David Luiz Welcomes a Move to Midfield

The Geezer finally gets to show off his talent.

Why Oscar Should Be Chelsea's "Number 10"

It is starting to become very clear that Oscar is Chelsea's best option for the so called, "Number 10".

Is Fernando Torres Back?

Is El Nino finally back?

Florent Malouda the Latest Veteran to Get Exiled

Florent Malouda has been downgraded to the U-21 squad for training, read the full story here.

Predictions for FIFA 13 Chelsea Ratings

My Predictions for the player ratings on FIFA 13.

Monday, July 30, 2012

Chelsea's FIFA 13 Player Ratings

Chelsea has always been one of the most fun teams to play with on FIFA, with players like Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba why wouldn't they be.  After adding Eden Hazard and Marko Marin they will be loads of fun to control this year, here's what Chelsea's ratings should be.

Team Rating: 5 Stars

Goalkeepers:
1 Petr Cech- 86
40 Hilario- 75

Defenders:
2 Branislav Ivanovic- 84
3 Ashley Cole- 85
4 David Luiz- 81
19 Paulo Ferreira- 76
24 Gary Cahill- 82
26 John Terry- 87
27 Sam Hutchinson- 74
34 Ryan Bertrand- 78

Midfielders:
5 Michael Essien- 81
6 Oriol Romeu- 75
7 Ramires- 82
8 Frank Lampard- 84
10 Juan Mata- 87
12 John Obi Mikel- 80
14 Kevin De Bruyne- 76
15 Florent Malouda- 81
16 Raul Meireles- 80
17 Eden Hazard- 87
20 Josh McEachran- 75
21 Marko Marin- 83
30 Yossi Benayoun- 75

Forwards:
9 Fernando Torres- 85
18 Romelu Lukaku- 82
23 Daniel Sturridge- 83

Most Dangerous Player: Eden Hazard


Sunday, July 29, 2012

5 Biggest Problems for Chelsea Going Forward

Chelsea was handed their second loss in row yesterday, this time at the hands of AC Milan.  This is a Milan that recently sold their two best players, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Thiago Silva.  Chelsea has added  quite a few good pieces to their squad and has the talent to win both the Premier League and the Champions League.  As of right now they are a work in progress and still have kinks they need to work out.  These are the 5 biggest problems I have seen.

1.  What formation to play


Chelsea has added a lot of attacking pieces in the summer market and they need to find a good way to get everyone the playing time they deserve.  Players like Fernando Torres, Frank Lampard, Juan Mata and Eden Hazard should start and feature in every match they play.  Di Matteo needs to figure out how he will manage the rotation of Daniel Sturridge, Romelu Lukaku, and Marko Marin.  The defense seems to have a set formation which will feature a 4 back line and 1 defense midfielder which will be John Obi Mikel or Michael Essien.  If Di Matteo can learn one thing from RVB, it is that you have to pick a lineup and stick with it.  RVB wanted to change the lineup to something different before every match and he lost the trust of most if not all players.  After seeing what Di Matteo did last year I would say we're in good hands.

2.  Dumb Mistakes


Chelsea's defense was finally complete and together Wednesday night versus the MLS All-Stars.  Yet again all the goals were from defensive mistakes.  Two goals were deflected and one was a bad mistake by John Terry.  With the talent Chelsea has on the back line these kind of mistakes shouldn't be made.  Their form will get better and I believe David Luiz will finally become the player we all know he can be, but these mistakes can not happen in regular season play.

3.  Chemistry


With all these new pieces coming in, one big question is how the team chemistry will be.  When you look on the field you will see that the Old Guard love to have Marin and Hazard on the pitch, but at times it looks as if some of the old and new players don't know what lanes to fill and where to go on the pitch.  There has been awkward runs and confused looks on some of the players.  Eden Hazard though has looked like he is a member of the old guard and fits in wherever.  Hopefully players like Marin, Hutchinson and even Lukaku will figure out where they need to piece themselves around Fernando Torres.

4.  Sturridge or Lukaku


With what we've seen out of Fernando Torres in the past two years, the role of his backup has never been more important.  Torres will most likely start every match that he is fit and score a lot of goals but you never know.  Fernando looks like he is back but just to be safe Di Matteo needs to choose whether he wants to pick the shot happy Sturridge or future Drogba Lukaku.  Sturridge we'll not be happy with a role on the bench and Lukaku looks like he's going on loan so Chelsea needs to convince Sturridge to buy in or keep the Belgium international.

5.  How long will Matteo give Torres


Every time I watch a Chelsea match that Torres doesn't find the back of the net in I get this strange feeling that Di Matteo is going to give up on him.  I know and am sure of the fact that Torres if healthy will score at least 20 goals this year but I wonder if that's how Di Matteo feels.  It seems he believes in Fernando but there is just this strange vibe when he doesn't perform.  Hopefully Matteo will give Torres all his trust because without the Spainard we are not going to be able to do anything this year.


Wednesday, July 25, 2012

What we learned from the loss against the MLS.

Chelsea took on the MLS's best Wednesday night and didn't come out on top.  This is one of the only matches that didn't go Chelsea's way in these last couple months.  The MLS came out fighting and caught the Blues off guard.  We were certainly not playing our starting XI but our lineup was nothing to mess around with.  The MLS was led by the old guard of Beckham, Donovan and Henry.  Goals for the MLS were scored my Pontius of DC United, Wondolowski of the Earthquakes and Eddie Johnson of the Sounders.  The Blues two goals were scored by Frank Lampard and John Terry.  Lampard's goal shows his world class technique and Terry's showed why he is seen as one of the great headers of the ball.  The MLS did have a lot of lady luck on it's side, two of the sides goals were deflected in.  Also calls did not go the Blues way either as a shot off the foot of Eden Hazard was clearly a handball which was even stated from american commentator Taylor Twellman.  The one thing to take away from this game is not that the Chelsea side is not as good as we thought but that the MLS are making strides and this game meant way more to them.  Obviously If the Blues through all they have at this game they would come out on top and no real judgement can be made on our side until Hazard and Torres take the field together with the normal Chelsea rotation.  Congrats to the MLS but this is not showing things to come for Chelsea.


Tuesday, July 24, 2012

5 Things to Look For in The MLS Allstar Game

Tomorrow is one of the biggest days in the MLS season.  It is also a key game in the Chelsea rebuild process.  There are players that will be going all out in this game and ones that could care less.  Let's take a look at 5 things that will be going on.

1.  Beckham and Henry will go all out.


One thing is for certain when it comes to Beckham and Henry, they are two of the greatest players to ever play the game.  Also they will go out in a game against two of their former European rivals.  Beckham played for United and Henry Played for Arsenal, both hate Chelsea.  A lot of people in Europe think that Thierry and David are washed up and can't compete on the level of the blues and they will be out to prove otherwise.  Beckham is almost guaranteed to take every set piece the MLS side gets and Henry will most likely put many shots down range.  It wouldn't surprise me if both netted a goal.

2.  Will Hazard continue to impress?


Hazard's signing so far doesn't look like a bust.  He even impressed in the match against the new world power's PSG.  He looks like one of the best Premier League players already.  His dribbling is second to none and he has a lethal shot.  This MLS side is going to be good as some of the teams he will face in England this year and we will find out a lot when he goes up against former European superstars.

3.  Lampard trying out for MLS?


It's no secret that Lampard is what makes Chelsea go, it's also no secret that is career isn't in it's prime.  For the next two years Lampard will be the Chelsea leader and glue that puts it all together.  Chelsea's success will depend on him and forward Fernando Torres's play.  Lampard has long connected to the MLS, as all Veteran Europe stars always are.  He will most likely be playing in this game for the other side in three years.

4.  Fernando Torres?


Every Chelsea fan and every other casual football fan knows who the Blues season depends on.  That player is Fernando Torres.  With Didier Drogba gone this year, the spainard will have the main striker role.  We all know Torres has the talent to be the best striker in the world, but we also know his mental strength has not been the best.  He ended last season on fire and won the Golden Boot in EURO 2012.  Fernando looks like he is back, but this game may show a lot. If doesn't depend on if he scores in this game but how dangerous he looks.

5.  Playing to Win?


It is very clear that the MLS schedules this match just to try to prove to the world that they are getting better.  The MLS may be getting better and have a good chance of winning this match, but they do not yet come close to the talent overseas.

Monday, July 23, 2012

Why Eden Hazard Can Be World's Best

Eden Hazard has recently came out and said he can be the Premier League's Messi.  That is a pretty big statement, but is he right?  If you look at Eden Hazard he has every bit as much talent as Leo Messi.  Hazard is already one of the best players in the world let's look at his 3 biggest assets.

1.  Dribbling



Hazard has already displayed his amazing Dribbling skills in the two exhibitions he has played for with Chelsea.  He has moves all his own, just like all great skillers do and his touch is spot on every time.  He keeps you on your toes and you never know what is next.  Right now I would say he is better on the ball then Leo Messi.

2. Playmaker


We all know that Hazard no problem scoring in France, but what was over looked is how good of a goal creator he was.  In his last three seasons at Lille he set up 34 goals, only 2 less then goals he put in.  Messi may be good at putting the ball in the net, but his play making doesn't compare to the likes of Eden's.

3.  Goal Scoring


Yes I know Hazard will not beat Messi in the goal scoring department, yet.  But we all know that if Messi was in the EPL he wouldn't have as many as he does.  Hazard's totals may never match Leo's but Hazard has just as much talent in front of goal.  Even if you don't agree with me you will soon find out that I'm right.


Sunday, July 22, 2012

Chelsea's Top 5 Transfer Targets

Chelsea has made a lot of signings this summer including the likes of Marko Marin and Eden Hazard.  These two pieces will be big in Chelsea season.  Chelsea are already contenders for the Premier League and all tournaments they will play in.  But if they want to be the favorites in all of the football matches they play, they will need a little more fire power.  Here are the Top 5 targets Chelsea needs to add.

1. Maicon


As good as a defender the big Serbian Ivanovic is, he is still no RB.  Until Chelsea can find a young replacement for Jose Bosingwa the smart thing would be to get a proven veteran.  Who better than the Brazilian Maicon?

2. Hulk


You can never have to many wingers, ask Manchester United.  With Ramires, Hazard, Marin and Juan Mata already at the club there are more wingers than starting positions.  Still if Hulk makes a move to Chelsea he will still be a full time starter, he is that good and Chelsea shouldn't move on to quickly.

3. Edinson Cavani


The best way to learn how good someone is?  Look at the tape from the matches against your own squad.  During Chelsea's Champions League run, Edinson Cavini torched them until the Blues finally shut Napoli down in the 2nd half of the 2nd leg.  The Argentine is a lethal finisher and with Romelu Lukaku looking as if he's going on loan, Cavini could be well needed at the Bridge.

4.  Robin Van Persie


When a talent such as Robin Van Persie becomes available, no matter who you are you take a look at getting him.  He is one of the worlds best footballers and he carried Arsenal on his shoulders last year.  Yes he most likely has only one more big contract left in his career at the age of 29 but look at what Blues Legend Didier Drogba did for Chelsea all through his low 30's.  Everyone must ponder over Van Persie.

5. Neymar


As it is with Van Persie, Neymar can't be over looked by anyone.  Even though the Brazilian is thought to be staying in Brazil for a little bit longer no price tag is to much for him.  He is the best player who has been available since Christiano Ronaldo.  He is the future best player in the world, and whoever gets him is looking at a lot of future silverware.



Thursday, July 19, 2012

5 Players Who Impressed in Chelsea's Win Over Seattle.

Yesterday was the start of a new era for the Blues.  They opened their preseason with a 4-2 win vs. the Seattle Sounders.  At times Chelsea looked great and at times they looked incomplete.  Let's remember this was at best Chelsea's B team while we look at the players who impressed.

1. Romelu Lukaku


Chelsea fans have always dubbed Lukaku as the next Drogba, and they might have got it right.  Yesterday Romelu the 19 year old Belgium absolutely bullied players on the ball.  His first goal in the third minute was a great example, he got the ball in the final third and just powered straight through the defense with brute force and netted a third minute goal. Lukaku was not done there as he also put away  a nice goal just before halftime.  He may not be Drogba now but in the next few years he can certainly become just as good, if not better.

Grade: A

2.  Eden Hazard



Eden Hazard made his first appearance as a Blue yesterday, and he didn't disappoint.  He showed why he was the biggest fish in the transfer market this summer.  His dribbling skills and blazing speed made MLS defenders look even worse then they already are.  Eden even netted a goal in the first half, not a bad start.  The big question was where he would fit in, but that was answered last night.  He looked almost like a 5 year blue player in the first half and he went where ever he was needed on the pitch when Frank Lampard was subbed in the second half.  It looks like the two Belgium stars have a bright future.

Grade: A

3. Marko Marin


Most casual Chelsea fans wouldn't know who Marko Marin is until last night.  The young German was supposed to be a role player coming off the bench mostly this season.  After what I saw last night, I don't see how RDM can take him off the pitch.  He has maybe the most speed on Chelsea's squad besides maybe Eden Hazard and his touches are world class.  He joined Hazard also scoring a goal in his first cap.  After last nights performance it seems Marin may be destined as a starter.

Grade: B+

4. Fredy Montero


You probably thought this was going to be all Chelsea player right, well in these MLS friendlies most of the time the whole team looks like they don't belong on the pitch.  Fredy Montero looked like a star.  Montero has been seen as the most talented MLS player not named Beckham or Henry for years now.  He can score with either foot which he displayed last night with his second goal and he has a world class touch.  Fredy always looks like in his league games he doesn't want to play in the MLS, but when the European teams show up, he comes to play.  It's hard to see Montero in the MLS much longer, look for him to finally make a move to Europe soon.

Grade: B+

5. David Luiz


Last night it was easy to see that the Chelsea defense didn't want to well, defend, except David Luiz.  Luiz looks like he is always in the mood to play football, no matter who he's facing.  He was the only Blue last night who was making slide tackles and putting his body on the line.  While Gary Cahill showed a little spark to the back line, he was no Luiz.  David will always enjoy and take pride in playing and that's why we love him.

Grade: B+

Player Who Took the Biggest Hit:  Fernando Torres


Looks like we have a center forward battle on our hands.

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

5 Reason Why David Luiz Can Be the Best Defender in the World.

I don't think there is one football fan in the world who doesn't like to watch David Luiz.  His exciting hair and aggressive style are second to none.  If the Brazilian realizes he will never get to play forward then he will be the best in the world in no time and I'll tell you why.

1. His Passion.

Few players in the world have the kid-like passion to play the game, David Luiz is one of them.  When you watch him play he is always focused and  never distracted.  He is always the loudest person on the field and he does it with a smile on his face.  Luiz also will do absolutely anything to win which was shown when he continually put his body on the line in the Champions League Final.

2. Athleticism 

When you look at the stature of David Luiz you only think of one other defender, his fellow countrymen Thiago Silva.  Being compared to Silva is never a bad thing, but the thing is Luiz is a even better athlete.  Luiz has blazing speed and ridiculous power.  I will also put my life savings that he can dunk a basketball.  If Luiz will learn to stay back and actually defend like Thiago does, there is no question he will be the very best.

3.  Great Positioning (When he wants)

Often you will look at your TV screen and see right beside Fernando Torres or Romelu Lukaku a screaming afro in attack, that would be Luiz.  He often does drift forward when he feels he is needed, pop the tape in from the Champions League final and it's a whole other story.  When Luiz is forced to sit back he is in the perfect position every time.  He makes spectacular blocks almost every game.  He is a stonewall in front of goal when he stays under control.  Let's just hope he keeps up the Bayern form.

4. Well Liked

When you look at David Luiz you just know that everyone likes him, it's a given.  As a defender you have to have good chemistry in your back line, and Luiz fits in with any back line.

5. Scoring Ability

Put David Luiz on any MLS team and he would be the best defender, he would also be the best attacker.  The downfall to Luiz's style has always been his knack to drift forward.  It's hard to blame him with the attacking skills he has.  His dribbling skills may be the best in the world for a defender, he has great speed and power, he is a elite header of the ball and has a lethal right foot.  If Luiz will learn to attack at the right times, he will get plenty of goals in his career.

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

What Chelsea's Lineup Will Look Like This Year

Chelsea has been really busy this off season, and they might not be done.  With the additions that were made in the transfer market this is most likely what there lineup will look like.  They will most likely play a 4-2-3-1.

                    

Starting XI:
ST- Fernando Torres
LW- Ramires
RW- Juan Mata
CF- Eden Hazard
M- John Obi Mikel
M- Frank Lampard
LB- Ashley Cole
CB- John Terry
CB- David Luiz
RB- Ivanovic
GK- Cech

Main Subs:
Ryan Bertrand
Romelu Lukaku
Daniel Sturridge
Michael Essien
Gary Cahill
Marko Marin
Oriol Romeu
Josh McEachran
Raul Meireles
Oscar

Player To Watch:
Fernando Torres

Player Under the Radar:
Juan Mata




Oscar is most likely a Blue (Oscar Profile)

Chelsea has been really busy in this off season and they're no where near done. It looks as if Oscar the talented 20 year old Brazilian is on his way to the Blues camp. You might be asking who Oscar is. Well I'm here to give you a overview of the talent and ability he has.
Full Name: Oscar dos Santos Emboaba Junior
Country: Brazil
Age: 20
Height: 5ft 10in
Position: Attacking Midfield
Style Comparison: Kaka
Main Talents: Versatile, Passing Skills and Finishing.
Certainly Oscar is not one of the world's best, but he has the potential to be a real superstar. Along with the likes of Eden Hazard, Juan Mata and Fernando Torres he could be lethal.

Most Exciting Chelsea Headlines for the 2012-2013 EPL Season

Chelsea is always a intriguing team to watch in league play. Fresh off a Champions League title they will draw even more attention. After a lot of big signings and changes it seems the Blues are in for a big year. Let's take a look at the Top 5 headlines for Stamford Bridge.
1. Is Eden Hazard the real deal?
This Belgium star was seemingly headed to United or City until Chelsea made what is most likely the biggest cinderella run in Champions League history. Then he shocked the world when he decided to bring his talents to Stamford Bridge. He is seen as one of the best young midfielders in the world. Eden has a uncanny ability to get goals; either by assist or off his own boot. He posses a lethal shot both from set pieces and regular play. Playing along side the likes of Fernando Torres, Frank Lampard, Ramires and Juan Mata we will surely find out if he is worth all the hype.
2. The Resurgence of Fernando Torres.
Two years ago Fernando Torres was seen has one of the best forwards in the world. Then a shocking transfer for a mere 50 million euro was made to Chelsea. At the time it was seen as well worth it. Torres had recently in the previous 5 years bagged big time World Cup and Euro goals, including the game winner in the 2008 Euro Final. He also put a way 65 league goals. When he first came to Chelsea he was being looked at as the replacement to the Blues Legend Didier Drogba, but Drogba still had game left. In Torres's first year as a Blue he played sparingly behind the Ivorian, and only netted one goal. That year and the next were full of embarrassing misses. Torres was seemingly at rock bottom, until RDM took over as interim manager after AVB was sacked. In the last few months Torres form has improved dramatically, he put in 6 goals for Chelsea and won the Golden Boot for Spain in EURO 2012. He might not be back in full form, but since there's no more Drogba, Torres is the main man and we'll find out where he is at this year.
3. How good is David Luiz?
We all know that David Luiz is the most fun footballer in the world to watch, and he's a defender. One thing about David is he is also one of the most talented and physically gifted players we've ever seen. If he puts it all together this year, he will not only be fun to watch but he could become the best defender in the world.
4. Do Lampard and Terry still have it?
The careers of Frank Lampard are past their prime. In my opinion both of them have at least two years of good football left. Terry is still one of the best defenders in the world and Lampard the greatest Blue of all time still is a lethal goal threat and provides veteran leadership. This year we will see what they can really still bring to the table.
5. What to do with Daniel Sturridge?
With Fernando Torres getting to play up front this year all by his lonesome and Romelu Lukaku looking more like Drogba everyday. The extremely talented and young forward Daniel Sturridge's state is up in air at the club. He most likely won't see much of the pitch this year. Look for him to be transferred to City by the end of the season.