Filipe Luis

He left some good players at home, but none of them were strikers. Fred was genuinely the best option. There were valid arguments for the likes of Hulk and Paulinho to be dropped but this same team had been together for a whole year, had impressed in that time and absolutely hammered Spain.

Bear in mind Brazil were heavy favourites before the tournament, and all the way up to the semis.

It didn't seem like he even wanted to look at alternatives. When Spain lacked a striker they went with a false 9 and won trophies. Also, Scolari picking his favorites and leaving players who had such a great season (Luis) is quite simply idiotic. Leaving Luis at home for Maxwell (granted Maxwell had a decent season) makes no sense either. Is it really that important that your back up LB was one of your favorites so you bring him instead of a player who proved to be one of the best in his positions? It makes no sense.
 
I don't really understand this argument. He played those players because they were all he had and Hulk was Brazil's most dangerous player in many of their games despite how everybody likes to joke about him.

I don't know what Hulk you were watching, but every time I saw him he was atrociously bad. Worse than Fred. All he did was take shots that went in to the stands, repeatedly.

Even against Cameroon's defense which pretty much was on holiday he still managed to be rubbish.
 
Hulk had one good game the entire tournament. Even in that match he was made to look better than he actually performed because the rest of Brazil's attackers were so shit.
 
He was good against Chile and deserved a goal, but in the other games he was awful, the only thing he did was to give the ball away every minute.
 
Official now, three year contract, transfer fee £15m. Superb, and another key signing in the bag. Strengthen's centre-back too as Ivanovic can play in his natural position without weakening the right back slot.
 
Official now, three year contract, transfer fee £15m. Superb, and another key signing in the bag. Strengthen's centre-back too as Ivanovic can play in his natural position without weakening the right back slot.

15 million is a snip. Why have we suddenly become so efficient at transfers and money? Is this all since we actually made a profit one season and managed to sell unneeded players for upwards of 90 million?
 
Chelsea had an amazing deal with Felipe Luis. He's, imo, the best brazilian left back overall. Marcelo is better bombing forward, and has more ability, but Luis is more well balanced. Can attack and defend very well.
 
I know he's been great last season and some players peak late but what's this guy is almost 29 now, why have we heard so little about him?
 
They now have 1/4 of the team that beat them in the CL last year, starting for them this year
 
They now have 1/4 of the team that beat them in the CL last year, starting for them this year

there is a good chance koke may reassess his career because of that. if he sees his team mates jumping ship, he may decide to as well
 
I know he's been great last season and some players peak late but what's this guy is almost 29 now, why have we heard so little about him?

Plays for Atletico Madrid that's why. Been the best left back in the league for a while now, risen to prominence around Europe as Atletico won the league title and got to the Champions League final.
 
15 million is a snip. Why have we suddenly become so efficient at transfers and money? Is this all since we actually made a profit one season and managed to sell unneeded players for upwards of 90 million?

A snip? He is 29 and a LB.
I dont know how much more you think a player like that is worth.
 
there is a good chance koke may reassess his career because of that. if he sees his team mates jumping ship, he may decide to as well
Just signed a new contract. Maybe if he has another great season but Atleti drop off significantly he'll want out, but he seems to love the club.
 
Azpilicueta RB Ivanovic Terry CB Luis LB - very strong defensive line.

Ivanovic won't play ahead of Cahill, nor should he. Ivanovic and Azpilicueta will battle for the right back slot, Jose seems to trust Ivanovic, despite his clear deficiencies getting forward. Either way, our entire backline is now extremely strong.

A snip? He is 29 and a LB.
I dont know how much more you think a player like that is worth.

Right, because 29 is now too old isn't it? :wenger: No worse than spending £30m on an unproven 19 year old Left Back. In any case, £15m is peanuts in todays market, absurd as it is, and especially for a left back of his quality with what he's just done for Atletico.
 
A snip? He is 29 and a LB.
I dont know how much more you think a player like that is worth.

RVP was a striker and 29. Was he worth the price?

15 million is an absolute snip for a player of this quality.
 
I cant believe anyone would debate that this is a good signing. Definitely one of the better all-round left backs in todays game. Madrid were very close to signing him before when he was at deportivo but he got injured and that stopped the deal.
 
Very complete left back. Excellent signing I think.

Simeone and Mourinho have a pretty similar playing style so I think players like Costa and Luis can settle in quickly.
 
Talk about killing two birds with one stone..

This deal will not only strengthen Chelsea's Lb position but will allow Azpicuelta to move to right side, therefore both full back positions strengthened.

Seems a good deal financially as well for Chelsea, they didn't pay the release cause.. Chelsea fans in General must be delighted with their summer business so far.
 
Seems a good deal financially as well for Chelsea, they didn't pay the release cause.. Chelsea fans in General must be delighted with their summer business so far.

I'm not sold on Costa to be honest but I guess Costa/Lukaku/Torres is a lot better than Ba/Etoo/Torres.

Fabregas and Luis I'm very happy with.
 
I'm not sold on Costa to be honest but I guess Costa/Lukaku/Torres is a lot better than Ba/Etoo/Torres.

Fabregas and Luis I'm very happy with.
I'm surprised to see that Mourinho doesn't seem to want another striker. Lukaku doesn't really offer anything different than Costa, so if he's struggling and needs to be replaced for a striker with different skills and strengths you don't have that.

Schürrle didn't exactly look comfortable playing as the lone striker when he played there a couple of times last season. I'd have thought you'd be after a more technically gifted, relatively inexpensive striker that's good in tight spaces. Bony would be a decent shout.
 
I'm not sold on Costa to be honest but I guess Costa/Lukaku/Torres is a lot better than Ba/Etoo/Torres.

Fabregas and Luis I'm very happy with.

What do you feel will happen with your full backs? Recon Luis starts with Ivanovic on the right or does Azpulaquetta keep his spot? Or does he replace Ivanovic and move back to the right?
 
I'm surprised to see that Mourinho doesn't seem to want another striker. Lukaku doesn't really offer anything different than Costa, so if he's struggling and needs to be replaced for a striker with different skills and strengths you don't have that.

Schürrle didn't exactly look comfortable playing as the lone striker when he played there a couple of times last season. I'd have thought you'd be after a more technically gifted, relatively inexpensive striker that's good in tight spaces. Bony would be a decent shout.

Technically gifted striker good in tight spaces doesn't exactly scream Bony.
 
Still can't believe that Scolari chose Maxwell over him for the World Cup.
 
Technically gifted striker good in tight spaces doesn't exactly scream Bony.
Better than what they have, I guess. I struggle to name any very good striker with those qualities that would be okay with being a backup and not cost a fortune.
 
I'm not sold on Costa to be honest but I guess Costa/Lukaku/Torres is a lot better than Ba/Etoo/Torres.

Fabregas and Luis I'm very happy with.

Indeed. Well to be totally honest pal I reckon Torres is finished at the top level..

Costa I think will be a good buy, a Mourinho type striker if you wish. Capable of the unexpected, can hold up play, etc.

Of course it's an improvement and Lukaku will be a good option to have however if Jose doesn't fancy him, Lukaku will go for good money, allowing your club to spend on a second striker with no complaints from FFP. Ive seen reports suggesting Chelsea could be in for Aubyameng from Dortmund, who would have as a alternative to Costa?

You're in for a good season bud..
 
Of course it's an improvement and Lukaku will be a good option to have however if Jose doesn't fancy him, Lukaku will go for good money, allowing your club to spend on a second striker with no complaints from FFP. Ive seen reports suggesting Chelsea could be in for Aubyameng from Dortmund, who would have as a alternative to Costa?

I would not be suprised to see Lukaku gone, either on loan or for good. I reckon we're stuck with Torres so It'll be Costa / Torres / AN Other. Because Schurlle is an option, I don't think we'll buy. Maybe something incredible will happen and someone like Bamford will get a place in the first team squad.
 
Talk about killing two birds with one stone..

This deal will not only strengthen Chelsea's Lb position but will allow Azpicuelta to move to right side, therefore both full back positions strengthened.

Seems a good deal financially as well for Chelsea, they didn't pay the release cause.. Chelsea fans in General must be delighted with their summer business so far.

3 birds when/if Terry or Cahill miss time and Ivanovic can slide over to the CB spot.

Chelsea's summer business has been incredible. The only question mark is how Costa will adjust to the Prem and if Cesc will be only very, very good or as dominant as he was near the end at Arsenal.
 
Yes suspect Chelsea will cash in on Lukaku this summer.. A similar type to Costa so it's to be expected to have alternative options in the squad. Yes Bamford, it's a pity he doesn't declare for Ireland :lol:. Good return for derby nearly 1 in 2..

@duffer
 
They now have 1/4 of the team that beat them in the CL last year, starting for them this year

They're still favorites to sign Tiago, so their first choice CL lineup should have 4/11th of the Atletico team that beat them in the CL:

--------Costa--------
Hazard--Cesc---Oscar
----Tiago--Matic-----
F.Luis-----------Azpilicueta/Ivanovic
---Terry----Cahill----
------Courtois--------

which seems a bit mad. Thank Scholes they haven't signed Koke.
 
Yes suspect Chelsea will cash in on Lukaku this summer.. A similar type to Costa so it's to be expected to have alternative options in the squad. Yes Bamford, it's a pity he doesn't declare for Ireland :lol:. Good return for derby nearly 1 in 2..

@duffer

Yeah, Bamford did well at Derby, he played quite a few games in the right wing as well which would surely make him more attractive to Jose. He scored a tidy goal in our first pre-season game a couple of days ago and I'd imagine he'll feature again tomorrow.

98% certain he'll go on loan to a prem club though.
 
If he continues the goal scoring and obviously that will impress Jose, it would be a handy option to have next season, could get a run of games in the Capital one cup, etc. doesn't need to be registered, homegrown talent.
Mourinho will at some point need to start integrating youth from within the club providing there good enough of course. He appears to be back for the long term and measures like these need to be taken!
 
They're still favorites to sign Tiago, so their first choice CL lineup should have 4/11th of the Atletico team that beat them in the CL:

--------Costa--------
Hazard--Cesc---Oscar
----Tiago--Matic-----
F.Luis-----------Azpilicueta/Ivanovic
---Terry----Cahill----
------Courtois--------

which seems a bit mad. Thank Scholes they haven't signed Koke.
Tiago wont be a starter. NoWay.
 
Tiago wont be a starter. NoWay.

I think he might start big games. Not sure Mourinho will trust Cesc as an 8, with his lack of defensive aptitude, and then it's a fight between Tiago, Ramires and Van Ginkel. I'd back Tiago there, personally.
 
Right, because 29 is now too old isn't it? :wenger: No worse than spending £30m on an unproven 19 year old Left Back. In any case, £15m is peanuts in todays market, absurd as it is, and especially for a left back of his quality with what he's just done for Atletico.

I didnt say or mean he is too old, im just saying he isnt a "snip" because how many left backs at that age or of any go for more?

RVP was a striker and 29. Was he worth the price?

15 million is an absolute snip for a player of this quality.

Im not judging his qualities but im saying he wasnt a bargain. He is priced just right.
 
I cant believe anyone would debate that this is a good signing. Definitely one of the better all-round left backs in todays game. Madrid were very close to signing him before when he was at deportivo but he got injured and that stopped the deal.
it's because people look at age and think "little sell-on value" sometimes.
 
I'm surprised to see that Mourinho doesn't seem to want another striker. Lukaku doesn't really offer anything different than Costa, so if he's struggling and needs to be replaced for a striker with different skills and strengths you don't have that.

Schürrle didn't exactly look comfortable playing as the lone striker when he played there a couple of times last season. I'd have thought you'd be after a more technically gifted, relatively inexpensive striker that's good in tight spaces. Bony would be a decent shout.

I think it has to do with Torres. He is near impossible to move because of his wages and I doubt he'd take a pay cut. No top club would be willing to fork out any serious fee for him, a loan may be an option, but his wages would still be an issue. If, by some miracle, we could get rid of Torres, I can see Jose getting another striker.

Lukaku may be on the way out, too. He wants guaranteed playing time and has got only two years left. Plus, he likes to run his mouth a bit too much for Jose's liking and does feck all when the opposition has the ball, which doesn't endear him to Mourinho, either. If we get a top offer, he may be sold.

Problem is, even if we sell either Lukaku or Torres, it only makes sense to replace them with proven quality, and it's always difficult.