[quote author=Ryan link=topic=44923.msg1314618#msg1314618 date=1302666328]
[quote author=Wizardry link=topic=44923.msg1314615#msg1314615 date=1302665403]
[quote author=Ryan link=topic=44923.msg1314600#msg1314600 date=1302654005]
[quote author=keniget link=topic=44923.msg1314599#msg1314599 date=1302653801]
The Guardian article makes for interesting reading although I'm not as convinced the arrival of Torres forces Chelsea's hand as much as is being suggested.
It's been recognized for a while now that the likes of Anelka, Drogba, Lampard et al aren't quite producing performances with the same level of consistency as recent seasons. There may be some mitigating factors contributing to such a downturn after winning the title last year, however it's clear the 'old guard' need phasing out with a clear plan for the future.
In terms of the way the team is set up, there was never going to be a like for like replacement for Drogba - not a ready made one anyway. They were always going to have to change their style to an extent. Arguably buying someone that has at least proven he is able to play as a lone striker effectively mitigates the risk of transition.
So Torres may or may not end up being the wrong choice, but they were always going to have to adapt their style of play going forward and they were always going to have to spend money on the squad.
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Yup agreed. I think that 'rebuilding' work shows in the work they've done in the transfer window in trying to bring in younger players.
In Ramires, Luiz, and Torres they've got younger talent and 2 out of 3 so far aint that bad.
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He's been absolute gash so far this season - but first half against the mancs he looked like Kaka at Istanbul. He can clearly take the ball forward when given the space and the mancs were leaving a paddock between their midfield and the defence for the last half hour of the first half. They needed to make something happen then cause it was always going to get closed down after the break.
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No he hasn't mate. He was slow to adapt and integrate, which isn't abnormal. Over the last few months he's been their best player, and he's still playing out of position.
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Drogba's been there best player this season - and by some distance too.
Ramirez was turgid for the first half of the season mate. He seemed to pick up the pace of the game a lot better after that but he's pulled out of so many challenges it'd be no surprise to find him suffering whiplash. Ivanovich and Drogba have been well ahead of him in form and its been the injuries to Lampard and Essien in midfield which have made Ramirez look a little better by comparison IMO.
He hasn't been all that by any means this season - but, then, he has been significantly better than Lucas was in his first season. :-\
