Probably the most disliked thread on TSE in the past, mostly because of new posters coming on here expecting us to sell Ivanovic for 40 odd million and sign Reus for 30 million.

 

However, given this seasons current predicament and the fact the squad looks like it cannot be bothered at times, I wanted to see what people make of certain players in our side and whether they want them to stay or go at the end of the year.

 

Goalkeepers

 

Thibaut Courtois - STAY - The best young goalkeeper in the world. He has come back from injury and has let a few poor ones go in but has also made some vital saves against Manchester United and Everton to keep us level. Still has much to learn but he's one of my top ones to stay.

 

Asmir Begovic - STAY - Very good back up keeper. Once again, we have the best goalkeeping duo in the league. Not as good as Tibo but still a good goalkeeper to have from the bench.

 

Defenders

 

Branislav Ivanovic - GO - Chelsea clearly don't agree with me on this one as they are most likely going to be offering him a new contract. One of the teams leaders but doesn't lead by example. Loses his head at times and gets caught out of position so much. Teams purposely target his side and Zouma can't cover for his and JT's lack of pace, just not possible. Love Branna for what he's achieved but I think it's time to move on from him and sign a proper left back so that Azpilicueta can come over from left back and show more attacking prowess.

 

Kurt Zouma - STAY - Our fans like to complain about how much we have spent on certain players. Us & City both went for Mangala, we ended up with Zouma and got the better player for less money. Extremely big fan of his and already seems to be a fan favourite. Still has defensive things to learn and can be nervous on the ball but I love how he defenders, full blooded.

 

John Terry - STAY - I am certain that JT will still be in our backline when he's 80, I cannot imagine a Chelsea team without JT at the back. In reality, it's not been a great season for him and it definitely looks like he's struggling out there at times. However, we need vocal players and leaders in the dressing room and he is both and still shares a special bond with the fans. I hope he gets offered a new contract.

 

Gary Cahill - STAY - Would use him for back up. He's our third best centre back and that shows as he's no longer in the starting line up. Never looks composed but can still do a good job for us. Stones may arrive in the summer and after JT leaves, we may need his experience.

 

Cesar Azpilicueta - STAY - Adore him, rarely ever lets us down and even though it hasn't been his best season, he is still a wonderful player. Really looking forward to see what he can do at right back as he lacks the attacking ability when he's always forced onto his left.

 

Papy Djilobodji - GO - Do I even need to explain why? Emenalo has some explaining to do.

 

Baba Rahman - GO - I doubt he will stay as a back up left back in all honesty. If he does leave then it would leave us short at the fullback but I haven't been overly convinced when he's played and he looks nervous when on the ball.

 

Midfielders

 

Cesc Fabregas - STAY - This opinion will be like mar-mite for some people but I want Cesc to stay. Again, another one who does have leadership quality and despite what people say about him, he is actually our most hardworking player with the amount of kilometers he's covered. His form has been poor for year under Jose but he has really picked up under Hiddink and along with Diego and Zouma, has been our best player. He's creative and my god, we need it.

 

Nemanja Matic - STAY - Just. His performances have been embarrassing this season. He is so unbelievably one footed and he's even backing out of challenges now. Someone on here mentioned the Ashley Barnes challenge and the one he received on international duty and that may play a part but invariably, he gets paid a lot of money and his performances have not warranted it. Think we need to switch to 433 with a more combative midfielder next to him as he's not a natural defensive midfielder.

 

Oscar - GO - He's not been good enough, lets be honest. We might have won the title last year, but give me back Juan Mata over him anyday. He flatters to deceive at times and is far too inconsistent for a Premier League top side. A move to Italy would suit him, maybe to Juventus but all in all I have been very disappointed with Oscar's career at Chelsea. Teixera could be the Brazilian waiting in the wings to take his place.

 

Willian - STAY - Someone I have always had faith in whilst playing for Chelsea. Yes, he has lacked goals and assists in the past seasons but his work-rate and enery is vital and he is a massive player for us. His free kicks are stunning, his long range shots are fantastic as well. Just needs to improve his finishing inside the box. Player of the year for me.

 

Eden Hazard - UNDECIDED - World class. That's the term I would have used to describe him last season, he was phenomenal and a lot of the reason why we won the title. His attitude this season however, has been appalling. Coming back overweight from pre-season is unacceptable for a professional athlete and his lack of effort almost at times has also been terrible. He has not fought for our club this season, whatsoever. However, I truly believe that Eden is a world class talent who unfortunately lacks killer instinct to be up there with the likes of Ronaldo, Messi etc.. Will decide later in the season. Should Madrid come calling for over 75m then I would take it tbh.

 

Pedro - UNDECIDED - I called at the start of the season that Pedro wouldn't be that good a signing and I was correct. He started off well but has faded and is a frustrating player to watch. He never actually looks in control of the football and can be so so wasteful. Again, I'm undecided but happy to give him the benefit of the doubt this season.

 

Ramires - GO - He's not good enough. It's as simple as that. Cannot pass, control and he actually looks slower than he used to be. Plus, he makes rough challenges and loses his dead. Similar to Branna, love what he's achieved here and who can forget that goal at the Nou Camp but if we want to improve then he as to go, I'm afraid.

 

John Obi Mikel - STAY - He will never leave so there's no point going through this one. He will even outlast our next generation of footballers and he will have his arse mark permanently engraved onto our bench.

 

Ruben Loftus Cheek - STAY - I'm very excited to see what this young man is capable of in our midfield. Strong, combative and an eye for goal. Looks promising to say the least.

 

Attackers

 

Diego Costa - STAY - Back to the marmite opinion. I love Diego and want him to stay but then again I am biased on this one. He's been fantastic since Hiddink took charge and looked a new player, still aggressive but has toned it down a bit. I think Jose had a lot to do with his behaviour on the pitch, almost went along with the "us against the world" kind of mentality when he played. Hope he stays and re captures his form that he had in the early part of the last season.

 

Loic Remy - GO - A back up that is constantly injured is not good for us. Does score goals but only as a substitute and when he plays from the start which is rare, he is usually quite poor. He's meant to be the back up but instead we need a back up for him.

 

Radamel Falcao - GO - Waste of time, money and a squad place. Injury prone and has go to.

 

 

Won't bang on about signings as most of them won't happen. Hope you agree with what I've put and hope you also put some opinions across. Tried to make it as less generic as possible as these types of threads bore me to death as well.

Edited January 18, 20169 yr by JMaher94

Broadly agree with you. Would definitely like Hazard to stay but I'm not sure whether he will as we look unlikely to get Champions League football.

My current opinion on the squad obviously this could be very different in 5 months time with Oscar and Pedro most likely.
 

Goalkeepers

Thibaut Courtois - STAY - The best young goalkeeper in the world. He has come back from injury and has let a few poor ones go in but has also made some vital saves against Manchester United and Everton to keep us level. Still has much to learn but he's one of my top ones to stay.

Asmir Begovic - STAY - Very good back up keeper. Once again, we have the best goalkeeping duo in the league. Not as good as Tibo but still a good goalkeeper to have from the bench.
Agree with these, both need to stay and Tibo should really be here for the next 10 years. 

 

Defenders

Branislav Ivanovic - GO - Chelsea clearly don't agree with me on this one as they are most likely going to be offering him a new contract. One of the teams leaders but doesn't lead by example. Loses his head at times and gets caught out of position so much. Teams purposely target his side and Zouma can't cover for his and JT's lack of pace, just not possible. Love Branna for what he's achieved but I think it's time to move on from him and sign a proper left back so that Azpilicueta can come over from left back and show more attacking prowess.
My first change and probably quite a controversial one but I would keep Ivanovic purely because he is a presence within the dressing room and we have lost a lot of leaders recently and I don't think we can do with losing another one. I would however have this as a much reduced role in the side playing the odd game against the taller sides and in the cups but I would have Azpi as my primary RB with Brana his backup, Another reason why I think its a season or 2 too soon is the lack of quality young right backs out there and potentially being without CL football there might not be a suitable option to bring in so this will give us time for one to become available (and for us to be back in the CL) or to give someone like Aina more time to develop.  
 

Kurt Zouma - STAY - Our fans like to complain about how much we have spent on certain players. Us & City both went for Mangala, we ended up with Zouma and got the better player for less money. Extremely big fan of his and already seems to be a fan favourite. Still has defensive things to learn and can be nervous on the ball but I love how he defenders, full blooded.
John Terry - STAY - I am certain that JT will still be in our backline when he's 80, I cannot imagine a Chelsea team without JT at the back. In reality, it's not been a great season for him and it definitely looks like he's struggling out there at times. However, we need vocal players and leaders in the dressing room and he is both and still shares a special bond with the fans. I hope he gets offered a new contract.

Gary Cahill - STAY - Would use him for back up. He's our third best centre back and that shows as he's no longer in the starting line up. Never looks composed but can still do a good job for us. Stones may arrive in the summer and after JT leaves, we may need his experience.

Cesar Azpilicueta - STAY - Adore him, rarely ever lets us down and even though it hasn't been his best season, he is still a wonderful player. Really looking forward to see what he can do at right back as he lacks the attacking ability when he's always forced onto his left.

Papy Djilobodji - GO - Do I even need to explain why? Emenalo has some explaining to do.

Agree with the above Zouma is a great prospect and the fact he has displaced Cahill speaks volumes to his quality, Terry has one more season left in his legs (fingers crossed) but I think Cahill and Zouma will most likely be our starting partnership for most of the season but Terry having one more season works perfectly with Christensen returning from his loan at Gladbach in which I would imagine would be a straight swap for a squad place.  

I also agree that Djilobodji should be moved on in the summer but I understand the acquisition more than most and I think it has and will be beneficial to the club long term, he was bought as a cheap stop gap in order to allow all of Ake, Kalas and Christensen to go on loan otherwise one would have to be in the squad and missing out on vital experience, With Djilobodji leaving I would promote Ake or potentially Kalas to the squad I think we should however leave Chritensen on loan as i think that would be most beneficial. 
 

Baba Rahman -GO - I doubt he will stay as a back up left back in all honesty. If he does leave then it would leave us short at the fullback but I haven't been overly convinced when he's played and he looks nervous when on the ball.

Another change here and one I quite strongly disagree with (obviously this is assuming he doesn't force a move due to lack of game time lack our previous LB's sigh). Baba is a very promising 21 year old LB who has looked ok to decent when he has played for us and has impressed going forward, he has however looked as if adapting to life in the Premier League and the club has been a bit of a struggle, but I think once he has fully settled in (which he  has recently said he is starting to get to grips with) and begins to develop, he will become a top LB in the League, as show some of what he was like in last seasons Bundesliga. More time is needed and i don't want any rash decisions especially as it will be hard to find a top quality LB to bring in. He will hopefully play more as the season goes on and I would hope that next season he is our starting left back or at least fighting with Ake.

     

Midfielders

 

Cesc Fabregas - STAY - This opinion will be like mar-mite for some people but I want Cesc to stay. Again, another one who does have leadership quality and despite what people say about him, he is actually our most hardworking player with the amount of kilometers he's covered. His form has been poor for year under Jose but he has really picked up under Hiddink and along with Diego and Zouma, has been our best player. He's creative and my god, we need it.

Nemanja Matic - STAY - Just. His performances have been embarrassing this season. He is so unbelievably one footed and he's even backing out of challenges now. Someone on here mentioned the Ashley Barnes challenge and the one he received on international duty and that may play a part but invariably, he gets paid a lot of money and his performances have not warranted it. Think we need to switch to 433 with a more combative midfielder next to him as he's not a natural defensive midfielder.
Both of these players have started the season badly but Fabregas is starting to refind his feet and passing ability which makes him such a great player and I agree that he never stopped working hard when his form was low and if Matic can get back to anywhere near where he was last season or the season before he will be back to being one of the best defensive minded midfielders in the world. So I would want both of these on my squad list next season.
 

Oscar - GO - He's not been good enough, lets be honest. We might have won the title last year, but give me back Juan Mata over him anyday. He flatters to deceive at times and is far too inconsistent for a Premier League top side. A move to Italy would suit him, maybe to Juventus but all in all I have been very disappointed with Oscar's career at Chelsea. Teixera could be the Brazilian waiting in the wings to take his place.
Unsurprisingly I disagree with this one Oscar is a very talented player who frustrates fans due to his inconsistency but even when he is on a bad game his tireless work rate and defensive astuteness is needed for our current formation (Oscar being brought on against Everton changed the game and the difference between him at No.10 and Fabregas is very apparent)  and the high pressing, high intensity style of football Roman wants us to play. Also at 24 there is plenty of time to develop look at how much Willian has developed at the age of 27. I would however be open to a large bid if it were to come in (say £40m from Juventus) and a suitable replacement were available(however this will be hard to find and I don't think Teixera fits the bill) but I don't think this is likely so I will be happy to see him in the squad next season.

 

Willian - STAY - Someone I have always had faith in whilst playing for Chelsea. Yes, he has lacked goals and assists in the past seasons but his work-rate and enery is vital and he is a massive player for us. His free kicks are stunning, his long range shots are fantastic as well. Just needs to improve his finishing inside the box. Player of the year for me.

John Obi Mikel - STAY - He will never leave so there's no point going through this one. He will even outlast our next generation of footballers and he will have his arse mark permanently engraved onto our bench.

Ruben Loftus Cheek - STAY - I'm very excited to see what this young man is capable of in our midfield. Strong, combative and an eye for goal. Looks promising to say the least.

Agree with all of these, Willian was vital to the team last season and has come on to be our most important and best player this season hopefully this rich vain of form continues well into next season. John Obi Mikel has proved how dependable he is and that he is a more than capable to start in this first team whilst being willing to be second fiddle a very useful squad player. RLC looks brilliant and at just 19, would really like to see him get more game time and as the season goes on I expect it to happen as game get less important. 
 

Eden Hazard - UNDECIDED - World class. That's the term I would have used to describe him last season, he was phenomenal and a lot of the reason why we won the title. His attitude this season however, has been appalling. Coming back overweight from pre-season is unacceptable for a professional athlete and his lack of effort almost at times has also been terrible. He has not fought for our club this season, whatsoever. However, I truly believe that Eden is a world class talent who unfortunately lacks killer instinct to be up there with the likes of Ronaldo, Messi etc.. Will decide later in the season.

I would keep Hazard despite being devoid of confidence he still beats 3 or 4 players every time he has the ball. Obviously you can't keep an unhappy player and you can't turn down an absolutely ridiculous bid (say £120m or Bale + £40m) but hopefully Real Madrids transfer ban will prevent any of that from happening. He is one of the most Talented players in the world and we should try every to keep hold of him and get him back to his best, would love him to have a storming rest of the season and prove all the doubters wrong.
 

Pedro - UNDECIDED - I called at the start of the season that Pedro wouldn't be that good a signing and I was correct. He started off well but has faded and is a frustrating player to watch. He never actually looks in control of the football and can be so so wasteful. Again, I'm undecided but happy to give him the benefit of the doubt this season.
I didn't want us to sign him and he hasn't impressed whilst being here, I do expect him to improve as he adapts to the league but I don't think he will ever be a starter here, so I really wouldn't mind if we let him go and I would prefer Moses in the squad as he is a lot more physical. It might be hard however to swallow our pride and make a loss on the player.
 

Ramires - GO - He's not good enough. It's as simple as that. Cannot pass, control and he actually looks slower than he used to be. Plus, he makes rough challenges and loses his dead. Similar to Branna, love what he's achieved here and who can forget that goal at the Nou Camp but if we want to improve then he as to go, I'm afraid.
Ramires has his uses and I actually think we should be playing him on Sunday against Arsenal, but he is too limited and only really suits a counter attacking game ( not one we are looking to play in the future). His versatility make him a decent squad player but he has been due an upgrade for a while (Nainngollan would be a perfect upgrade for him). Not fussed if he stays but if an offer comes in we should sell him even if its to allow a squad space for someone like Chabolah or Baker to fill.
 

A midfield signing would be nice, obviously Pogba would be perfect but that seems almost impossible right now, if someone of first team quality were to become available we should snap them up (Witsel is not of this quality though IMO), if no one does become available I'd promote one of our youth players and actually play them
 

Attackers

Diego Costa - STAY - Back to the marmite opinion. I love Diego and want him to stay but then again I am biased on this one. He's been fantastic since Hiddink took charge and looked a new player, still aggressive but has toned it down a bit. I think Jose had a lot to do with his behaviour on the pitch, almost went along with the "us against the world" kind of mentality when he played. Hope he stays and re captures his form that he had in the early part of the last season.

Loic Remy - GO - A back up that is constantly injured is not good for us. Does score goals but only as a substitute and when he plays from the start which is rare, he is usually quite poor. He's meant to be the back up but instead we need a back up for him.

Radamel Falcao - GO - Waste of time, money and a squad place. Injury prone and has go to.

Again I agree with this as a whole I think Remy is going to leave as he isn't getting any game time and when there is an opportunity he is injured and i love Costa even when he wasn't playing well I was behind him, so we will need to bring in 2 strikers as i certainly wouldn't renew Falcao's loan. I don't think Bamford is good enough and Solanke/Abraham need at least another 2 years of developing. I would like us to bring in a quick dynamic striker to change things up from Costa if we need to or to play in tandem with him if we go 2 up top (lacazette would fit this bill), and the other I think needs to be another Bruiser Target man type striker (Lukaku sadly would be perfect) obviously both of these couldn't be world class so maybe Traore could take up one of those positions but I haven't seen him play enough to make a judgement.

my squad for next season.
GK's; Courtous, Begovic
RB's Azpi, Ivan. - CB's Zouma, Cahill, Terry - LB's Baba, Ake..
CDM's; Matic, Mikel - CM's; Fabregas, RLC, ?? - AM's Hazard, Willian, Oscar, Kenedy, Moses 
ST's; Costa, ??, ??/Traore

Sorry for the long read

Edited January 18, 20169 yr by PedroMendez

Players out:

 

Ivanovic - He's finished, this isn't just bad form anymore. The signs were there last season but his big goals helped him, this season he has deteriorated so badly. The longer he stays, the longer people will remember the bad times. It's best for him and us if he goes, taking the memories of the good times he had with us.

 

Djilobodji - I don't even know what he looks like, a complete waste of time.

 

Ramires - Not good enough, he never really has been to be honest. Even at his best he wasn't a very good player, but he always had his moments where he would come good for us, these days he just doesn't offer us anything. I have never seen a footballer get the basic's of football so wrong.

 

Oscar - I have been patient enough now. I backed him to improve this season but it's not really happening. I'm not even sure if he is better now than he was when he first joined, if anything, he has gotten worse. At least in his first and second he was showing signs of consistency. In the last 2 season's he has gone backwards.

 

Falcao - 99% of us knew he was a complete waste of time, thank goodness it's only a loan deal.

 

Undecided:

 

Rahman - I want him to get a chance personally, but if he isn't going to get it, then maybe we should sell. If Ivanovic goes, then we are left with 1 fullback, i personally would rather he stayed.

 

Matic - I'm not sure this guy will ever get back to his best, he's been useless this season. On the ball he takes forever, he can't tackle, he can't protect the defense and he only ever uses his left foot, it's a massive weakness which the opposition has taken complete advantage of. Currently the worst player of the main 11 players in my opinion.

 

Pedro - Love his work rate and was very excited when he signed, but he is very weak, much weaker than i thought. I'm not sure he can deal with the physical side of the league. He also runs at full pace constantly, he needs to slow down and get the ball under control before running at full speed. I would rather he got another season here before we give up on him though.

Gk Courtois begovic Blackman?

Dr azpiliucueta aina

Dl R.RODRIGUEZ ake

Dc Terry zouma cahill chalobah

Cm matic fabregas rlc POGBA

RM willian kenedy

Lm hazard boga

Am/ss GREIZMANN traore musonda

Cf costa bamford solanke Abraham

Sell/release: ivanovic, mikel, ramires, Oscar, remy, van ginkel, Moses, cuardrado.

Loan: christiensen, baba pl.

Buy: ricky rodriguez, pogba, greizmann.

Most importantly actually use our youth players, so we can develop some of our own players, and save us spending big in the future.

I wanna play this game too!

 

First things first, goodbye Falcao. At this point it looks as if we'll actually have to PAY another club to take him off our hands. At this point I would also like to say goodbye to Loic Remy, out of pity mostly. Sorry we never gave you a proper chance buddy.

 

Depending on how much we have to pay for Falcao to leave this puts us at +12 million in sales and minus 2 attacking players. Luckily we know at least two attackers will be returning to us this month.So no manpower lost and hopefully Traore and Bamford can fill the PRODIGIOUS boots, 4 goals between them, of Loic and Falcao.

 

I have at least 13 players leaving the club. That leaves us with 21 1st team/under 21 players. Which means I would be looking to sign 3~5 first team players, depending on their homegrown status.

 

Player list

 

Departures:

 

Eden Hazard- I have a feeling Eden won't be too excited to stick around for no European football next season. Also something he won't be excited about, playing for Jose again at Real Madrid. Whether it's PSG or Madrid, I think it's a good time to cash in on Eden. He'll have won every trophy available to him in England by the end of the season, FA CUP HERE WE COME, and you can tell from his play/body language he's had enough of being kicked every time he gets within spitting distance of a defender. +85 million

 

Cesc Fabregas- The magic hat is blowing around the streets somewhere in Birmingham. It's all been down hill for Cesc since he played target practice with that WBA player last season. I've never been happy with his defending but it's excusable when he's spotting runs and dropping the ball on a dime from 30 yards. The moment you stop doing that you become 33 year old Mikel Arteta. +25 million

 

Oscar- Did you know Oscar is only 24? He's also played 300 games in his career. That's 50 a year from the age of 18. Astounding. There should be a way to capitalize numbers for stats like that. It's too bad however most of them have been for Chelsea and most of them have been underwhelming to say the least. I think it's time to admit he's not made for English football. It's not you Oscar, but it's not us either. Mutual breakup +35 million

 

Branislav Ivanovic- Looking like a Bond villain will only get you so far when you defend like a parking cone. Let's face it, it's time for him to go where all formerly great defenders go, Serie A. I'll drive you there Bran. We can listen to Serbian heavy metal and you can tell me about the time(s) Luis Suarez bit you only to find out you are already a vampire. On a serious note, I love you Branislav, without you we don't have two European trophies or April 8th, 2009.

 

Victor Moses (7m) Tommy Kalas (3m) Nate Chalobah (3m) Bamfordinho (4.5m) Papy Djilobodji (peanuts) Jamal '3rd choice' Blackman (150k) Christian Atsu (5m)- I wanted all of the young ones to work out just as much as you did but it's not going to happen for any of them at Chelsea. I would need a buy-back clause for any sale of Bamfordinho simply because when he plays, he scores. I don't trust the judgement of Le Pardew but strikers need games because confidence is such a large part of their game and Bamfordinho is not going to get them here.

 

Loans: Kiwomya, Abraham, and Musonda need to be playing. Well all of our young players need to be playing, these three in particular are just more ready than others. I contemplated keeping Musonda around but physically he may not be ready to compete with grown men although you could ask Cesc about his skills with the ball. (if you nutmeg someone with the mobility of a tree, does it count?) I'd have Boga continue his loan at Rennes, some continuity would help him get games. Solanke needs to step up a level, brush up on your German Dominic.

 

So that leaves us with (85+25+35+20) 165 million euro to spend and a squad of about 22 players, including the players I would recall/retain from loans. I included Clare-Salter as a possible 5th CB as well, and Mitchell Beeney becomes Mitchell '3rd choice' Beeney.

 

Arrivals:

 

 Andreas Christensen is ready for Chelsea football club. He'll tell you the same thing. Fortunately his performances for Gladbach will also tell you the same thing. In my opinion he's proven he is better than John Stones at this point. He's just as good on the ball and probably better at reading the game and tackling than Stones. If John Stones is worth 40 million pounds, Andreas is worth just as much. I actually salivate thinking about the pairing of Andreas and Zouma next to each other for a decade. Marco Van Ginkel finally gets to elaborate on the promise he showed with us 2 seasons ago and at Milan when he was healthy. He makes my bench and if RLC can't get the job done, he slots right in as the 3rd CM. Nathan Ake gets to be the utility man in the team if he doesn't beat out Baba for the LB spot. I would hope Baba makes the LB his because Ake can play 3 different positions, LB better than the other two, so his versatility becomes invaluable.

 

VINCENT ABOUBAKAR- We made a mistake selling Lukaku once. How does a slightly older doppelganger of him sound to you? I like it too. You saw him against us in the Champions League, don't pretend you weren't impressed. Porto would part with him for 30m I think. 35 million

 

EZEQUIEL LAVEZZI- Can play both wings and as a striker in a pinch. I'm a big believer in Kenedy and Traore so I wasn't looking for anyone who's price tag would block any opportunities they may have. I'm also going out on a limb a little in the hope that by the time summer rolls around one of them will have impressed out wide and we'll have them in addition to Pedro to trot out. I typed out an entire paragraph on Aubameyang.... then I remembered we can't offer Champions League football and everyone else in for him will. Thanks Obama. Free

 

ISCO- We are desperate for a player in the middle. I considered Verratti but ultimately we need someone to create and push us forward. Isco it is. He's rumored to be coming here IRL as well. I think he could live with no Champions League for a season if it meant starting and having a whole team built around him. I'd pay 60 but Madrid will only ask for 50. 50 million

 

WILLIAM CARVALHO- I'm not playing around with this one. He can play at both CB and DM and he's probably the best mix of youth, talent and experience you're going to get at the position. I'm in love with Ruben Neves but I don't think he would be the difference between top 4 and 5th. I refuse to believe Matic will continue to play like a 40 year old cook in Sunday league but this is insurance. It's also the beginning of a Isco, RLC, Carvalho triumvirate that will rule Premier League football for the next 5 years. You're welcome Roman. 40 million

 

Total Spend: 125 million

 

So there we have it. 40 million left to spend. If we were to miss out on the CL I would imagine Roman would want to keep most of that to offset the loss in revenue.

 

We really don't want Lavezzi.

because....?

Probably the most disliked thread on TSE in the past, mostly because of new posters coming on here expecting us to sell Ivanovic for 40 odd million and sign Reus for 30 million.

However, given this seasons current predicament and the fact the squad looks like it cannot be bothered at times, I wanted to see what people make of certain players in our side and whether they want them to stay or go at the end of the year.

Goalkeepers

Thibaut Courtois - STAY - The best young goalkeeper in the world. He has come back from injury and has let a few poor ones go in but has also made some vital saves against Manchester United and Everton to keep us level. Still has much to learn but he's one of my top ones to stay.

Asmir Begovic - STAY - Very good back up keeper. Once again, we have the best goalkeeping duo in the league. Not as good as Tibo but still a good goalkeeper to have from the bench.

Defenders

Branislav Ivanovic - GO - Chelsea clearly don't agree with me on this one as they are most likely going to be offering him a new contract. One of the teams leaders but doesn't lead by example. Loses his head at times and gets caught out of position so much. Teams purposely target his side and Zouma can't cover for his and JT's lack of pace, just not possible. Love Branna for what he's achieved but I think it's time to move on from him and sign a proper left back so that Azpilicueta can come over from left back and show more attacking prowess.

Kurt Zouma - STAY - Our fans like to complain about how much we have spent on certain players. Us & City both went for Mangala, we ended up with Zouma and got the better player for less money. Extremely big fan of his and already seems to be a fan favourite. Still has defensive things to learn and can be nervous on the ball but I love how he defenders, full blooded.

John Terry - STAY - I am certain that JT will still be in our backline when he's 80, I cannot imagine a Chelsea team without JT at the back. In reality, it's not been a great season for him and it definitely looks like he's struggling out there at times. However, we need vocal players and leaders in the dressing room and he is both and still shares a special bond with the fans. I hope he gets offered a new contract.

Gary Cahill - STAY - Would use him for back up. He's our third best centre back and that shows as he's no longer in the starting line up. Never looks composed but can still do a good job for us. Stones may arrive in the summer and after JT leaves, we may need his experience.

Cesar Azpilicueta - STAY - Adore him, rarely ever lets us down and even though it hasn't been his best season, he is still a wonderful player. Really looking forward to see what he can do at right back as he lacks the attacking ability when he's always forced onto his left.

Papy Djilobodji - GO - Do I even need to explain why? Emenalo has some explaining to do.

Baba Rahman - GO - I doubt he will stay as a back up left back in all honesty. If he does leave then it would leave us short at the fullback but I haven't been overly convinced when he's played and he looks nervous when on the ball.

Midfielders

Cesc Fabregas - STAY - This opinion will be like mar-mite for some people but I want Cesc to stay. Again, another one who does have leadership quality and despite what people say about him, he is actually our most hardworking player with the amount of kilometers he's covered. His form has been poor for year under Jose but he has really picked up under Hiddink and along with Diego and Zouma, has been our best player. He's creative and my god, we need it.

Nemanja Matic - STAY - Just. His performances have been embarrassing this season. He is so unbelievably one footed and he's even backing out of challenges now. Someone on here mentioned the Ashley Barnes challenge and the one he received on international duty and that may play a part but invariably, he gets paid a lot of money and his performances have not warranted it. Think we need to switch to 433 with a more combative midfielder next to him as he's not a natural defensive midfielder.

Oscar - GO - He's not been good enough, lets be honest. We might have won the title last year, but give me back Juan Mata over him anyday. He flatters to deceive at times and is far too inconsistent for a Premier League top side. A move to Italy would suit him, maybe to Juventus but all in all I have been very disappointed with Oscar's career at Chelsea. Teixera could be the Brazilian waiting in the wings to take his place.

Willian - STAY - Someone I have always had faith in whilst playing for Chelsea. Yes, he has lacked goals and assists in the past seasons but his work-rate and enery is vital and he is a massive player for us. His free kicks are stunning, his long range shots are fantastic as well. Just needs to improve his finishing inside the box. Player of the year for me.

Eden Hazard - UNDECIDED - World class. That's the term I would have used to describe him last season, he was phenomenal and a lot of the reason why we won the title. His attitude this season however, has been appalling. Coming back overweight from pre-season is unacceptable for a professional athlete and his lack of effort almost at times has also been terrible. He has not fought for our club this season, whatsoever. However, I truly believe that Eden is a world class talent who unfortunately lacks killer instinct to be up there with the likes of Ronaldo, Messi etc.. Will decide later in the season. Should Madrid come calling for over 75m then I would take it tbh.

Pedro - UNDECIDED - I called at the start of the season that Pedro wouldn't be that good a signing and I was correct. He started off well but has faded and is a frustrating player to watch. He never actually looks in control of the football and can be so so wasteful. Again, I'm undecided but happy to give him the benefit of the doubt this season.

Ramires - GO - He's not good enough. It's as simple as that. Cannot pass, control and he actually looks slower than he used to be. Plus, he makes rough challenges and loses his dead. Similar to Branna, love what he's achieved here and who can forget that goal at the Nou Camp but if we want to improve then he as to go, I'm afraid.

John Obi Mikel - STAY - He will never leave so there's no point going through this one. He will even outlast our next generation of footballers and he will have his arse mark permanently engraved onto our bench.

Ruben Loftus Cheek - STAY - I'm very excited to see what this young man is capable of in our midfield. Strong, combative and an eye for goal. Looks promising to say the least.

Attackers

Diego Costa - STAY - Back to the marmite opinion. I love Diego and want him to stay but then again I am biased on this one. He's been fantastic since Hiddink took charge and looked a new player, still aggressive but has toned it down a bit. I think Jose had a lot to do with his behaviour on the pitch, almost went along with the "us against the world" kind of mentality when he played. Hope he stays and re captures his form that he had in the early part of the last season.

Loic Remy - GO - A back up that is constantly injured is not good for us. Does score goals but only as a substitute and when he plays from the start which is rare, he is usually quite poor. He's meant to be the back up but instead we need a back up for him.

Radamel Falcao - GO - Waste of time, money and a squad place. Injury prone and has go to.

Won't bang on about signings as most of them won't happen. Hope you agree with what I've put and hope you also put some opinions across. Tried to make it as less generic as possible as these types of threads bore me to death as well.

I concur with your thoughts.

too many foreign signings! what's wrong with English talent? in fact what's wrong in just giving our youngsters a chance? the best tactic is clucking patience! would love to win every game and every honour but allowing our players to be developed by others just shows we will always be behind certain clubs! better to allow them to develop here like JT so that they have blue running out of their veins!

Sorry but many seem to think Costa would stay. I believe he's also looking to leave at the end of the season. Not only the Atletico return rumors but David Luiz saying Costa's welcome at PSG, I definitely think he will request come season end.

too many foreign signings! what's wrong with English talent? in fact what's wrong in just giving our youngsters a chance? the best tactic is clucking patience! would love to win every game and every honour but allowing our players to be developed by others just shows we will always be behind certain clubs! better to allow them to develop here like JT so that they have blue running out of their veins!

English talent is overrated and expensive

Sorry but many seem to think Costa would stay. I believe he's also looking to leave at the end of the season. Not only the Atletico return rumors but David Luiz saying Costa's welcome at PSG, I definitely think he will request come season end.

A, this is about what we would want to happen

B, all this talk of Costa is speculation and David Luiz saying he would like Costa to come to PSG is a very tenuous link, we will have to wait and see but he is certainly fighting for the club at the moment.

Edited January 20, 20169 yr by PedroMendez

Very good post, TCB.

Edited January 20, 20169 yr by JMaher94

Players out:

Ivanovic - He's finished, this isn't just bad form anymore. The signs were there last season but his big goals helped him, this season he has deteriorated so badly. The longer he stays, the longer people will remember the bad times. It's best for him and us if he goes, taking the memories of the good times he had with us.

Djilobodji - I don't even know what he looks like, a complete waste of time.

Ramires - Not good enough, he never really has been to be honest. Even at his best he wasn't a very good player, but he always had his moments where he would come good for us, these days he just doesn't offer us anything. I have never seen a footballer get the basic's of football so wrong.

Oscar - I have been patient enough now. I backed him to improve this season but it's not really happening. I'm not even sure if he is better now than he was when he first joined, if anything, he has gotten worse. At least in his first and second he was showing signs of consistency. In the last 2 season's he has gone backwards.

Falcao - 99% of us knew he was a complete waste of time, thank goodness it's only a loan deal.

Undecided:

Rahman - I want him to get a chance personally, but if he isn't going to get it, then maybe we should sell. If Ivanovic goes, then we are left with 1 fullback, i personally would rather he stayed.

Matic - I'm not sure this guy will ever get back to his best, he's been useless this season. On the ball he takes forever, he can't tackle, he can't protect the defense and he only ever uses his left foot, it's a massive weakness which the opposition has taken complete advantage of. Currently the worst player of the main 11 players in my opinion.

Pedro - Love his work rate and was very excited when he signed, but he is very weak, much weaker than i thought. I'm not sure he can deal with the physical side of the league. He also runs at full pace constantly, he needs to slow down and get the ball under control before running at full speed. I would rather he got another season here before we give up on him though.

Can't argue with any of that, it's pretty much word for word with what I would have gone with.

A, this is about what we would want to happen

B, all this talk of Costa is speculation and David Luiz saying he would like Costa to come to PSG is a very tenuous link, we will have to wait and see but he is certainly fighting for the club at the moment.

Same can as well be applied to Hazard. Many shouldn't be surprised if Costa looks to leave as well.

Players Out:

 

Ivanovic - I dont even need to explain this.

Baba - He hasnt done it, 2 coaches dont fancy him, try recoup as much as possible and move him on

Papadhfjhjf - Yeah

Matic - Absolutely diabolical, can hope his reputation saves his price tag

Oscar - SO inconsistent, has far too many bad moments per good moment.

Hazard - He has lost his spirit, will want Europe and none of the "worlds best" go over 2000 minutes without a goal or assist

Remy - He deserves better than he is getting

Falcao - Just f**k off mate