3 hours ago, big blue said:

but doesn't fit our best player hazard at all. 

Yea Hazard can't play as a 10

8 hours ago, TheChelseaBlues said:

Yea Hazard can't play as a 10

but where does that leave baker? surely the whole point of saying baker would suit a 352, is that he would have licence to get forward, but if hazard is playing number 10, how is that any different to baker playing in a 2 in a 343? 

I'm not saying we won't play 352 next season, i just don't see baker getting a shot in any position other than centre midfield, there is too much quality and competition in attacking midfield. 

7 hours ago, big blue said:

but where does that leave baker? surely the whole point of saying baker would suit a 352, is that he would have licence to get forward, but if hazard is playing number 10, how is that any different to baker playing in a 2 in a 343? 

I'm not saying we won't play 352 next season, i just don't see baker getting a shot in any position other than centre midfield, there is too much quality and competition in attacking midfield. 

Baker is an 8 IMO. He'll get forward and back but using 3 instead of 2 doesn't require him to really specialize in either. When you play with 2 both MUST go forward and track back. I'm not Conte but playing with 3 he seemed to have one stay deep, one getting forward at every chance and one linking play. I can see Baker or Chalo being that linking player. 

 

Let's see what Conte thinks about this lad. I think he should get a chance.

Be nice to see him in and around the squad this season. I think there's probably only room for him or Chalobah and it would depend which one Conte likes the most, he should get a few run outs in pre-season and then Conte will decide from there. Immensely talented though, be good to see him break through.

On 5/27/2017 at 08:28, Zeta said:

I think his time for loans is over, hes 22/23,its now or never and personally id have him ahead of Chalobah and RLC

Really is a tough call as I rate Baker, Chalobah & RLC but it's hard for one to break through and get regular minutes, never mind three. We'll just have to leave it to Antonio to make that call but if I now had to choose one to go with next season it would be Baker.

for me, baker trumps chalobah and rlc. he has more to his game imo, especially with his goal threat. i would really like to see us bring through more english players. i miss the days of english sides with english cores. 

Edited June 1, 20179 yr by enigma

http://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/2017/6/2/15726112/lewis-baker-chelsea-fc-vitesse-loan-transfer-england-return-interview-quotes

 

Prem loan or sell with a buy back.

I'd rather we loan out RLC and bring Baker in. We'll have lots of games, with all the cup competitions (assuming we dfon't get knocked out early).

Chalobah can rotate in the DM position. Baker can rotate in the CM/AM positions.

On 27/05/2017 at 08:28, Zeta said:

I think his time for loans is over, hes 22/23,its now or never and personally id have him ahead of Chalobah and RLC

Was reading, elsewhere, that some Vitesse fans think he's distinctly average. Hopefully he's headed off on tour so Antonio can make his own judgement. Assuming he hasn't decided already of course.

I am constantly reading, watching & hearing things about this kid. I heard that he scored today for the English U21.

 

12 minutes ago, robdog said:

I am constantly reading, watching & hearing things about this kid. I heard that he scored today for the English U21.

 

Played reasonably well without standing out as with most of the England team

41 minutes ago, robdog said:

I am constantly reading, watching & hearing things about this kid. I heard that he scored today for the English U21.

Baker gave a solid 6.5/10, reminds me of Tiago Mendes (quietly goes about supporting his teammates). Nowhere near Ward-Prowse's level for me but the talent is definitely there, for me he just needs to step up and find a way to influence games. Can see his career taking off mid to late 20s.

Edited June 22, 20179 yr by the special one

1 minute ago, the special one said:

Baker gave a solid 6.5/10, reminds me of Thiago (quietly goes about supporting his teammates without looking like he cares about taking responsibility). Nowhere near Ward-Prowse's level for me but can see his career taking off mid to late 20s.

I would hope a year with Conte would change that but doubt he will be given that chance. 

i'm not sure where exactly he's being played in that team. ward-prowse plays the same position, right or wrong? baker looked like he was pushed over to the left wing almost and doesn't ever look like he can influence the game. he made a couple good runs yesterday, including one he almost got on the end of from a cross, but overall the manager needs to find the right position for him as having ward-prowse in that team too is a bit overkill and doesn't seem to allow baker to fulfill his potential for england. 

Edited June 23, 20179 yr by enigma

34 minutes ago, enigma said:

i'm not sure where exactly he's being played in that team. ward-prowse plays the same position, right or wrong? baker looked like he was pushed over to the left wing almost and doesn't ever look like he can influence the game. he made a couple good runs yesterday, including one he almost got on the end of from a cross, but overall the manager needs to find the right position for him as having ward-prowse in that team too is a bit overkill and doesn't seem to allow baker to fulfill his potential for england. 

They play a three man midfield with Chalo holding and Ward-Prowse/Baker given more freedom in the middle. If anything, they play very similar roles to one another. If RLC was available no doubt we would have seen Chalo holding, Baker dictating play and RLC being the attacker of the three.

3 hours ago, RIP Mourinho said:

They play a three man midfield with Chalo holding and Ward-Prowse/Baker given more freedom in the middle. If anything, they play very similar roles to one another. If RLC was available no doubt we would have seen Chalo holding, Baker dictating play and RLC being the attacker of the three.

i find ward-prowse a little overrated. he is a decent player, but doesn't really stand out as a level above baker. he's probably got more experience at the top level (in the premier league) but apart from that he doesn't make me sit up. i might be a bit bias because i really like baker, but that's just my opinion. 

Edited June 23, 20179 yr by enigma

 

Some decent passes, good shots from long-range bit unl;ucky with the blocks, confident penalty.

 

 

To me, it looks like he has good awareness, good touch, some pace and a good finish. The prospects are good, let's hope Conte has seen this too.

11 hours ago, Strider6003 said:

To me, it looks like he has good awareness, good touch, some pace and a good finish. The prospects are good, let's hope Conte has seen this too.

He's definitely quicker than Ward - Prowse and has as much, if not more skill on the ball.

Doesn't look as ready as Chalo and he can't get in the team. Can't see Baker staying with us next season.

did anyone notice in the u21 game the other day he took a free kick with his left and penalty on his right, both feet as good as the other for this fella

Well the Euros have provided a huge reality check...disappointing tournament, often on the periphery of games and was woeful against Germany...clearly another loan is required, but if Traore doesn't get a chance and is sold off, I don't fancy baker's chances now

Edited June 27, 20179 yr by The Brit