I do feel for Luis; he generally plays extremely well but the full-backs ahead of him in the pecking order are so bloody good that it's hard to imagine us dropping him. Ivanovic is key to us getting the ball out of defence, arguably our best header of the ball (definitely offensively, perhaps not defensively) and also provides width when we get forward (his crossing has improved immeasurably), while Azpilicueta is absolutely f**king incredible and is quite probably the best defensive full-back in the league.

 

Luis has a hell of a job on his hands to be honest, it's not surprising Bertrand left if he was looking for first-team action.

I'm disappointed he hasn't played more games, I'm convinced the main reason why Cahill backs off his man is because if he does close him down that player will pass to his left where another attacker will have a 1 on 1 chance because Branna has gone AWOL. He's been great going forward but I'd be happier defensively if we at least tried Azpi at RB, Cahill/Zouma next to JT and then Luis at LB.

I'm disappointed he hasn't played more games, I'm convinced the main reason why Cahill backs off his man is because if he does close him down that player will pass to his left where another attacker will have a 1 on 1 chance because Branna has gone AWOL. He's been great going forward but I'd be happier defensively if we at least tried Azpi at RB, Cahill/Zouma next to JT and then Luis at LB.

Agreed

Why did we go for him if Jose wasn't going to play him?

He is 28/29 and we spent the best part of £20 million on him to basically be a back up to Azpi (a right back).

He's never really put a foot wrong when givne a chance and on a few occasions has been one of our best players when given a start, he has every right to want to be playing first team football....he's certainly more than good enough.

Luis has emphatically denied any rumours of him leaving:

(via WAGNH who seem to have deciphered a Portuguese article using Google Translate, which explains why it is so choppy)

 

It's a new situation in my career, after almost nine years playing almost every game. When I arrived here in Chelsea, [i knew I wouldn't always play]. But the numbers are not that bad, I played half of Chelsea's games this season. [...] Obviously, everyone wants to play, everyone wants to be important, this is no different, but I completely understand [Mourinho's] technical [choice] and we have to respect always.

 

When I arrived here in Chelsea I signed a three-year contract, which I want to fulfill. The team is in a great time, the team was champion of the [League] Cup, has the possibility of being champion of the Premier League, which is the most important to me. I do not think at the time no speculation, nothing of it. My head is completely up to Chelsea for this season finale. I know you can talk a lot and will talk a lot, but my head is prepared for this [finish to the] season which is very important both in Chelsea, as the national team. A chance of winning the Premier League title [following the] Spanish [one] is not easy. Also [playing] with the national team [in the Copa America] would be wonderful. So I just think about it and nothing else."

Great attitude, i'm sure Jose will be reviewing the full back situation ahead of next season anyway. Putting a right footer at both LW and LB has definitely narrowed our attacking play and I think Luis will get his chance eventually, it's just so difficult given how good Iva and Dave have been.

Has only played 2 more games than Zouma this season, in a season where Zouma is still being bedded into the team and used sparingly.

Have to agree now, a pointless signing...not been given much of a chance to repeat Atletico form...but when Dave is ahead of you can we be surprised? Despite his denials, I can't see him wanting to stay...why would he...gone from starter at title winner to warming the bench...shame cos he comes across as a good bloke

He's a quality player too, never let us down and his distribution from the back is class.

Shame

Pointless signing.

I can't see him replacing Azpi now and in future.

I'd be sorry to see him leave as I think he is a very good player, both defensively and going forward. Plus with his silly hair and big nose he is a player I can relate to on a personal level.

 

However, I would completely understand as he is far too good not to be starting regularly.

He will likely leave since Jose trusts Dave and Ivanovich much more, even when we face a much weaker team

We let Bytrand go, who ends up to be one of the best LB in the league, and sign Luis, who couldn't get a start unless Dave is out. I think it's fair to say we should have kept the Bytrand, and the 20M

We let Bytrand go, who ends up to be one of the best LB in the league, and sign Luis, who couldn't get a start unless Dave is out. I think it's fair to say we should have kept the Bytrand, and the 20M

 

Luis cost us Bertrand+6m. Its a good deal, Luis is a far better player than bertrand. Also, Bertrand did not want to stay at Chelsea.

We let Bytrand go, who ends up to be one of the best LB in the league, and sign Luis, who couldn't get a start unless Dave is out. I think it's fair to say we should have kept the Bytrand, and the 20M

Well we have two left backs who are better than Ryan.

Wish we would use our fullbacks properly though. Ivanovic at RB has worked okay, but I still think we would be better off with proper wingbacks in their natural positions. I suppose if we buy koke for 15 million less (if we're including luis in the deal) then it will be a good deal.

Luis is a far better player than bertrand. Also, Bertrand did not want to stay at Chelsea.

 

I dont think hes any better, and i think Bertrand was fine with being 2nd choice

I dont think hes any better, and i think Bertrand was fine with being 2nd choice

 

No he wanted regular first team football, and the quality of Luis is not even comparable to Bertrand. Easily one of the top 5 LBs going forward. Jose did not play him much since Jose's ass was on the line this season and we ended up playing a defensive game.

No way Bertrand is one of the top 5 LBs going forward.

 

He has a good first season in a well drilled Southampton defense. All of other players in Southampton defense (and the 2 central midfielder)  also look good.

 

So my argument the way Southampton play makes them look good (they have the least concede goal so far this season).

 

Lorven looked good in Southampton defense last season. This season at RAWK he looks sh!t

Bertrand last season (on loan) at Aston Villa also does not have anything to write about.

 

So it will be wait and see case for Bertrand

Hoping he continue to develop to be a good LB for England

No way Bertrand is one of the top 5 LBs going forward.

 

I wrote Luis is a top 5 LB. Read the post carefully. 

Bertrand is no way close to him.

No he wanted regular first team football, and the quality of Luis is not even comparable to Bertrand. Easily one of the top 5 LBs going forward. Jose did not play him much since Jose's ass was on the line this season and we ended up playing a defensive game.

 

Bertrand is miles better defensively. Luis looked like a liability the few times he played

Bertrand is miles better defensively. Luis looked like a liability the few times he played

 

Not a chance, maybe you have seen him in very few games. The only bad game for Luis I can recall is Hull away. He has been solid apart from that. 

Bertrand can not tackle properly at all. While Luis can tackle like AC3.

Not had a very good season. Was poor today, can't see him ousting Dave any time soon.

Not had a very good season. Was poor today, can't see him ousting Dave any time soon.

 

There was nothing wrong with him today. Good tackling, good passes, and linked up well with the midfield. The only bad performances today was Mikel and Hazard. The rest were between good and average.