2 hours ago, Shweaves said:

Are you saying the people in charge of these Saudi clubs have access to money but aren't educated? That is a hell of a sweeping statement.

I wouldn't say the Saudi clubs are run by people any less educated than those running PL clubs. The Saudi league is more than a Dick swinging contest, its a concerted effort to uses sports to improve Saudi Arabia's international image and soften perceptions of controversial policies.

Roman Abramovitch's purchase of Chelsea and the subsequent spending spree is a far better example of Dick Swinging in my opinion. And it was bloody marvellous.

Ive been fortunate/ unfortunate to have known a number of super high net worth individuals, hung out in the circles they party in, who have been schooled at the best universities, been to the best military colleges... had the best money can buy of everything... but decision making isnt something that can be bought. without outside advice, they make appallling decisions. Most make super wealth by chance, or its inherited. (one of these applies to our former owner who got lucky at the breakdown of a country)

As for the Saudi league, do you watch it? https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/645660

Its not very good, stadiums are empty and sports washing isnt working, the barcodes are still rubbish despite their owners.

Should also point out, none of the money theyve thrown at it has worked as most still see the Kingdom as being run by a despot who slices up people they dislike in diplomatic compounds. Anyhow. ill stick to football.

;-)

46 minutes ago, bluelightening said:

Ive been fortunate/ unfortunate to have known a number of super high net worth individuals, hung out in the circles they party in, who have been schooled at the best universities, been to the best military colleges... had the best money can buy of everything... but decision making isnt something that can be bought. without outside advice, they make appallling decisions. Most make super wealth by chance, or its inherited. (one of these applies to our former owner who got lucky at the breakdown of a country)

As for the Saudi league, do you watch it? https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/645660

Its not very good, stadiums are empty and sports washing isnt working, the barcodes are still rubbish despite their owners.

Should also point out, none of the money theyve thrown at it has worked as most still see the Kingdom as being run by a despot who slices up people they dislike in diplomatic compounds. Anyhow. ill stick to football.

;-)

Wow. Paint everyone with the same brush due to your very limited interactions? This is appalling.

Acting offended on the behalf those poor, defenseless super high-worth individuals is quite pathetic, tbh.

It seems to be the way of the world - being offended by everything, and a particular popular angle is to be offended on behalf of someone who isnt there.

44 minutes ago, bluedave said:

Acting offended on the behalf those poor, defenseless super high-worth individuals is quite pathetic, tbh.

Just put the little f**kwit on ignore, hes trolling all over the forum at the moment making it unreadable unfortunately. The fewer people interact with him the quicker he'll f**k off.

Santos is the future of the midfield, the fact we have such a South American presence throughout now only amplifies this.

Really do feel his ascendence coupled with Essugo’s emergence will spell the end for Lavia at this club.

11 minutes ago, dkw said:

Just put the little f**kwit on ignore, hes trolling all over the forum at the moment making it unreadable unfortunately. The fewer people interact with him the quicker he'll f**k off.

Already done. I totally agree, but I just found that post particularly pathetic and felt like commenting, against my better judgement.

Guess it was true after all.

With Carlo in charge my money is on Brazil in next year's WC. This time next year Santos and Steveo could be crowned world stars.

@nonotnowjim your new favourite Chelsea player?

Can someone remind me if they have seen Enzo deliver a pass similar to what Santos has for Coles offside goal last night?

I can’t remember one at all!!

25 minutes ago, El regreso said:

Can someone remind me if they have seen Enzo deliver a pass similar to what Santos has for Coles offside goal last night?

I can’t remember one at all!!

I'm pretty sure he's done something similar this season actually, or maybe towards end of last. It was fairly recent.

46 minutes ago, timetowaste said:

@nonotnowjim your new favourite Chelsea player?

Good lad... he knows!

On 05/09/2025 at 16:01, Clown Lake said:

Guess it was true after all.

So, it's all about boosting his chances for playing for Brazil in the World Cup ??

Oh right . Good player mind, needs to start against United.

Come on you BLUES !!

His mismanagement of him has been the biggest crime this season for me.

Should’ve already had far more minutes than he’s been given.

The rest of the midfield looks weak in comparison, only a matter of time when Andrey becomes a starter. He's the real deal the rest are just wannabes.

Caicedo wannabe Kante - failed.

Enzo wannabe Lampard - failed.

Lavia wannabe injury-free.

This boy Andrey might save Maresca's season if he's given the priority.

33 minutes ago, Gol15 said:

The rest of the midfield looks weak in comparison, only a matter of time when Andrey becomes a starter. He's the real deal the rest are just wannabes.

Caicedo wannabe Kante - failed.

Enzo wannabe Lampard - failed.

Lavia wannabe injury-free.

This boy Andrey might save Maresca's season if he's given the priority.

I think more accurate is

Enzo wannabe Dalla Bona - failed

Criminal he’s not been giving more of a chance. He needs a run in the side

Santos will, predictably, never be given a starting run in the side because he is competing with Enzo Fernandez for that role, and the management have decreed that Enzo needs to play. Maresca will say whatever the management wants him to say.

He is better suited to this league and this team than Enzo is.

But, because he was egbahlis big buy Enzo is not allowed to fail here and we handicap our team.

18 hours ago, Gol15 said:

The rest of the midfield looks weak in comparison, only a matter of time when Andrey becomes a starter. He's the real deal the rest are just wannabes.

Caicedo wannabe Kante - failed.

Enzo wannabe Lampard - failed.

Lavia wannabe injury-free.

This boy Andrey might save Maresca's season if he's given the priority.

Wasnt Caicedo player of the season for us last year? Guy should be nicknamed Himalaya as he's been the equivalent of a mountain range for us in midfield. He's not Kante, sure, but he is fast earning his own title and rights to being one of the top midfielders in the Premier League. I'd stick Santos in alongside him and see how he gets on.

He should be given a run of games. Has the unknown factor still, hasn't been through the grinder yet and we can properly rotate our CM options.

That was a massive performance from Santos in a match where you expect to be under pressure a lot.

I'd start him ahead of Enzo personally, but Enzo saves himself by coming up with a goal and assist when performing poorly.

Santos does everything well but can't find the back of the net.

He deserves a start in the PL.