions. He's not the best defensively but he is still very useful when on the back foot. He is lightning fast and is pure energy. I always feel we're stronger when he's playing.

Lampard is the type of player that plays better the more he is playing. Rotating him in and out of the team will not get the best out of him, so in that case we may as well just play Ramires alongside Mikel/Romeu.

Mikel is not a bad passer at all. He even came as a supposed playmaker at the club. It is just that they use him as purely as an anchor man, which I find nothing wrong with. He does that job very very well. For the place next to him, both Lampard and Ramires can pass, create and run forward. And KdB is essentially the same type of player Frankie is only 14? years younger. I want him as next great CM at Chelsea. Why buy all the players in the world when we have good players already. If Ramires can't do the job I am sure Frankie can do 1-2 more seasons at top level until KdB is fully mature as Frankie is an incredible professional and he won't give up on 34. So there you have - your passing concerns sorted. Now just the manager needs to digure out what to do with Ramires who is a great player and it would be a shame for him to be a substitute...

If you don't trust me on KdB - check out this - [media=]

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I've seen a few full games of him. He is sensational on the ball.

I think if we want to play Lamps or De Bruyne then we have to drop Ramires which I don't really want to do because he's great. I'd like a defensive midfielder and a passer in midfield, but in M'Vila we have a DM and a passer and then we can put Ramires alongside him. I don't rate Mikel, even if we were to just play Lamps or De Bruyne as the passer and drop Ramires it still doesn't change the fact that I want a better DM than Mikel.

I think if we want to play Lamps or De Bruyne then we have to drop Ramires which I don't really want to do because he's great. I'd like a defensive midfielder and a passer in midfield, but in M'Vila we have a DM and a passer and then we can put Ramires alongside him. I don't rate Mikel, even if we were to just play Lamps or De Bruyne as the passer and drop Ramires it still doesn't change the fact that I want a better DM than Mikel.

No issue with that - everyone has the right to an opinion. He is not amongst my favorites either. In fact I started screaming every time I saw him on the pitch 2 seasons ago but he has been excellent in the past 3-4 months (I am excluding the AVB time overall as that was a time of madness when even if you were great, you still looked sh*t compared to any player from the opposition). And if this progress continues, I personally won't have any porblem with him being one of our 11 starters in the next couple of seasons. M'Vila seems like a good passer according to YT but can't comment on his defensive skills until I see him in action - Euro 2012 it is!

I think if we want to play Lamps or De Bruyne then we have to drop Ramires which I don't really want to do because he's great. I'd like a defensive midfielder and a passer in midfield, but in M'Vila we have a DM and a passer and then we can put Ramires alongside him. I don't rate Mikel, even if we were to just play Lamps or De Bruyne as the passer and drop Ramires it still doesn't change the fact that I want a better DM than Mikel.

You are underrating Mikel's passing hugely. We don't need M'Vila with Mikel and Romeu in the squad, who are both proving to be accomplished enforces and passers. All they need to do in the passing department is play simple passes to the creative players ahead of them, and statistically Mikel is brilliant at that.

No issue with that - everyone has the right to an opinion. He is not amongst my favorites either. In fact I started screaming every time I saw him on the pitch 2 seasons ago but he has been excellent in the past 3-4 months (I am excluding the AVB time overall as that was a time of madness when even if you were great, you still looked sh*t compared to any player from the opposition). And if this progress continues, I personally won't have any porblem with him being one of our 11 starters in the next couple of seasons. M'Vila seems like a good passer according to YT but can't comment on his defensive skills until I see him in action - Euro 2012 it is!

He got injured in France's friendly vs Serbia two days ago, so it's touch and go if he'll make the Euros.

Unsure if KDB could do well at CM, he seems to lack the fundamentals to play the pivot role effectively (from a defensive aspect)

Mikel's problem is that he that the job he does for the club is unglamorous but its a job her does well. I really rated his performances in the CL this year. Why replace him? Why spend 20m on M'vila or Tiote when we have Mikel and Romeu as back up? And people moan that we're throwing money away on Hulk!

He got injured in France's friendly vs Serbia two days ago, so it's touch and go if he'll make the Euros.

Unsure if KDB could do well at CM, he seems to lack the fundamentals to play the pivot role effectively (from a defensive aspect)

I don't think that anyone that has watched him in Belgium this season would agree with that. By any metric he has been sensational for Genk in a central no. 6 role. It annoys me that so many Chelsea fans judge players solely on their defensive attributes and it seems to me they would rather a player who runs around like a headless chook for 90 minutes. Defensive ability comes with time, it is something that can be taught and practice, and 21 year olds regardless of position generally don't have a lot of it.

Potentially average winger. Potentially world-class central midfielder.

Apparantly Kevin DB is on his way to Southhampton on loan next season, i would have no problem with that, he would surely get minutes hopefully as a central midfielder.

Apparantly Kevin DB is on his way to Southhampton on loan next season, i would have no problem with that, he would surely get minutes hopefully as a central midfielder.

Agree. It would be nice to see us loan to a PL club rather then out to Holland or Germany.