19 minutes ago, Scott Harris said:

I don't see the correlation.

In those first 16 games, he played a total of 9 games, only 7 of them starts.

He managed a total of 70 or more minutes in only 2 games

We won 5 games with him included, but he only started in 3 of those wins, and we were losing in one of those before he was subbed off.

Sorry, but I just don't see how the good form can be put down to his inclusion.

He is one of the highest performing players in the league for closing down and winning the ball early. Fofana is another.

Missing Fofana and Lavia, and this particular trait - could have a knock on effect on the rest of the team (and the way we play)

I posted a video on the Maresca thread earlier that sets it all out pretty clearly.

Edited April 26, 20251 yr by nonotnowjim

2 minutes ago, nonotnowjim said:

He is one of the highest performing players in the league for closing down and winning the ball early. Fofana is another.

Missing Fofana and Lavia, and this particular trait - could have a knock on effect on the rest of the team (and the way we play)

I posted a video on the Maresca thread earlier that sets it all out pretty clearly.

That may be, but as of now, I don't see how we can say his inclusion is the reason for our early good form, and the points I made back that up. We won 3 games with him starting in the first 16 games of the season, and only 2 of them were won with him on the pitch. I don't see how that is enough to say our early good form was down to him being partnered with Caicedo.

Edited April 26, 20251 yr by Scott Harris

Nice to have him back. Now we wait for the inevitable.

TAKE THE OWNERS OUTSIDE AND GIVE THEM A DAMN GOOD KICKING IF THIS HAPPENS

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Given his injury history with us a loan to Strasbourg to step in and basically swap with Santos is a good option, imo.

If he stays healthy there he can come back the season after, or be sold. A lighter test for his body in a less competitive league

2 minutes ago, axman2526 said:

Given his injury history with us a loan to Strasbourg to step in and basically swap with Santos is a good option, imo.

If he stays healthy there he can come back the season after, or be sold. A lighter test for his body in a less competitive league

Why would Lavia accept that when its clear he is already our 2nd best midfielder when fit? We already have Amougou taking Santos spot.

I'd rather go into next season very safe in midfield vs gambling another season on Caicedo's fitness.

Caicedo, Enzo, Santos, Lavia, Essugo

1 hour ago, Sconnie Blue said:

Why would Lavia accept that when its clear he is already our 2nd best midfielder when fit? We already have Amougou taking Santos spot.

I'd rather go into next season very safe in midfield vs gambling another season on Caicedo's fitness.

Caicedo, Enzo, Santos, Lavia, Essugo

In an effort to rebuild his body, same for Fofana.

3 hours ago, Caps_Lock_King said:

TAKE THE OWNERS OUTSIDE AND GIVE THEM A DAMN GOOD KICKING IF THIS HAPPENS

Chelsea News

Exclusive: Chelsea have "begun considering" unthinkable f...

Chelsea are about to face some of their most important games of the season, starting with a semi final on Thursday night.

Wouldn't surprise me if every single player in the squad (or on loan) is available at the right price - apart from Enzo bloody Fernandez of course.

Praying he can stay fit, such an important player for us

Much needed physicality in midfield, great passing too. Very important player for us.

If he had stayed fit we would not be struggling for CL football.

The role he plays, and his ability to do it, are so important to our system. Great performance today. Looks like he’s gaining confidence also.

He’s a serious player, I’d argue a bargain at 50m considering his skill set, just such a pain he’s the most injury prone player I’ve ever seen.

Absolute gem of a player. Really hope we can manage his fitness. He'd be immense for us.

What a player this kid is.

Ah every game, every training session, every interview, we are left worried he will break down again.

Never been about his talent. only the failing of his body.

Has what a lot of these young players lack, football IQ. That build up for the first goal where he spotted Palmer's turn is the kind of thing lacking amongst the other players, especially in the forward areas.

He's like a Kovačić who can pass. Wish he could play more.

6 minutes ago, PloKoon13 said:

He's like a Kovačić who can pass.

1 hour ago, Sconnie Blue said:

Great stat! Cracking performance

Quality player, but can he stay fit for more than a month? I'd love for him to stay fit and play a big role, but so far we can't rely on him at all. So bringing in Santos next season would be good cover.

Quality player, he was superb yesterday. I’d keep him next season together with Caicedo and Santos. Essuga, Amougou and Enzo can warm the bench.

Definitely makes the team better. And like others have said we probably wouldn’t be in a top5 scrap if he was fit

On 06/05/2025 at 00:30, PloKoon13 said:

He's like a Kovačić who can pass. Wish he could play more.

This.

Most midfielder is either a passer or a dribbler. He is comfortable doing both. This is what make him very special.