Many players look good on youtube. Put together Kalou and Malouda's best plays and goals, turn it into compilation and show it to someone who never watched them before, they'd think they're a couple of world beaters.

So true.

I dont like this guy .. pretty average, wont make any impact, if Kalou play in his league, he will look like the new Messi, so KDB is little better then most of the players in his bad league, that makes him below average for PL.

Damn, that is very worrying - thank you for the insight SW6_Lover...

Only had to add that I am neutral on Belgian soccer,So it's not that I support a rival team of genk or something.One life , One love Chelsea Fc

De Bruyne looks like he can take a pop from outside the box, with both feet. Granted, this is youtube and Meireles probably looks like he has a good shot on youtube.

There once was a time when, with the likes of Ballack, Lampard, Essien, Alex and Drogba, we were lethal from outside the box. If we came within 25 yards we had a shot and more often than not the ball went in. We were scary.

Nowadays, nothing. We see shots from outside the box going in every week, but not for Chelsea. Mata got a great one against Arsenal, I can't think of too many more this season.

Regarding De Bruyne, none-too-bothered. Will he turn into a Duff or Mata? Doubtful. Will Willian? Doubtful.

The bottom line is if you sign too many mediocre players, you become a mediocre side. Cahill, Torres, Meireles .. I'm talking to you.

We still have a number of outstanding players but most are past their peak, one or two of the new breed show signs of being world-class but that's what we need them to be, the likes of Luiz, Ramires, Romeu, Mata, Sturridge.

We need to ensure the players that augment them are of the requisite quality, or even better, if we want to challenge for the main prizes.

Remember, there was a time when Cech, Terry, Ashley, Carvalho, Gallas, Maka, Lampard, Essien, Drogba etc, had legitimate claims to being the best in their position in the world.

That's the standard. That's why we won so much silverware.

We really should be going after the best talent. I'm not sure we're doing that.

Obligatory youtube compilation set to inappropriate music.

Finally, a player that can take free-kicks instead of Lampard.

De Bruyne looks like he can take a pop from outside the box, with both feet. Granted, this is youtube and Meireles probably looks like he has a good shot on youtube.

There once was a time when, with the likes of Ballack, Lampard, Essien, Alex and Drogba, we were lethal from outside the box. If we came within 25 yards we had a shot and more often than not the ball went in. We were scary.

Nowadays, nothing. We see shots from outside the box going in every week, but not for Chelsea. Mata got a great one against Arsenal, I can't think of too many more this season.

Regarding De Bruyne, none-too-bothered. Will he turn into a Duff or Mata? Doubtful. Will Willian? Doubtful.

The bottom line is if you sign too many mediocre players, you become a mediocre side. Cahill, Torres, Meireles .. I'm talking to you.

We still have a number of outstanding players but most are past their peak, one or two of the new breed show signs of being world-class but that's what we need them to be, the likes of Luiz, Ramires, Romeu, Mata, Sturridge.

We need to ensure the players that augment them are of the requisite quality, or even better, if we want to challenge for the main prizes.

Remember, there was a time when Cech, Terry, Ashley, Carvalho, Gallas, Maka, Lampard, Essien, Drogba etc, had legitimate claims to being the best in their position in the world.

That's the standard. That's why we won so much silverware.

We really should be going after the best talent. I'm not sure we're doing that.

And how much did it cost to assemble that team? The days of lavish spending ended with Torres and Luiz I think. We have to buy smart. United has done this for years and they've won more than us since 2003. The best players featuring for the mighty Spurs are all uncovered gems as well. I'd rather we did it that way to be honest, even if we pick up a few Kalous in the process.

AVB rates this kid, he's a Chelsea fan and he has the qualities to become a special player for us. The question is whether he'll fulfil the potential. Lukaku at the beginning of the season looked unfit and out of his depth. His short feature against Norwich was a massive improvement in a very short time. As mentioned, he also looked hungry to make a mark and earn another selection. Courtois back in Spain has been receiving plenty of plaudits with the Atletico fans saying he's already twice the keeper De Gea was for them and we've seen the effect Mata's had on the side. So far I like the way AVB is reshaping us. Its not shock and awe like Mourinho, but we're clearly evolving and all his signings so far have been good. I actually rate Meireles but he should be a squad player. His first choice, and the clubs, was obviously Modric.

De Bruyne looks like he can take a pop from outside the box, with both feet. Granted, this is youtube and Meireles probably looks like he has a good shot on youtube.

There once was a time when, with the likes of Ballack, Lampard, Essien, Alex and Drogba, we were lethal from outside the box. If we came within 25 yards we had a shot and more often than not the ball went in. We were scary.

Nowadays, nothing. We see shots from outside the box going in every week, but not for Chelsea. Mata got a great one against Arsenal, I can't think of too many more this season.

Regarding De Bruyne, none-too-bothered. Will he turn into a Duff or Mata? Doubtful. Will Willian? Doubtful.

The bottom line is if you sign too many mediocre players, you become a mediocre side. Cahill, Torres, Meireles .. I'm talking to you.

We still have a number of outstanding players but most are past their peak, one or two of the new breed show signs of being world-class but that's what we need them to be, the likes of Luiz, Ramires, Romeu, Mata, Sturridge.

We need to ensure the players that augment them are of the requisite quality, or even better, if we want to challenge for the main prizes.

Remember, there was a time when Cech, Terry, Ashley, Carvalho, Gallas, Maka, Lampard, Essien, Drogba etc, had legitimate claims to being the best in their position in the world.

That's the standard. That's why we won so much silverware.

We really should be going after the best talent. I'm not sure we're doing that.

Nail on the head Davey

Biggest worry about this transfer is who exactly is behind wanting him to come here. Note the start of this thread and it is a good 6 Mths previous to AVB, as was our pursuit of Lukaku. In summer we didnt seem fit to offer 8m what has changed so much now?

Biggest worry about this transfer is who exactly is behind wanting him to come here. Note the start of this thread and it is a good 6 Mths previous to AVB, as was our pursuit of Lukaku.

I'm not saying there isn't cause for concern, but Robben and Cech were signed around six months before Mourinho came along. Just a thought...

I think Marc Albrighton would have been the better option. He is still young but he has proven himself in the Prem League and at U21 level, not CL tied and I think he would have thrived here rather than Villa...and probably cost the same amount

I think Marc Albrighton would have been the better option. He is still young but he has proven himself in the Prem League and at U21 level, not CL tied and I think he would have thrived here rather than Villa...and probably cost the same amount

He wouldnt strive here because he simply wouldnt get played. I often watch Villa, dads a huge supporter, recently went Wolves away, cracking game and atmosphere. Really good fun. Anyway, back to marc, he is hot and cold, consitency is his biggest problem. He is a player with loads of energy but lacking in the final pass. I would like him here, I just dont think that he would be played because he wouldnt get the chance to prove him self. He also makes rash decisions and it often's costs villa, like silly tackles in the last ten mins.

De Bruyne looks like he can take a pop from outside the box, with both feet. Granted, this is youtube and Meireles probably looks like he has a good shot on youtube.

There once was a time when, with the likes of Ballack, Lampard, Essien, Alex and Drogba, we were lethal from outside the box. If we came within 25 yards we had a shot and more often than not the ball went in. We were scary.

Nowadays, nothing. We see shots from outside the box going in every week, but not for Chelsea. Mata got a great one against Arsenal, I can't think of too many more this season.

Regarding De Bruyne, none-too-bothered. Will he turn into a Duff or Mata? Doubtful. Will Willian? Doubtful.

The bottom line is if you sign too many mediocre players, you become a mediocre side. Cahill, Torres, Meireles .. I'm talking to you.

We still have a number of outstanding players but most are past their peak, one or two of the new breed show signs of being world-class but that's what we need them to be, the likes of Luiz, Ramires, Romeu, Mata, Sturridge.

We need to ensure the players that augment them are of the requisite quality, or even better, if we want to challenge for the main prizes.

Remember, there was a time when Cech, Terry, Ashley, Carvalho, Gallas, Maka, Lampard, Essien, Drogba etc, had legitimate claims to being the best in their position in the world.

That's the standard. That's why we won so much silverware.

We really should be going after the best talent. I'm not sure we're doing that.

Good post and hard to disagree Davey, however i think youve been a little unfair on Cahill there, bearing in mind we havent seen him kick a ball yet.

He wouldnt strive here because he simply wouldnt get played. I often watch Villa, dads a huge supporter, recently went Wolves away, cracking game and atmosphere. Really good fun. Anyway, back to marc, he is hot and cold, consitency is his biggest problem. He is a player with loads of energy but lacking in the final pass. I would like him here, I just dont think that he would be played because he wouldnt get the chance to prove him self. He also makes rash decisions and it often's costs villa, like silly tackles in the last ten mins.

I don't disagree with your comments but I think he could have improved his understanding of the game with the coaches, facilities and experienced players we have here, your summation of him just about sums up many of our players recently....so he'd fit right in!

Good post and hard to disagree Davey, however i think youve been a little unfair on Cahill there, bearing in mind we havent seen him kick a ball yet.

I'm being a bit unfair on De Bruyne and Willian too. I haven't seen them play either. Hopefully they'll all be worthy of being in a title-winning team. We have some great players on the wane, players like Ashley, Terry, Essien, Lamps, Drogba, dare I say Cech. These are all Chelsea legends. They won't be easily replaced. That's the task in hand. We cannot throw money at it as we did in the past, and there is far more competition for the best talent. Ramires and Mata have been good captures, there is no doubt about that. I think there is a lot of doubt about some of the others. There is nothing to suggest De Bruyne or Willian are of the requisite quality, if we really want to be top of the tree. I'm basing this on a position of ignorance however so I hope I'm wrong. As I say, too many mediocre signings and we are only going one way .. Down.

And how much did it cost to assemble that team? The days of lavish spending ended with Torres and Luiz I think. We have to buy smart. United has done this for years and they've won more than us since 2003. The best players featuring for the mighty Spurs are all uncovered gems as well. I'd rather we did it that way to be honest, even if we pick up a few Kalous in the process. AVB rates this kid, he's a Chelsea fan and he has the qualities to become a special player for us. The question is whether he'll fulfil the potential. Lukaku at the beginning of the season looked unfit and out of his depth. His short feature against Norwich was a massive improvement in a very short time. As mentioned, he also looked hungry to make a mark and earn another selection. Courtois back in Spain has been receiving plenty of plaudits with the Atletico fans saying he's already twice the keeper De Gea was for them and we've seen the effect Mata's had on the side. So far I like the way AVB is reshaping us. Its not shock and awe like Mourinho, but we're clearly evolving and all his signings so far have been good. I actually rate Meireles but he should be a squad player. His first choice, and the clubs, was obviously Modric.

I don't disagree with you mate. I would say however that Bale and Modric were far more exciting signings than De Bruyne appears to be, and Bale and Modric have developed into the top rank, which is what we should be aspiring to. As for AVB rating this guy, how do we know? Chelsea under Roman have a history of coveting players regardless of who the manager is. It would be folly to suggest otherwise. Of course some of those signings have been resounding successes so that's no reason to doubt De Bruyne, just to suggest that he may not be AVB's man at all. Let's hope you're right and he has the qualties to become a special player. I can't judge I haven't seen him, but I hadn't seen many of our previous signings, and I was more excited by them. There just doesn't seem much buzz about this player, for whatever reason. Hopefully the club know something I don't. The question isn't whether he will become Premiership quality, which is debateable. The question is whether he will become world-class. Of course for that guarantee you have to pay top dollar, as you say, and as we have in the past. Of the current crop, Romeu and Sturridge prove astute purchases can be made at knock-down fees. Hopefully this guy falls into that camp. I guess we'll find out soon as I'm sure he's coming.

I watched De Bryune very, very closely in the two games against Genk who, it must be said, were a woefully poor side. And he must of made some impression on me because, sitting here now, the only thing I can recall about him is he's ginger isn't he?

At what point do all these on affordable youngsters return from loans or graduate from the reserves to make the 1st team squad, a lot of players have been brought in and shipped out having played only a handful of 1st team games. A lot are still out on loan as we speak.

This lad if purchased is most likely going to be sent back on loan to Genk and maybe loaned out next season. While there is a need for the future the 1st team needs some major changes this summer to remain a competitive top 4 unit; and this ongoing policy of loanees which has been going on for a good few seasons now, has yielded exactly nobody (not even Josh could get a run of games this season), I dont count Sturridge as he left City for CFC due to unique circumstances and his star was already in ascendency.

Its a shame as other clubs in this league seem to be able to graduate talented young players who can hold there own in games, most of our new players are purchases startring at 5 mill and up and a lot over 10 mill.

Biggest worry about this transfer is who exactly is behind wanting him to come here. Note the start of this thread and it is a good 6 Mths previous to AVB, as was our pursuit of Lukaku.

I agree. That's a huge concern. AVB needs to be driving all transfer decisions. No-one else at the club has been any good at it.

I wonder if this another whisper in Roman's ear by Piet de Visser? That guy's been about as helpful as Frank Arnesen.

I don't disagree with you mate. I would say however that Bale and Modric were far more exciting signings than De Bruyne appears to be, and Bale and Modric have developed into the top rank, which is what we should be aspiring to. As for AVB rating this guy, how do we know? Chelsea under Roman have a history of coveting players regardless of who the manager is. It would be folly to suggest otherwise. Of course some of those signings have been resounding successes so that's no reason to doubt De Bruyne, just to suggest that he may not be AVB's man at all. Let's hope you're right and he has the qualties to become a special player. I can't judge I haven't seen him, but I hadn't seen many of our previous signings, and I was more excited by them. There just doesn't seem much buzz about this player, for whatever reason. Hopefully the club know something I don't. The question isn't whether he will become Premiership quality, which is debateable. The question is whether he will become world-class. Of course for that guarantee you have to pay top dollar, as you say, and as we have in the past. Of the current crop, Romeu and Sturridge prove astute purchases can be made at knock-down fees. Hopefully this guy falls into that camp. I guess we'll find out soon as I'm sure he's coming.

AVB faced Genk with Porto in the Europa league and came out with some superlatives for De Bruyne last season, comparing him to somebody in high regard I just can't remember off the top of my head. My definition of "World Class" might be a bit different to yours, as I feel the term is overused, but we don't need an all star squad to win things. Look at City. Silva, Aguero and Kompany are what you might call "world class" with the rest being either very good or average (some terrible dead weight too). I don't remember Bale being a highly regarded prospect when he was signed either. I thought he came into his own when Harry got there?

Anyway like with Romeu, we don't need to jump on targets the media is hyping up. I had never heard of Hernandez before the world cup. He seemed to come out of nowhere. These players do exist and identifying them is an artform. If we can master that art, we'd be a lot better off for it. Pissing money away on superstars or wonderkids isn't the way forward. Wasn't Kakuta extremely highly rated when we risked a transfer ban to sign him? So far that hasn't panned out either. I'm up for an exciting signing as much as you are. But I'd rather make development of talent our modus operandi with the occasional splurge, than overpaying for a "world class" player like our very own Fernando Torres. I wasn't convinced by De Bruyne in the CL either, but I've only seen him in 2 games where he was impossibly outgunned (though Genk managed a draw with us).

You are underrating Willian btw. I've only seen him a hand full of times but you rightly advocate us needing trickery, width and raw pace. Thats basically Willian in a nutshell. He's ridiculously fast and can cross. I think thats an improvement regardless. Its just a question of how good his end product is, and how well he copes with the step up in league difficulty.

Willian has already gotten time with the Brazilian national team, dominated a top 10 European league (the current UEFA coefficients have Ukraine in eighth, just above Holland, and he's the headline player on its best offence), and been one of the stars on a CL quarterfinalist by age 23; obviously there are questions about whether he'll settle in England and how he'll handle the step up in domestic difficulty, but I'm not sure his peak performances need to improve a whole lot for him to be useful on a CL contender. I'd rather have Hazard or Lucas if they were equally available, but it sounds like they're not moving this window and would cost about 10m pounds more; signing Willian now and keeping in touch with the other two's clubs is a solid enough plan.

De Bruyne . . . well, at ~8.5 million, a slightly better Kalou who doesn't head off to the ACoN every so often would more or less justify his fee, and our other two Belgian signings look promising so far. I heard it was Enzo Scifo AVB compared him to, incidentally; Scifo was before my time, but I think he's kind of the stock Belgian midfield comparison for talented players.

At what point do all these on affordable youngsters return from loans or graduate from the reserves to make the 1st team squad, a lot of players have been brought in and shipped out having played only a handful of 1st team games. A lot are still out on loan as we speak.

This lad if purchased is most likely going to be sent back on loan to Genk and maybe loaned out next season. While there is a need for the future the 1st team needs some major changes this summer to remain a competitive top 4 unit; and this ongoing policy of loanees which has been going on for a good few seasons now, has yielded exactly nobody (not even Josh could get a run of games this season), I dont count Sturridge as he left City for CFC due to unique circumstances and his star was already in ascendency.

Its a shame as other clubs in this league seem to be able to graduate talented young players who can hold there own in games, most of our new players are purchases startring at 5 mill and up and a lot over 10 mill.

Can you name these affordable youngsters you go on about?

The only players we've signed in a similar bracket to De Bruyne in terms of age, price and potential are Sturridge, Kalou and possibly Mikel although he cost a lot more due to the court case with Man Utd.

Sturridge you discount for some reason because he was 19 when we signed him, right? De Bruyne is 20. Kalou has been a very useful squad player and Mikel has been in our starting XI for a few years now, even if Romeu has taken his place. I think you misunderstand the purpose of this signing and you're putting it in the same bracket as Piazon, Kakuta and the like who cost far, far less and are more what you'd call long shots. De Bruyne will be good enough to play for us. It's just a matter of whether he'll be good enough to be a key player or just a squad player. At £8.5m, it's a good price to make that gamble for me.

He wouldnt strive here because he simply wouldnt get played. I often watch Villa, dads a huge supporter, recently went Wolves away, cracking game and atmosphere. Really good fun. Anyway, back to marc, he is hot and cold, consitency is his biggest problem. He is a player with loads of energy but lacking in the final pass. I would like him here, I just dont think that he would be played because he wouldnt get the chance to prove him self. He also makes rash decisions and it often's costs villa, like silly tackles in the last ten mins.

Agree Mike. He needs more work at Villa before he is ready to move on. He has a big future I think, but he should do what Young and Milner did, and stay there a while to develop his game a bit more.

As for De Bruyne. As much as the 50m flops are noticeable, the 8m buys add up as well, I really am not a fan of this attitude of purchasing 20 year olds with nothing more than potential for big sums and then not playing them. De Bruyne will make about 30M+ on players who will see bugger all first team action this season.

Now planning for the future is fine, but when you consider that we could find another Mata for that amount, someone who could make the team more youthful as well as improve it right now, you have to wonder once again, about the amount of sense that De Visser and the powers that be have.

My definition of "World Class" might be a bit different to yours, as I feel the term is overused, but we don't need an all star squad to win things. Look at City. Silva, Aguero and Kompany are what you might call "world class" with the rest being either very good or average (some terrible dead weight too). I don't remember Bale being a highly regarded prospect when he was signed either. I thought he came into his own when Harry got there?

You are underrating Willian btw. I've only seen him a hand full of times but you rightly advocate us needing trickery, width and raw pace. Thats basically Willian in a nutshell. He's ridiculously fast and can cross. I think thats an improvement regardless. Its just a question of how good his end product is, and how well he copes with the step up in league difficulty.

Hart and Yaya are also world-class. As for Bale, he was highly sought after but Spurs won the race for him as he thought that was the best place for his development and he was right. There was a lot of buzz about Bale when he was at Southampton and he scored some great goals. I will defer to your (and Katon's) better knowledge about Willian.

Hart and Yaya are also world-class. As for Bale, he was highly sought after but Spurs won the race for him as he thought that was the best place for his development and he was right. There was a lot of buzz about Bale when he was at Southampton and he scored some great goals. I will defer to your (and Katon's) better knowledge about Willian.

Sorry for off topic, but i'm interested in your opinion; who do you consider world class in the current Chelsea squad?