Craig Azinge @LL_C_J
Best player: Eden Hazard, without a doubt. Today he’s arguably the best winger, attacking midfielder hybrid in the world. He has the perfect combination of speed/acceleration, skill/ball control and decent finishing. All that combined with his low centre of gravity makes him near unstoppable. He’s the type of player any manager would love to have. That goal against Barcelona in pre-seaon friendly is a little taste of what to expect. Just a little more work and he’ll be the best player in the world.
Weak Link: Chelsea as a team is pretty well balanced and players are on the rise. But I guess Filipe Luis has been somewhat unimpressive since he joined the club and I think rumors have been going around that he’s about to leave. (Editor’s note: He has left for Atletico Madrid) Patriotism aside, Mikel Obi doesn’t bring anything to the table anymore. He’s literally a dud in the squad so I don’t get why Mourinho believes in him so much. I think it’s about that time for him.
Manager: Where do I begin with the LEGEND that is Jose Mourinho? I really think he’s the best manager in the world. From man management to team management to his legendary press conferences. The man is an absolute don. Dazzall.
Expectations: There are a few concerns. The signing of Ramadel Falcao is one. Seeing as he underachieved at Manchester United last season, one wonders if the pressure to perform at Chelsea will make his or break him. From the few games during preseason, he still doesn’t look sharp enough. Hopefully by the start of the season he’ll be ready. As for the team, of course my expectations are high. A lot of teams have added remarkable ammunition to their squads so it’ll be a really tough competition his year. But I expect Chelsea to be the top contenders for BPL and UCL. As usual.
Thoughts on transfer Business: We haven’t been particularly busy in this summer, with our major signings being Asmir Begovic from Stoke and Radamel Falcao on loannfrom Monaco. We’ve also signed young Danilo Pantic who won’t be seeing any action at Chelsea this season as he’s already sent on loan to Vitesse. Both our “major” signings are basically insurance/back ups. With Courtois in goal, Begovic will probably only play FA cup and Capital one cup games and the occasional League match. Begovic is a top keeper and has performed well in the league over the years so he’s a more than adequate second choice.
As for Falcao, I’m not exactly sure what to think yet.. He has an amazing track record but had a somewhat disappointing season at Manchester last year. A bit reminiscent of that last man to wear the number 9 jersey at the club. Hopefully that won’t be the case. I think he knows what needs to be done and still has some fire left in him and there’s no one better than Mourinho to bring it out of him. He ought keep Costa on his toes.
There’s clear interest in John Stones and he could make a good replacement for our Captain- Leader.
Player likely to break through: OK there’s actually a couple people I want to see shine this season. Big Kurt: absolute tank this kid. From the games he played last season, which were quite a few considering the beasts who are first picks in his position, he proved that he can handle any situation. From his positioning to his strength, to his speed for a CB, to his ability in the air….it’s obvious he’s learnt a lot from JT. Mourinho also played him as a No 4 in some games and he shut down there as well, proving his versatility. When JT decides to hang up his boots, the spot will be his for sure. Juan Cuadrado hasn’t been impressive so far. He’s failed to his flair or South American flavour. I think he’s just still getting used to the BPL which is normal, especially for people with his style and footballing back ground. He played a few games during the North American tour and he showed that he’s beginning to understand the English game a bit better; more direct, precise and tatical. I think he’s learning to work harder which is what the manager demands from all his players. However I think he could still maintain his style to some degree because it’ll bring a dynamic to the squad. Hopefully having his fellow countryman (Falcao) with him, he’ll feel more at ease and they can link up effectively. Mou trusts him and…IN MOU WE TRUST.