20 Jan 2023 10:47:51
ED001,

How you you rate the 4 midfield targets below for Chelsea

Rice / Caicedo / Enzo / Diaby.

{Ed001's Note - tough one, though I have not seen enough of Diaby to really rate him in any way good or bad.

Rice is ideal for sitting in and a massive upgrade on the Jorginho position.

Caicedo is a good replacement for Kante, though no one is quite peak-Kante, he is about the closest thing to it playing now.

Enzo would be able to play the Jorginho role but he is better playing further forward as the playmaker. In other words the other role in the midfield trio.

So what you have are the perfect trio for the midfield to put in together, so it really comes down to which you most need. For me I would say that is Rice as you have no one else that really plays that role and he would be a genuine upgrade.}

1.) 20 Jan 2023
20 Jan 2023 11:22:03
Thank you EDOO1 for your input. as always, invaluable.
I agree that RICE is a must for our midfield. Id go all out for him.
also Captain material he is. So very hard to buy that quality.
i don't know if the scouting dept ever looks at that trait in a player while recruiting.

Im also surprised that we weren't able to get a decent midfielder through our youth academy for the longest time. What is your take on why that is the case.

{Ed001's Note - do Mount and Gallagher not count as decent? Mount has suffered from being used as a utility player, he just needs to be allowed to settle into a position. Gallagher probably isn't technically good enough for Chelsea but his workrate is phenomenal and that can make up for it.

The problem imo is the lack of trust that youngsters get shown. They are farmed out on loan and when they are at the club they are just shunted all over to make room for expensive signings. They need to be given extended runs in a position that suits them and when they play well, the expensive signings need to be moved to fit around them. Otherwise they will not build the confidence they need.}

2.) 20 Jan 2023
20 Jan 2023 12:06:57
Id count mount and Gallagher as decent.
Mount has played better in the front 3 than as a MF
Gallagher - love that guy, his energy and industry is top level.

I agree that the loans don't help, so hard to settle in a new club/ country + language + style of play + numerous other things

this kind of change for a youngster would definetly hamper progress.

Thank you for your input ED - Appreciate it.

{Ed001's Note - always a pleasure dareryk.}

3.) 20 Jan 2023
20 Jan 2023 16:26:32
I agree with Ed01.Mount needs to play in the midfield with run of games. Chelsea has such a good academy I would rather see the youngsters integrated into the squad and buy where seem to be short of talent. like a striker or a solid DM.

4.) 20 Jan 2023
20 Jan 2023 17:45:58
Ed001, I agree about Mount needing a settled position but I don’t see him as an out and out midfielder and considering the players we have brought in will he get into the front three. What do you think his best position is?

{Ed001's Note - I am not exactly sure, that is the issue is he has never had the chance to show he is suited to one particular role. If it was me, I don't think I would want him to play wide, but I would want him more forward than as a central midfielder. He scores goals, so I would want him in and around the box as much as possible, maybe as second striker or attacking midfielder. With the freedom to drop deeper when required or push higher when the opportunity presents. Maybe even as a false 9, though I think he needs someone ahead of him really.}

5.) 20 Jan 2023
20 Jan 2023 18:58:09
Ed001, Great summaries on CG and Mason. Connor does lack finesse. But Chelsea have had too much “finesse” in recent years. Been Far Too easy to play against. Need a couple of beastie boys in there. For me Connor biggest flaw is he goes on the pitch and tries to be all things, a ball winner, a ball carrier, a box to box, a 6,a 8,a 10! At times the lad looks as if he is going to explode with frustration. Needs to be coached. old cliche but football is an easy game if you share the load. Also agree with your analysis of Mount, he is a smashing player. The boy Needs to be allocated a position and be allowed to play it adding that ghost around in the final third, joining play, scoring goals, he can cause mayhem for opponents holding midfielders and CBs as to who deals with him. He can also score a goal …. something of a novelty as SB these days.

{Ed001's Note - I agree with you completely there Stephen. I would hope that Gallagher will get the coaching he needs now.}

6.) 20 Jan 2023
20 Jan 2023 19:24:20
Ed001, thanks for your input as usual very welcome. I have to say I’m glad you are not sure because it’s something that has been vexing me: hopefully GP can work it out.

{Ed001's Note - he likes players who are flexible and can adapt, so it might be that it helps Mount that he can play so many positions.}

7.) 20 Jan 2023
20 Jan 2023 22:19:10
Mount is an 8/ 10 hybrid, although play him at right back and he’d have a crack.

Gallagher is an 8 and does need to polish up the little things - his ability to pass 5 yards, for example - but his energy is Kante-like. Let’s face it, Essien wasn’t sophisticated, but what an impact.

The issue, really, is the 4/ 6 role. Rice is evolving, so he could play there, but making the most of him would require someone willing to be a counterweight when he does push on. Kovacic could be that and is superbly press resistant.