1 hour ago, Andy North said:

My point is that we didn't get the funds from a Jackson sale etc. If we had we may well have been able to sign better players.

Instead we went early in the bargain basement and signed Delap.

Overall my thoughts are that we just need to improve our recruitment.

As I wrote before if we sold jackson, we would still gotten the same players + Simmons. We had a deal with Simmons agent and Leipzig but we need to sell Jackson.

Btw this is not my opinion, this was quite known.

Edited May 28May 28 by Bob stark

14 minutes ago, acaeus said:

I think the team has enough ball carriers as-is.
Anyway we will find out soon enough. I'd bet that the imbalance will remain there and it has more to do with the defense line and fitting Cole than Enzo.

Quantity is fine, quality is not, and the imblance is quite systemic.

Fernandez topped the team with 111 ball carries, which is relatively low actually but also subject to his role and our style of play. The problem is he carries the ball far too slowly for it to be of any use, to the extent that teams are quite happy to let him do it knowing they can track back and marshall the defence. I've always thought that Fernandez could have been a Kroos/Fabregas/Xavi type of playmaker who passes and moves off the ball, as opposed to a Modric/Iniesta role where they carry the ball with speed on the dribble. Maresca had him playing effectively as second striker and that's the only role he is interested in these days so unfortunately I don't see that changing.

So that leaves everyone else. Lavia is worse athletically, and Santos only marginally faster. Caicedo carries the ball at speed, but in doing so leaves a giant defensive hole. Joao Pedro is easily the best at carrying the ball, but that takes him away from the penalty box where we need him to be as he tends to drop way too deep. Palmer gets crowded out then disinterested too easily. Cucurella is actually good but is even better when he's able to play pass/move.

The end result is that the ball trickles out wide slowly to Neto and/or Garnacho, neither of whom can beat one man let alone the low block in front. Which is appalling given that they are among the fastest players in the league, and also regularly lead the team in carries when they are able to be put through into space.

The correct replacement for Enzo Fernandez is a proper #10 that can play in the left half-space. Less direct goals, but more contributions creatively and to the synergy of the team. I actually do wonder if that is ultimately going to be Estevao's best role as a more central forward, but he would probably be mad to try be a left-sided player as long as Vinicius is involved in the NT.

Morgan Rogers would have been absolutely ideal, but there's no chance of that now. IMO that is also Bradley Barcola's best position (on either side) rather than an out-and-out winger, there was a run of games across in 24/25 where Barcola was absolutely breathtaking with his creativity. This has taken a back seat with Kvaratskhelia's arrival and Barcola has often moved to the RW instead.

Edited May 29May 29 by SydneyChelsea

2 hours ago, SydneyChelsea said:

The correct replacement for Enzo Fernandez is a proper #10 that can play in the left half-space. Less direct goals, but more contributions creatively and to the synergy of the team. I actually do wonder if that is ultimately going to be Estevao's best role as a more central forward, but he would probably be mad to try be a left-sided player as long as Vinicius is involved in the NT.

I don't see Enzo anywhere near #10, so it's hard for me think that way. I agree that the roster is missing a #10... perhaps 2.
My problem is with all this talk about physicality, because for me the team/roster lacks skill—out rivals have more skillful players in all areas.

I truly wish the problem were that easily solved: it is almost always cheaper and easier to acquire physicality than skill.

Caicedo carries the ball at speed, but in doing so leaves a giant defensive hole

Well, that wouldn't happen if the CBs were able to push forward with skill to control possession and pace to recover.

Edited May 29May 29 by acaeus

1 hour ago, acaeus said:

I don't see Enzo anywhere near #10, so it's hard for me think that way. I agree that the roster is missing a #10... perhaps 2.
My problem is with all this talk about physicality, because for me the team/roster lacks skill—out rivals have more skillful players in all areas.

I truly wish the problem were that easily solved: it is almost always cheaper and easier to acquire physicality than skill.

I agree about midfield, which in particular is so poor at progressing the ball and retaining it through the press, which is why we so often pass backwards. The other areas are on par.

1 hour ago, acaeus said:

Well, that wouldn't happen if the CBs were able to push forward with skill to control possession and pace to recover.

We have two CBs who excel at that in Colwill and Acheampong. Acheampong got benched by Maresca because he did that instead of passing the ball around per his instructions. Maresca hated CBs advancing into midfield, insisting that the ball be progressed through passing and only wide players could carry.

38 minutes ago, SydneyChelsea said:

I agree about midfield, which in particular is so poor at progressing the ball and retaining it through the press, which is why we so often pass backwards. The other areas are on par.

We have two CBs who excel at that in Colwill and Acheampong. Acheampong got benched by Maresca because he did that instead of passing the ball around per his instructions. Maresca hated CBs advancing into midfield, insisting that the ball be progressed through passing and only wide players could carry.

Or he thought our players aren't very good advancing into midfield and asked them not to do that—I'd very much agree with that.

Josh is super promising and also very green; he will make mistakes and will have stinkers, but I agree he should be playing. I'm afraid that if Alonso is under too much pressure he will mostly bench the younger players.

Colwill can also do the job, but I don't know about this next season yet; it's a terrible injury, so I'm not expecting him to simply resume his previous level and development immediately.
Gotta upgrade on that defense line either way—it is really below requirements(not to mention the goalie).

19 hours ago, JM7 said:

Henry Winter posted this which I thought was spot on. Basically calling him out:

“Enzo Fernandez is an exceptional, box-crashing player when in the mood. He’s a world champion. His numbers at Chelsea are decent, 10 goals and four assists in the Premier League this season. But if Fernandez is keen on a move because Chelsea's aren’t in Europe, as is being claimed, then maybe he also needs to look at himself as one of the reasons why Chelsea are not in Europe.

When Chelsea cried out for somebody to take control of a game, as against Brighton and Sunderland, he failed. In the 3-0 loss to Brighton, Fernandez made one tackle in the 90 minutes and lost out. He lost 4/6 duels. Only 1/4 passes was forward. He didn’t have an attempt on goal. However out of his depth Liam Rosenior may have been, he wasn’t helped by Fernandez.

In the 2-1 final-day defeat to Sunderland, Fernandez was given the joint lowest mark on the match report on the Sky Sports website, 3/10. He made one tackle and failed to win the ball. He made three fouls and was booked once. Chelsea lost 2-1. However out of his depth interim Calum McFarlane may have been (understandably), he wasn’t helped by Fernandez.

The 25-year-old Argentine is a very good No 8 on his day, not a 6 btw, and there will be interest in him whatever the reservations about his character. Neither Real Madrid nor PS-G have a need for his specific skill-set but Manchester City do, Atletico Madrid do. If Chelsea can get anywhere close to the £106m they paid for him, it will be a major result. #CFC”

Spot on. Amazing how few people outside the Chelsea fan base get this.

5 hours ago, SydneyChelsea said:

Quantity is fine, quality is not, and the imblance is quite systemic.

Fernandez topped the team with 111 ball carries, which is relatively low actually but also subject to his role and our style of play. The problem is he carries the ball far too slowly for it to be of any use, to the extent that teams are quite happy to let him do it knowing they can track back and marshall the defence. I've always thought that Fernandez could have been a Kroos/Fabregas/Xavi type of playmaker who passes and moves off the ball, as opposed to a Modric/Iniesta role where they carry the ball with speed on the dribble. Maresca had him playing effectively as second striker and that's the only role he is interested in these days so unfortunately I don't see that changing.

So that leaves everyone else. Lavia is worse athletically, and Santos only marginally faster. Caicedo carries the ball at speed, but in doing so leaves a giant defensive hole. Joao Pedro is easily the best at carrying the ball, but that takes him away from the penalty box where we need him to be as he tends to drop way too deep. Palmer gets crowded out then disinterested too easily. Cucurella is actually good but is even better when he's able to play pass/move.

The end result is that the ball trickles out wide slowly to Neto and/or Garnacho, neither of whom can beat one man let alone the low block in front. Which is appalling given that they are among the fastest players in the league, and also regularly lead the team in carries when they are able to be put through into space.

The correct replacement for Enzo Fernandez is a proper #10 that can play in the left half-space. Less direct goals, but more contributions creatively and to the synergy of the team. I actually do wonder if that is ultimately going to be Estevao's best role as a more central forward, but he would probably be mad to try be a left-sided player as long as Vinicius is involved in the NT.

Morgan Rogers would have been absolutely ideal, but there's no chance of that now. IMO that is also Bradley Barcola's best position (on either side) rather than an out-and-out winger, there was a run of games across in 24/25 where Barcola was absolutely breathtaking with his creativity. This has taken a back seat with Kvaratskhelia's arrival and Barcola has often moved to the RW instead.

Are you sure? He got robbed of possession a lot when he tried to do that, often falling to the ground asking for a foul.. He's lacking speed especially acceleration so I would prefer if he doesn't dribble that much and just do what he's best which is getting into position to finish and for that he needs teammates able to find him. Enzo and Palmer are supposed to fill that role but they're mediocre in that area especially last season.

The likes of KDB/Fabregas or even that whiny bruno fernandes would utilized Joao pedro more efficiently.

8 hours ago, Sconnie Blue said:

It's clear as day it is.

Enzo's immobility in midfield and inability to carry the ball is what hinders the team, especially the attack. His only real quality is box crashing, which by definition makes him a luxury footballer. If we want to go into praising his output, we may as well start praising Neto too as he has 20 G/A in all competitions.

Its not just offensively hes an issue, he cant or wont cover anything defensively, he regularly just let's players wander past him, is constantly way out of position leaving massive gaps behind him.

Maybe he feels its not his role, but it was in the team and he often chose not to bother.

Let's not talk about his role as a leader, he would be shot for dereliction of duty in an army...

1 hour ago, BolaBall said:

Are you sure? He got robbed of possession a lot when he tried to do that, often falling to the ground asking for a foul. He's lacking speed especially acceleration so I would prefer if he doesn't dribble that much and just do what he's best which is getting into position to finish and for that he needs teammates able to find him. Enzo and Palmer are supposed to fill that role but they're mediocre in that area especially last season.

The likes of KDB/Fabregas or even that whiny bruno fernandes would utilized Joao pedro more efficiently.

When he does leave, that will be my lasting memory of Fernandez.

1 minute ago, Nibs said:

When he does leave, that will be my lasting memory of Fernandez.

Basically took the easy way out rather than put effort in to win it back.

56 minutes ago, dkw said:

Basically took the easy way out rather than put effort in to win it back.

Yep. He's been able to fool some of the supporters but you can't fool everyone.

Enzo, Gusto and Neto are the worst culprits of going to ground and expecting a foul, but unfortunately it now appears to be part of Caicedo's game too. Hope Alosnso stamps that out straight away.

12 minutes ago, Nibs said:

Yep. He's been able to fool some of the supporters but you can't fool everyone.

Enzo, Gusto and Neto are the worst culprits of going to ground and expecting a foul, but unfortunately it now appears to be part of Caicedo's game too. Hope Alosnso stamps that out straight away.

Cucurella, Neto & Enzo being senior players and ‘leaders’ who employ that tactic at the slightest breath near them is one of the biggest disconnects I have with this squad.

It’s f**king embarrassing.

It’s started to taint Caicedo as you say and the more impressionable players like Gusto then think it’s the norm.

9 hours ago, acaeus said:

I think the team has enough ball carriers as-is.
Anyway we will find out soon enough. I'd bet that the imbalance will remain there and it has more to do with the defense line and fitting Cole than Enzo.

I would expect the imbalance to improve but this would be largely down to Alonso being a better manager rather than a lack of Enzo. We will see as you say.

9 minutes ago, The Boehly Babes said:

Cucurella, Neto & Enzo being senior players and ‘leaders’ who employ that tactic at the slightest breath near them is one of the biggest disconnects I have with this squad.

It’s f**king embarrassing.

It’s started to taint Caicedo as you say and the more impressionable players like Gusto then think it’s the norm.

I agree with you in principle but I think that ship sailed about 25 years ago.

Cheating and diving works. Look at Arsenal, constant dives, fouls and pressuring refs and it’s worked wonders for them. No penalties or red card received this season and a handful of goals disallowed against them because they flop on the floor.

You really are extremely more likely to get a VAR intervention if you stay on the floor and your team mates surround the ref.

31 minutes ago, Dubair said:

I agree with you in principle but I think that ship sailed about 25 years ago.

Cheating and diving works. Look at Arsenal, constant dives, fouls and pressuring refs and it’s worked wonders for them. No penalties or red card received this season and a handful of goals disallowed against them because they flop on the floor.

You really are extremely more likely to get a VAR intervention if you stay on the floor and your team mates surround the ref.

I really hate the diving and it was a huge part of why I stopped watching La Liga and my team there years ago (it seems to have improved much more in La Liga lately and I'm back enjoying watching Athletic) but, as you say, it works and Arsenal have been using it and it's worked for them. Unfortunately, it does not work that well for us, our players just look pathetic.

Football365

Arsenal burst into race for sensational £104m Chelsea raid

Controversial target 👀

I read some of these articles and it’s like reading the emperors new clothes.

Other than apparently having some Beckham style commercial value in Argentina why is this guy valued so high because it’s not based on any game of football I’ve seen him play in a Chelsea shirt.

4 hours ago, Caps_Lock_King said:

Football365

Arsenal burst into race for sensational £104m Chelsea raid

Controversial target 👀

Nope.. just trying to put pressure on Newcastle to sell Tonali who have no real need now Gordon has been sold.

Spanish journalist @tgm46: “The representative of Enzo Fernandez, Javier Pastore has spoken to Jorge Mendes in order to facilitate the operation and get Chelsea to negotiate with Real Madrid. Chelsea asks for €138million and Real Madrid does not want to go over €100 million+bonus, or introduce a player in the operation.” (via @eldebate_com)

I would think we need to be asking for £100m minimum.

On 30/05/2026 at 14:17, JM7 said:

Spanish journalist @tgm46: “The representative of Enzo Fernandez, Javier Pastore has spoken to Jorge Mendes in order to facilitate the operation and get Chelsea to negotiate with Real Madrid. Chelsea asks for €138million and Real Madrid does not want to go over €100 million+bonus, or introduce a player in the operation.” (via @eldebate_com)

I would think we need to be asking for £100m minimum.

Can’t see Perez paying the fee but you know what, wouldn’t mind any 2 of Guler, Huljsen, Chema Andreas, Paz, Jacobo Ramon + €30m

Enzo doesn't strike me as a Mourinho-type player.

2 minutes ago, Zeta said:

Enzo doesn't strike me as a Mourinho-type player.

Didn't Mourinho aim some criticism at Enzo during the flirting with Madrid stuff and subsequent ban?

On 29/05/2026 at 16:17, BolaBall said:

Are you sure? He got robbed of possession a lot when he tried to do that, often falling to the ground asking for a foul.. He's lacking speed especially acceleration so I would prefer if he doesn't dribble that much and just do what he's best which is getting into position to finish and for that he needs teammates able to find him. Enzo and Palmer are supposed to fill that role but they're mediocre in that area especially last season.

The likes of KDB/Fabregas or even that whiny bruno fernandes would utilized Joao pedro more efficiently.

You're right. Him being our "best" doesn't mean he is any good! That role needs to be filled by Fernandez and Palmer, or the wingers, but only Estevao can hold himself high this season in that regard.

I don't like Pedro going so deep, although I do think that was as much a tactical instruction from Maresca as well as Pedro's natural inclination.

Watching the CL final I got my hopes up that PSG would entertain signing Enzo to replace Fabian Ruiz as a hybrid box-crasher playmaker midfielder. If we can get both PSG and Madrid interested then we may recoup the 100m after all.

17 hours ago, Zeta said:

Enzo doesn't strike me as a Mourinho-type player.

Yeah he’s the type of player mourinho would call a luxury player