Debates, Players - Written by BlueChampion on Thursday, July 12, 2007 2:10 | 1,123 Views | 23 Comments | Add Comment
What’s Bothering Chelsea At The Moment?
Our guest writer Blue Winner writes about those burning issues or those truly nagging things that need to be sorted sooner than later, if Chelsea needs to put up a strong challenge to regain the title.
As the Blues depart for the shores of North America for the pre-season tour, there remain a few unanswered questions swirling about the club. Keep an eye on these storylines as the year progresses.
Right Back
This position was nothing less than a black hole during the last campaign. Paulo Ferreira shone at the end of the year but was rotten for the most part. Lassana Diarra was brilliant for stretches but also showed an aggression that, at times, got the best of him. Khalid Boulahrouz was indeed “the Cannibal” in that he was at his best only when eating the heart of his own side with mistake after mistake. Geremi showed will but little in the way of legs. In short, right back was a tremendous mess. Rumour has swirled about Daniel Alves, Glen Johnson and Roystone Drenthe but, as yet, there has not been an addition that seems to address this problem. Tal Ben Haim and Alex will both be suited for the centre of the field.
Possible Solutions: The best move would be to acquire Drenthe, hopefully for the £5 million offer. The Dutch back is used to plying his trade on the left side of the field but has also played to great effect on the right. This was most notable lately in the game against Portugal at the UEFA Under 21 championships. Much of the online and paper buzz after the game was about how adept the youthful player was with both feet and on both sides. This move would allow Chelsea to see how far along the young Dutchman really is while easing him into rotation. For this to work Ferreira will have to play at the level he attained at the end of last year. The other solution, and the one that would set the complainers howling again, would be to sign Daniel Alves for what will likely be a rather large transfer fee. This would set Chelsea up a bit better for this year but it is easily possible that Drenthe could turn into just as fine a player and at a fraction of the cost. Spending some exorbitant sum on Alves may please the latecomers to the Chelsea bandwagon but it would make little financial sense.
Arjen Robben
Just the name conjures two thoughts. One is of a winger blessed with awe inspiring speed, deft touch and the ability to score. The other enduring thought of Arjen Robben is that of a 23 year old man writhing on the ground with yet another knee injury. Thus is the enigma of Arjen Robben. As the season approaches, Arjen has yet to make any statement other than “I haven’t signed a new contract yet and it hasn’t gone well.” Jose Mourinho has said that he does not envision any players other than, thank God, Boulahrouz leaving the club. All of this leaves us wondering what will happen to Robben. The tension has only heightened with the recent signing of the immensely talented Florent Malouda.
Possible Solutions: The sale of Robben would certainly bring more in return than the £12 million it cost to pry him away from PSV Eindhoven in 2004. Real Madrid are said to be interested and Robben has denied, admitted, denied and accepted the rumours that have him heading for the continent. The money would certainly add to the Chelsea coffers. However, Chelsea does not need the money and wingers of the commensurate talent of Robben do not come along frequently. When healthy, Robben brings as much to the table as almost any winger in the Premiership. Even the noted flop artist from Portugal may not be the equal of Robben when it comes to pace. Chelsea would be wise to retain the services of Robben. We all saw last year how injuries can ruin any competition, depth on the wings is not something to be taken lightly.
Strikers
One position here is filled with ease, Didier Drogba is not going anywhere on the point of a 4-3-3 or a 4-4-2. The issue here is where to fit the wealth of talent around Drogba. Andriy Shevchenko, Salomon Kalou and Claudio Pizzaro will have to get some time in order to stay in form should they be needed. Sheva has already shown an adverse reaction to drifting outside on occasion and could only be considered to play on the flank in an emergency. Kalou was his usual tantalizing self last year, at times he was cracking and at times he seemed as if a football game was a concept with which he was not familiar. Claudio Pizarro comes with a European pedigree which cannot be denied and some success at Bayern Munich.
Possible Solutions: Drogba must stay in place, beyond that, this is an open run. It seems likely that Sheva will be the second selection but it seems a waste to spend £30 million on a striker that plays only sparingly. In order to utilize the tremendous talent of the Ukranian it would be necessary to employ a formation something like a 4-3-1-2, with an attacking mid such as Cole, Malouda or Robben lingering behind Sheva and Drogba up front. The odds are that this would not thrill Drogba, who most likely believes he deserves the majority of the chances up front. This situation will be one that troubles JM all year. Kalou seems destined to spend some quality time getting to know the Chelsea faithful well from his seat on the sidelines. He may play some domestic cup matches and could see the odd insertion from the bench. Pizarro will most likely feature in early domestic cup rounds and the entire Carling Cup. So how best to shuffle the strikers of Chelsea? Consider me one who would love to see Sheva on the pitch as often as possible. I think he remains a player who can make a difference in a game. Beyond that, I just don’t know, thankfully Jose Mourinho is the one who will have to make that very difficult decision.
Jose Mourinho
Did you really think this would just go away? Avram Grant has been named the Director of Football at Chelsea just days ago. Grant swears that this came with the blessing of Mourinho but, based on the struggles of last year, one finds it hard to conceive that he is ecstatic about the development. Grant has never been accused of having much of an ego so it is possible he will mesh will with Mourinho. The fact that Grant is a close friend of Roman Abramovich only adds to the general air of conspiracy drifting over West London. Grant himself has now stirred the pot somewhat by deciding he will sit on the bench against the express wishes of Mourinho. Grant cites his performance in former stops along his route as his reason for this. If he and JM can co-exist this will be a wonderful asset. If they can’t it will be a repeat of last year only this time it will happen right on pitch level.
Possible Solutions: Well, one could simply sack JM but that hardly seems the intelligent solution. Without rekindling the debate that seemed so prevalent last year, it should be remembered that the recent Chelsea success has coincided nicely with the arrival of Mourinho. The other option is the one which I will choose, pray to God that the same strife that crept up the club last year will not rear again this year. Yes, I call it the “rose coloured glasses” outlook. It may be foolish but it saves me sleep.
Lampard and Terry
We are all tired of this one. Does he want to stay or want to go? Is he worth his asking price? What is his asking price? Why is his agent carrying Spanish tapes? The rumour mill around these two never seems to end. One can hardly pick up reading material without this being mentioned in some way. Well the season is upon us now and still little has been revealed other than that Lamps wants a lot of money and Terry is happy to not take as much of the limelight.
Possible Solutions: Well there are four. 1. Keep both players: Throw the keys to vault at both of these boys and keep them happily clad in blue until they can no longer traverse a playing field. This would be expensive but it would promote stability and anchor in two vital cogs to the Chelsea machine. 2. Keep Lamps and part with JT: Alex is on the way soon and he plays a strong centre-back. He dominates the air on a level perhaps equaling that of JT. He roams free on set pieces looking to put his head on a ball and has even been known to make a run forward on occasion. JT was a bit off last year and maybe all the injuries were catching up. Lamps is a piece around which to build, let Alex and Ben Haim play in the centre-half. 3. Keep JT and be rid of Lamps: We have had the Lampard discussion a million times now. Get him out of there and let a more creative player (Ballack) roam free, surrounded by more talent than most can imagine. Imagine the speed of Malouda and Cole, coupled with the prowess of Ballack with Robben waiting in the wings. Terry would anchor the back with Ricardo Carvalho and Chelsea would be near impossible to score upon again. Sure, you would lose something with Lamps not dropping back but Ballack may fill that role if needed and a new right back will work wonders as well. 4. Refuse to pay either: Well this seems a bit drastic. This would free the coffers but to what end? No, it seems more likely that at least one will return.
Surely there will be more things that crop up throughout the season but it is impossible to look past these four points as the things that face Chelsea at this point. The fate of the Premiership could very well hang on how this team addresses these problems.
This article was contributed by Blue Winner
23 Comments
2. Why Do You Need A Right Back?
[...] stays in midfield. Or may be Royston Drenthe at 5 million euros as suggested by Blue Winner in his article on problems at Chelsea. Though he is originally a left sided player, Drenthe seems to be a man of any position on the [...]
3. Manish
Bring in Drenthe…he is young and fast, an attribute too important
to survive in EPL…Alves is great talent but his style doesn’t suit
Mourinho’s concept of solid-organised football,also he is not that
fast and then their is cost factor too…swap Lamps for Deco..
money+a creative MF….
and finally if JM plays same straight football this season too then
get rid of him(even if we win quadruple) as this is really hindering growth of club as a super power.
4. RomanHoliday
Hi All
I need my football fix fast. But it ain’t coming for a another 3+weeks.
Arghhhhhhhhh.
A friend o mine felt really bad when his Manure lost the FA cup to us last year. I told him not to feel so bad about it and that they could have it this coming year cos we’re gonna take back the Premiership and win the CL.
Nice Girly look to the blog. Loads lot faster . Cheers BC.
5. RomanHoliday
And what’s this top player stuff BTW ?
6. Anonymous
the top player stuff shows the list of 10 visitors with maximum comments this month. its a pity you’re not there roman!
7. Maysam
BC : thank you , the link works here . Thank you very much.
We need a right back .
8. Maysam
BC: thank you, the link works here . Thank you very much.
I think we need a right back .
9. danski blue
so u think we need a right back maysam lol
Loving the new site BC, loads like a dream and updates blog a ton faster GOOD JOB!
I think a matter to be watched is the personal and working relationship between Malouda and Roben, i think that it will be interesting to see who stamp their authority on the position and who starts the season better, im worried robben may push himself to far to be selected and aggrivate a previous injury…maybe robben is the wrong medical shape for a cometition with another talentedd player! his ability isnt in question at all i think he is simply a magician im just worried about his fitness and how heavy the fatigue will affect performance.
what you guys think???
10. Manish
Danski Blue,instead I think robben stretching himself will do wonders for him…if a player like robben remains on bench due to injuries then its shame for him and a great loss for foobtall….but with competition for position I think he will improve both physically,mentally and in terms of performance too….once it happens he and Chelsea will be at top.
11. danski blue
yeah i think we both have good points but i guess the proof is in the pudding, i really cant wait for next season!!!!its certainly gonna be a big one!
12. danski blue
oh and also do you think that Malouda will be able to link up with previous compatriots Drogba and Essien as simply as we would all like him to haha???
i think chelsea play a different style to our french counterparts and maybe malouda will need a game or two to find his feet, them links up are deffinatly something to watch through the friendly’s!!!!
i pray we have purchased another precious Lyon Gem!!!!
13. Giridhar
Claudio Pizarro - I am not sure if he work here… I am not so sure if German imports really work in EPL and Pizarro is not great even there. May be he will get a chance when the African Nations cup start. I donot expect to see him till then. Robben is not replaceable… I hope we see more of Joe Cole this year he is great…
14. Adonis
Fantastic article, Blue Winner. Very well written 
About the JM situation… are we seeing JM’s replacement being hired or what?
And how about Miguel for RB??
15. Cashif
What’s Bothering me at the moment is the ridiculous number of pLayers in the squad at the moment, that can only mean a lot of disgruntled players this year.
Reactionary measure by JM methinks because of the problems caused by our shortage in personnel last year. We have at least 26 players who would expect a peices of the action this year.
2 keepres Cech, Cudicini
5 Centrebacks (if you count Boula) Terry, Carvalho, Alex, Benhaim, Boula
2 Right Backs Feriera, GJohnson, (Alves?)
2 Left Backs A.Cole, Bridge
4 Defensive Midfielders Makelele, Obi-Mikel, Essien, Diarra
3 Central Midfielders Lampard, Ballack, Sidwell
4 Wingers J.Cole, Wrightphillips, Robben, Malouda
4 Strikers Drogba, Shevchenko, Pizarro, Kalou
(All that without including Sinclair or Sahar or those lower in the PO.)
KTBFFH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
16. Cashif
Miguel is a decent right back, he’ll cost a hell of a lot, too, and in any case, Valencia aren’t too keen on selling him anyway.
17. SpecialOne
1.Right backs - we have plenty of options, and the last thing we should do is bring in a new player. Paulo Ferreira played very well at the end of the season, and if he can carry on that form then it would be superb. We also have Glen Johnson back, along with the possibility of playing Ben-Haim at right back (yes, he can play there too ). I’ve heard even Alex (that is if we get him, Kenyon seems pretty confident) can play at right back. So, in my opinion, I don’t think we should be rushing out to buy a new player when we have plenty of options there.
2. I think Jose has made it pretty clear that he wishes to keep Robben, and I hope we do too! He has amazing talent and if he stays on his feet and in good fitness then he will have a great season. I don’t know if Robben staying means the inevitable loss of SWP, as we have now have many players for the midfield / winger positions.
3. I’m glad you said “consider me one who would love to see Sheva on the pitch as often as possible. I think he remains a player who can make a difference in a game” as I wholeheartedly agree here. However, I think Pizarro will get more matches than just the cup-matches, as he is a great talent. I’m not sure how often Kalou will be as a striker, nor how many appearances he will have, but I think with these 4 strikers we have a very potent attacking force.
4. Jose has to stay. Simple as that. :P
5. I say keep them, definitely. Simple as that.
Good article, raised some important questions and allowed me to voice my opinion. Cheers 
18. Mourofsame
I watched pizarro very closely in the recent copa tourney. even with a relately poor squad around him, he showed so much ability. his ball control skills are clearly ahead of that of drogba. his aerial ability is super as well. He is not very pacey but seems to have great positional sense. I still maintain he will be very good especailly when Drogba leaves for ACON. He and Sheva I believe will be a formidable pair.
Jose must stay.
19. SpecialOne
Nice to hear, mourofsame.
I was intently reading on the reports and scorelines and such of the Copa, and was enthused to see Pizarro with that double. I believe that the Drogba/Sheva/Pizarro trio will be one of the most prolific combinations this year, accompanied by the goals that will sure come from the likes of Lamps, Malouda, Robben, Ballack, J.Cole etc. etc. This year is looking like the title will be returning to the mighty Bridge!
20. AgentBlue
Good article dude! Guys , lets not press 4 a rightback at the moment……Tho I saw some weakness there last season, it wasn;t our main problem. I havent seen Glen b4 but by reports, I’ve heard he is a pretty decent player. Im not a Paulo fan but he still has worth. he proved that in the FA Cup final which we won. Oh my fellow Chelsea fans,,,, how easily we forget the better things some of our players have done and remember all their mistakes. The biggest problem last season was the lack of goals scored. I cant understand how no1 is saying it????? We need to score more goals!! Sure Drogs and Lamps were in superb goal scoring form last season but we need more scorers:-). besides those 2, who else scored evn 10 goals?? I belive this season will be something special though. We are not favourites..thats a major advantage. Guys im imploring u 2….Look out 4 Pizzaro…something about this kid is special. I expect great things from our players this season especially Robben. Im gonna have a good tym mocking my Manure, Loserpuddle, and Anal frenz this yr.
Cheers!
BLUE$ 4 LYPHE
21. Adonis
Cashif, with the crowd, I can see everyone playing save Maka and SWP, I think Mikel will surely start to replace Makalele this season more and more as the season progresses, and SWP, unless he finds some stability (which he won’t) is going to be outshone once again by Cole and Robben, and now Malouda. Also, Sidwell is perhaps more of a sub for Ballack/Lampard so Lamps doesn’t have to play record minutes for the season once more.
22. Danski Blue
Adonis, i agree that makalele is playing more of a mentor role with Mikel rather than defensive midfielder for chelsea, i think Mikel has 1 or 2 seasons to learn what he can from Claude as im sure he will want another challenge to end his carrer!
i also think SWP HAD the potential to turn into the English Arjen Robben but lack of Games and his “over-enthusiasm” (as some would put it) has all but stopped him being the player he should be! i feel he is a huge talent and could be dangerous if released to the wrong team (the likes of middlesboro or newcastle teams with something to prove, Man city are out of picture as SWP hates Erickson!) i think unless he pulls something out of the hat this season could be his last in a blue shirt!
i also think Sidwell as a make-shift buy, i wasnt impressed by him last season he stood out in a team of nobodys. young english talent but he is in now way the next lampard,scholes,gerard etc…
23. Lindenhann.dk
Chelsea 2007/2008 as i see it Robben+S.W.P~£25M Drenthe+Alves~£23M
Shevshenko
Drogba
Pizzaro
Malouda J.Cole
DRENTHE Kalou
Lampard Ballack Essien
Obi “one” Sidwell
Makelele
Diarra
Bridge J.Terry Carvalho Ferreira
A.Cole Ben Haim ALEX D.ALVES
Cech
My dear Maysam: This is what you wanted - the best of jose
By the way, do you know that you’re slowly edging past joeblue as the top commenter this month - see the last box in the sidebar!
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