What a difference it makes having a real footballer as our striker. Transformed our attack. We need better quality on the ball, but just as importantly, intelligence.

I can't remember the last time I saw my striker score the goal he did. Remarkable talent, extremely good in tight spaces too.

He fits the system and role so well, and brings the personality needed in such a difficult position. Massive difference

39 minutes ago, Remodez said:

I can't remember the last time I saw my striker score the goal he did. Remarkable talent, extremely good in tight spaces too.

Fernando Torres.

But then he missed an open goal in the same game!

He didn't have 2 years to gel. Man was at the beach, got a call said yes, traveled to the US, trained a bit, came on as a sub, played well, started and scored, then started the game against the best PSG side ever (People called them potential all time greats) and played well. Did the Ronaldinho celebration

All in the span of what? 2 weeks.

Unreal

He’s flying high now - what a start. Can’t wait to see him in the premier league. PSG aside, PL is tough but his games adds so much to our play.

Just love his style, determination, technique and what looks like big game moments. He doesn’t look like pressure or occasion is too much for him. Could become a fan favorite.

Do we dare go back to the first 10 pages or so of this thread for a little look at the comments 😅

Just now, dkw said:

Do we dare go back to the first 10 pages or so of this thread for a little look at the comments 😅

I was dead against his signing and still think there is a long way to go, but the feint he did before his goal is a movement that I have not seen from a Chelsea striker maybe since we had Remy or Costa.

I was mostly against the signing because it was Brighton again and I'm tired of us giving them money. Plus I'd read he was trouble and getting into fights with teammates. He's had a good start, let's not get carried away. Wait and see if it continues in the PL.

7 minutes ago, SydneyChelsea said:

... but the feint he did before his goal is a movement that I have not seen from a Chelsea striker maybe since we had Remy or Costa.

I dunno, Jackson often looks like he's kinda fainting during big chances...

7 minutes ago, SydneyChelsea said:

I was dead against his signing and still think there is a long way to go, but the feint he did before his goal is a movement that I have not seen from a Chelsea striker maybe since we had Remy or Costa.

I liked that too. Too many players these days are more athletes than footballers. They don't have that footballers brain or the instincts to bullsh*t the opponent which in essence is what the job of the footballer is. They just use their superior strength or pace to go past. Pedro seems to have that instinct. Early days of course but the signs are there.

Thus far he's been light years better than I was expecting, and long may it continue !

2 minutes ago, Sexyfootball said:

Thus far he's been light years better than I was expecting, and long may it continue !

I'm going to get absolutely hammered for saying this probably extremely controversial opinion but (here it comes............)

He's amazing and a fantastic addition. But I don't see him as full 9 (striker)

I would NOT be comfortable going into the season with just him and Delap as striker options

I think to have proper cover (in a single striker system), you need 2.5 players to do. As in 2 strikers and one half striker who can play there. Last season that was Jackson, Guiu and Nkunku as the 0.5 (and that still wasn't enough for us to not have a crisis where Neto had to fill in there at times).

I think Delap, Jackson and Pedro would be an amazing 2.5 striker group, but if Jackson leaves (hopefully only if it's really good money), he would need to be replaced (in my opinion).

Edited July 14, 20251 yr by Qaz

1 minute ago, Qaz said:

I'm going to get absolutely hammered for saying this probably extremely controversial opinion but (here it comes............)

He's amazing and a fantastic addition. But I don't see him as full 9 (striker)

I would NOT be comfortable going into the season with just him and Delap as striker options

I think to have proper cover (in a single striker system), you need 2.5 players to do. As in 2 strikers and one half striker who can play there. Last season that was Jackson, Guiu and Nkunku as the 0.5. I think Delap, Jackson and Pedro would be an amazing 2.5 striker group.

He may not have to be a full 9 if we can play someone with more output in the #10 role. Hopefully this is where Estevao comes in ... the interplay between him, Joao Pedro, Palmer and Neto could be something special to behold. Of course this would mean there is no role in the team for Fernandez ... which would be ... a shame ... 😆

1 hour ago, dkw said:

Do we dare go back to the first 10 pages or so of this thread for a little look at the comments 😅

Just done that mate, before I read yours!

I did enjoy the chuckle 😃

He’s been fantastic so far and no doubt he deserved to be our starting striker. He oozes class and links up with players so well.

Very, very happy with what I’ve seen so far!

29 minutes ago, Qaz said:

I'm going to get absolutely hammered for saying this probably extremely controversial opinion but (here it comes............)

He's amazing and a fantastic addition. But I don't see him as full 9 (striker)

I would NOT be comfortable going into the season with just him and Delap as striker options

I think to have proper cover (in a single striker system), you need 2.5 players to do. As in 2 strikers and one half striker who can play there. Last season that was Jackson, Guiu and Nkunku as the 0.5 (and that still wasn't enough for us to not have a crisis where Neto had to fill in there at times).

I think Delap, Jackson and Pedro would be an amazing 2.5 striker group, but if Jackson leaves (hopefully only if it's really good money), he would need to be replaced (in my opinion).

Not controversial. This is the reality of modern football and the 'small squad' era where Guardiola won everything with 23 players has come to a sudden and shuddering halt. For the sake of player welfare and avoiding chronic injury, 25-26 players and reduced playing time needs to be the norm.

Tactically, the 'problem' with versatile players like Pedro is that he will be needed to plug holes across the 4 attacking positions, so that even when fit it creates a likely need for a striker. If Palmer or Delap are out, Pedro will need to plug one of those holes, Estevao needs to come in, and there still needs to be impactful subs off the bench.

Realistically Pedro and Delap will play together, so again, a third striker is going to be needed for cover at least.

2 hours ago, dkw said:

Do we dare go back to the first 10 pages or so of this thread for a little look at the comments 😅

Go back to the first 10 pages of several threads - Caicedo and Cucarella in particular - and have an even bigger chuckle. Typical of this place. Premature ejaculation rules.

2 hours ago, Qaz said:

I'm going to get absolutely hammered for saying this probably extremely controversial opinion but (here it comes............)

He's amazing and a fantastic addition. But I don't see him as full 9 (striker)

I would NOT be comfortable going into the season with just him and Delap as striker options

I think to have proper cover (in a single striker system), you need 2.5 players to do. As in 2 strikers and one half striker who can play there. Last season that was Jackson, Guiu and Nkunku as the 0.5 (and that still wasn't enough for us to not have a crisis where Neto had to fill in there at times).

I think Delap, Jackson and Pedro would be an amazing 2.5 striker group, but if Jackson leaves (hopefully only if it's really good money), he would need to be replaced (in my opinion).

I agree with this. Personally i would like to see a striker like Sesko (not necessarily actually him) someone with aerial dominance as it would introduce another different dimension to our attacking options.

2 hours ago, Qaz said:

I'm going to get absolutely hammered for saying this probably extremely controversial opinion but (here it comes............)

He's amazing and a fantastic addition. But I don't see him as full 9 (striker)

I would NOT be comfortable going into the season with just him and Delap as striker options

I think to have proper cover (in a single striker system), you need 2.5 players to do. As in 2 strikers and one half striker who can play there. Last season that was Jackson, Guiu and Nkunku as the 0.5 (and that still wasn't enough for us to not have a crisis where Neto had to fill in there at times).

I think Delap, Jackson and Pedro would be an amazing 2.5 striker group, but if Jackson leaves (hopefully only if it's really good money), he would need to be replaced (in my opinion).

Strange, for me striker is the only option. You want him as close to the goal as possible in all phase of play.

I agree he and Delap should not be the only option but for that 3rd spot it could be used by someone like Guiu rather than a new signing.

1 hour ago, dermott said:

Go back to the first 10 pages of several threads - Caicedo and Cucarella in particular - and have an even bigger chuckle. Typical of this place. Premature ejaculation rules.

I seem to remember some quite negative reactions to Palmer's signing - 40+ million for another raw kid who barely plays?!

Some things never change.

19 minutes ago, Remodez said:

Strange, for me striker is the only option. You want him as close to the goal as possible in all phase of play.

I agree he and Delap should not be the only option but for that 3rd spot it could be used by someone like Guiu rather than a new signing.

Pushing it a little, but I'd even be ok with Broja staying as a cheap depth option (assuming we can get him reliably fit which I know is uncertain). Being club trained is good for champions league registration

Edited July 14, 20251 yr by Qaz

I can be an adult and take my humble pie 🥧 I wasn’t familiar with his game!!

1 hour ago, Remodez said:

Strange, for me striker is the only option. You want him as close to the goal as possible in all phase of play.

I agree he and Delap should not be the only option but for that 3rd spot it could be used by someone like Guiu rather than a new signing.

Well said. Or better still loan out Guiu, sell Jackson for £60m, and sign Calum Wilson on a free transfer. Zero need to keep Jackson as 3rd choice or spend big money on one

1 hour ago, Qaz said:

Pushing it a little, but I'd even be ok with Broja staying as a cheap depth option (assuming we can get him reliably fit which I know is uncertain). Being club trained is good for champions league registration

Oh FFS this is about the 8th time I forgot Broja is still on our books.