23 May 2017 08:55:40
Ed001, if you're around. I think I remember you not being overly impressed with Virgil Van Dijk. Now with him apparently being the prime CB target for Chelsea this summer, do you think he would be a good addition to our team?
I myself am on the fence. I'd actually prefer for us to just bring Christensen on board and go from there. But I was wondering what you'd think about VVD in the Chelsea squad.
Also, do you know of serious Chelsea interest in any other CBs (Rudiger probably)?
Any reply would be appreciated, thanks Ed!
{Ed001's Note - if he is to replace Cahill, then he is an improvement, but he is not someone I think would be a good addition. He just does not seem to be any kind of step forward over Christensen. Having said that, Conte is a very good coach, who works hard on improving player focus, and a lack of focus is VVD's main weakness. So maybe he could sort that out? If he can stop him ball watching and wandering off, then VVD would be an excellent addition as he is strong, fast, excellent in the air and very good on the ball.
I haven't heard anything with regards to Chelsea for a while mate sorry.}
23 May 2017 13:09:53
Oh no worries that you haven't heard a lot recently, just thought I'd ask. I'm afraid we'll get Van Dijk as Ed002 said on another page (Soton page I think) that he'll leave. But while Van Dijk has an excellent physical profile, I fear it'll lead to Zouma and Christensen leaving the club. And that would be devastating.
Anyway, thanks for the reply. Conte made Bonucci the world's best CB, so if we get Van Dijk I hope he can do the same for him.
{Ed001's Note - to be fair Bonucci was pretty much the best anyway but he did make him even better. There are so few quality centre backs about at the moment though that there is not a lot of choice.}
23 May 2017 13:35:27
Some fans mention Laporte as well as the best option. Him being left footed would obviously be good to replace Cahill as LCB. But then I'd rather just stick with the young guys we have. Luiz, Azpi, Cahill, Christensen, Zouma and Ake looks plenty to me. I think it's a shame we might let Zouma go this summer. That guy is a beast.
{Ed001's Note - I don't see the need for Chelsea to buy a centre back personally. You have such good options already.}
23 May 2017 13:44:18
We seem to think alike, Ed001. The money could be much better spent in other areas (wingback, CM and another forward option) . How about you hit Emenalo and Marina up with an email? Tell them to go all out for Ousmane Dembele and Verratti, if you'd be so kind ;-)
{Ed001's Note - not sure they would listen to me mate, but I will try for you. Though I think Bakayoko would be a good signing for you. I know Fabinho gets the hype, but I do not know why. He plays like Yaya Toure in a defensive role. In other words he gets into position but never works hard to get back and is a liability defensively imo. Bakayoko reminds me of players like N'Zonzi, looks awkward so doesn't get rated. Whereas Fabinho moves well and has a name that makes him sound like a footballer, so he gets all the love.}
23 May 2017 13:59:46
Not sure whether you're kidding or not. Can you really contact guys at the club like that? And I don't mean "you" as someone in general, but you specifically, Ed. The -inho at the end makes the Fifa overall score go up at least 5 points :-P
I like Bakayoko personally. He looks like a potential beast, and apparently he destroyed Spurs' midfield in the CL so that's already a plus in my book. But I've seen concerns over his offensive game. In our 343 it can be a hindrance if both our CMs are defensive minded. Kante has improved offensively I think, but he's still not going to be a regular contributor in terms of goals/ assists. Playing a guy like Fabregas obviously helps in that case, but then we suffer significantly defensively.
That's why I like guys like Verratti (who would be a dream), Naby Keita (though he wouldn't be a perfect partner to Kante as both need to be free to roam all over the pitch to wreak havoc) or Tolisso. Tolisso for example is pretty good defensively from what I've read, but he's good at joining in attacks and being decisive as well.
If Bakayoko does join, I just hope he's got the ability to play some good passes, bring out the ball from midfield and maybe have a go from the edge of the box. We need some more offensive threat from our CM positions against defenses that sit deep.
{Ed001's Note - not at Chelsea I can't, no. Ed002's contacts there have made it not worthwhile me spending time building a contact base there to be honest.}
23 May 2017 14:15:45
Interesting, thanks for that, Ed! I can't wait till Ed002's Chelsea sharkopod comes in that case. I really wonder where our main efforts will be focused.
{Ed001's Note - you are welcome mate, I am just as interested to hear his Sharkopods too.}
23 May 2017 14:31:27
Hopefully it's soon :-)
{Ed001's Note - fingers crossed as I always enjoy listening to them. Though I do tend to get distracted by the music and ad breaks....}
23 May 2017 17:22:22
I find myself kinda zoning out during the ad breaks :-)