First let me put a disclaimer on the Rosicky thing: its not that I think the team needs him, I was just being a wiseass about getting a player I happen to like. Last summer, when it looked like he was surely headed for Chelsea, I was pretty excited, but even more-so after EURO2004. I just think the lad's brilliant, and I know he sucked this year and all, but I hope that he recovers his form because he is one of my favorite non-Chelsea players. I just hope the michael owen situation doesnt similarly come to a whole lot of nothing this summer, because that lad is my favorite non-chelskite.
By the way, i dont even own FM
Vazza said:
Sad to see him go...didn't get much of a look in but when he played he gave 100% despite being played out of position and never complained. BTW I could have sworn that the fee we paid was nearer £12m.
As for Rosicky, we don't need him cos he plays in Lampard's position and I don't see him starting over Frank, do you? Anyway, I really don't see why so many rate him...sure he has talent but he hasn't done much for the past couple of seasons.
I have to agree with you about Essien, I'm worried we'll get ripped off again, like we were with Didier but saying that there aren't too many quality young players in his position.
Youre probably right on the Parker number, but I definately agree. And yah, the Drogba signing still kinda haunts me. Though I dont know the first thing about how the negociations went, I get the feeling that had Chelsea played the situation normally, that is reduced their intrest when the price got to high or chased other similar players, he wouldve cost closer to what he was actually worth. In any event, I just hope he isnt tossed out with Kezman with next weeks trash at a 24-7 million pound loss and is given another season to show what he can do. It seems that most chelsea fans who want him gone say so because he shot blanks in the second leg of the semis, which is pretty silly given how he did the rest of the season.
Virgo said:
still the same preconceptions about the portuguese, when will you english guys get over it. Do we need to kick your arses yet again?
I agree Chelsea could get better than Tiago with all the money they have (I mean there are much better midfielders in Portugal let alone the rest of the world), but Scott Parker is definitely not a better player than him. He lacks the positioning Tiago and Smertin have and that it's fundamental for that position. If you're saying no to Essien you clearly have no clue about the player himself who is currently probably the best player in the world in that particular position. Who cares about the price tag? You can afford it.
But Ricardo Carvalho... come on he may not have had the routine Gallas and Terry had when playing together last season, but as a player he's a class above Gallas. Gallas may be quicker (not much), Terry may be the best in the world (mainly because he's almost unbeatable in the air, but there is no CB in the world with RC's work rate.
I get the feeling you're a FM geek when I read BlueBalla's post, Rosicky is inconsistent as f*ck and not THAT special when he plays well.
Your spot on with all that. Let me just say, Tiago was excellent for most of the season, and people like myself and others who say he should be replaced say so, subconciously, because he doesnt fit the billing of "world class" eventhough he is class. But if it came to spending an extravagant amount (and it would be) on someone like Essien, then I would rather see Tiago retained as the third mid. However, I only say that because of the extravagant fee: Essien is
the name this summer, along with Joaquin and perhaps Gilardino, that is nearly guaranteed to make a big move. Being that he is so coveted, I fear he could command even more than what Drogba did, and that might put undue pressure on the lad if he comes to the Bridge. Id rather let the intrest cool, and then maybe make a swoop during the January window because as it stands, Madrid and ManUnited arent really in a position to make their move, but I worry about Arsenal getting him.
Oh, and all you said about RC is absolutely right: not only is he more technically gifted than Gallas, he is poised and confident as Vazza put it, and I think of him much more in a Rio Ferdinand mold as a more smooth, precise CB. If it were not for the success of JT and Gallas, I would definately have him start, despite Billy Gallas' class. I still remember the second leg of the semi finals, and how the guy went balls to the wall, moving all over the field to make tackles and clearances. Having him, terry and gallas to fill two spots is the definition of 'embarrassment of riches'
By the way, i mentioned Joaquin, and another board mentioned that Chelsea were leading the race for his signature. He's absolutely brilliant, I know, but is anyone else worried his arrival is going to upset the Duff-Robben-Cole rotation on the wings? I get attached to the lads and dont want to see them leave, a la parker, but maybe given Robben's fragility, Joaquin is needed
) in that Joe Cole stepped in and almost immediately, the offense almost began to run through him. Before that point, Jose clearly didnt rate him that much and he was on his way, in my opinion to being sold. Now the guy has seemed to find it, and if he can become that third midfielder, and Joaquin, duffer, and robben can share the wings, then im definately all for it. Might put a clamp on Lampard's ability to go forward as much, though, if Cole is the "offensive" man in midfield, but Im not gonna get into theoretics at this point any more than I have 
If some cash can be recouped from their sale, then all the better. Im happy with the crespo deal, and glad both can move on with their careers.
] and Parker are two names) the case of Joe Cole has shown that when a player has towed the managers line and displayed comittment and improvement, they can really excell. Hopefully that will be Del Horno's tale from the get go. 