Chelsea are a Team for the Future..!!!

                                                                           

                                                                             When Oscar dos Santos Emboaba Júnior came on as a substitute in the 81th minute against Sparta Prague , the game was almost settled and the two teams were content to play out a dull stalemate. Inside a minute of his introduction , he exchanged passes with Hazard and slotted home a sleek finish . It was a moment of excellence from the 21 year old and this was not the first time that he has done it on the European Stage. The young Brazilian was the stand out player for Chelsea in the Champions league and has already made 12 appearances for the Brazil National team. Oscar, Eden Hazard, Juan Mata, David Luiz and others form the core of   Chelsea players that are set to have a great career ahead of them. It exemplifies the potential of the current breed of players at Chelsea. 

                                                                            The likes of David Luiz, Juan Mata, Eden Hazard, Cesar Azpilicueta, Oscar, Marko Marin, Oriol Romeo, Victor Moses and Ramires have all joined Chelsea in and after 2010. While many of them have found their feet so quickly as if they have always been there, others are still getting used to the physical and competitive nature of the premiere league. They are still getting used to each other's style of play and it comes through with time and training the same things again and again. Something that defines the play of Barcelona. If given the time, the current squad can develop the mentality of winning and competing at the highest level for a long time. 

                                                                            Roman Abramovich and Chelsea have always been criticized for spending large, but with the FFP (Financial Fair Play) regulations coming in soon , things have already started to change at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea's transfer policy has taken a drastic change and they have been spending on young talented players of future potential rather than bringing established players at large costs. One can only ponder if Chelsea would have gone on to buy a young Sergio Aguero in 2011 rather than a declining Fernando Torres. Although the shrewd policy of offering a one year extension to players above the age of 30 is not pleasing to the ears of many Chelsea fans, it is one that is going to prosper in the longer run. If Chelsea continue to be in the market this way, there may be some problems in the shorter run but the foundations for the future will be very solid. 

                                                                            It has been a turbulent season for Chelsea to say the least but the team has played with some flair like never before. Although Chelsea sit 16 points adrift of league leaders Manchester United , they have a goal difference of +27 compared to United's +31 and City's +24. Similarly they scored the highest number of goals in their group in the Champions league but still got knocked out. It is hard to digest these stats and realize why Chelsea have picked up so less points this season, when they should been winning all the way through. Obviously their defense hasn't been great and have been leaking goals at crucial moments. A team of Chelsea's stature should not throw away a lead of two goals, week-in and week-out. But one needs to realize that this team is going through a state of transition where the new breed of players will need to develop with time into future leaders for the team. Patience is the key here and it will not be long when we would see Chelsea as a team competing for Trophies and Glories all the way through. 

                                                               
                                                                             

Feel free to share your views .... !!!

                                                                           

Fernando Torres is still Fernando Torres....!!!!!!

                                              Ever Since Fernando Torres made the dramatic deadline day switch from Anfield to Stamford Bridge, he has been hogging up all the limelight from the social media, mostly for the wrong reasons . No matter where you come from or belong , you will come across 'An Analysis of the Engima that is Fernando Torres ' somewhere . He choose it , so you cannot blame it on anyone else. When he left Liverpool for Chelsea , he knew what he was doing . He knew Chelsea were a completely different team to the style of play that he has been used to at Athletico Madrid and Liverpool , but he was aiming for Glory and Trophies . He did win two trophies in his first full season at Chelsea , the FA Cup and the Holy grail of the Champions League but his individual performances were dipping day by day and at times he was sidelined to the bench as a Spectator.


                                              Compare it to his days at Liverpool , where he arrived at Merseyside and hit the ground running, tormenting defenders at will and winning matches for Liverpool single handedly. That was why the 'KOP' fans fell in love with him and he soon became Liverpool's Number '9' . Whether it was the blistering pace that used to split apart defenses or the sleek finishes that used to characterize him as a 'Poacher' , one can't help but recall those days when Fernando Torres was 'Fernando Torres' .

                                                But there was something that was missing , the Trophies that every player craves for . In his tenure of 3 and half years at Liverpool , Torres did not win a single piece of silverware at Club level while at the International stage he was enjoying monumental success with Spain . Further more , there was no Champions league football , Europe's elite club competition that every player wants to be a part of and Fernando was no different . He made a Choice , a Logical One . He wanted to be part of a Big club and he choose Chelsea . Chelsea are no doubt a Big club and with all the hoopla surrounding Stamford Bridge they still manage to win something every year , but Chelsea and Torres are not made for each other .

                                                It has been two years since Torres joined Chelsea and there have been various theories and analysis on why the striker has not been able to find his feet at Stamford Bridge. His form has definitely improved from early days but he has still not been able to justify his price tag. So far he has bagged a total of 15 goals in all competitions this season ,  which is a decent return for any striker but not Fernando. The Fans expect more and so does everyone.  

                                                Torres has certainly kept the Chelsea faithful still hopeful that it could finally work like it was planned . He has shown flashes of brilliance at times , like the astounding header against Aston Villa or the late goal against Brentford , but has not been able to carry that momentum on a consistent run. He needs to be more confident of his own abilities and not over weigh himself with the burden of expectations. He has still got time on his side, a fantastic team to support him  and Roman Abramovich still believes in him. May be what he needs is a bit of Love and warmth from the Chelsea fans that can revive his paltry confidence. Something that they offer to a Club Legend like Frank Lampard. That might do the trick. One has to believe that he has never been in a situation like this before , he has never tasted failure before and that is why he is still fighting to make it work. Logically it seems like it is over and there is no way back for Nando. But as they say that Football is a great traveler and never fails to surprise us with its beauty , you never know . But if does work , it might become a fairy tale of its kind . God Bless Nando ... !!!!  



Feel free to share your views .... !!!

Can Robin Van Persie lead United to a 20th title ?

                                                                             



                                                                            When Robin Van Persie made the switch from Arsenal to Manchester United in the summer , no-one would have thought it would go on to become one of Sir Alex Ferguson's greatest bits of business ever . He has been a revelation for Manchester United and there is still a lot more to come from him . The Dutchman seems to be enjoying the game more than ever and has saved the Red Devils countless number of times this season . No wonder why Roberto Mancini was so desperate to add the the premiere league's golden boot winner to Manchester City' title winning squad .

                                                                            The former Arsenal Captain has endured a series of niggling injuries in recent years but has finally got the monkey off his back . After enjoying a fantastic spell with Arsenal last season , the Dutchman has continued his spectacular form for the Red Devils this season. He has become the fulcrum of attack of this United team and everything seems to be revolving around him . He has scored crucial goals against stern oppositions like Chelsea , Liverpool , Manchester city , Arsenal , and most recently against West Ham after coming off the bench to keep Manchester United in the FA cup .  He has already bagged a total of 20 goals in all competitions and is leading the premiere league scoring charts . At the moment , he just cant stop scoring . 

                                                                            Sir Alex Ferguson has already heaped praise of the Dutchman's performances this season and believes that the Netherlands international is the last piece of the jigsaw puzzle at Old Trafford comparing him to Manchester United Legend Eric Cantona . While Roberto Mancini has claimed that the Dutchman could prove be the difference between the Manchester sides , come the end of the season and his performances so far have been a testament to this belief . 

                                                                            Currently , Manchester United sit comfortably at the top of the Premiere league table , 7 points ahead of Manchester city . With Chelsea failing to keep up with the Manchester sides , it is becoming a two-horse race once again but it looks like as if Sir Alex Ferguson has finally found his ace to keep the "noisy neighbors" at bay . Yes, that man is Robin Van Persie . He holds a key role in Manchester United's quest for the English title as well as the Champions League . And with a last 16 encounter with Spanish Giants Real Madrid coming up in February , things are already heating up . So can Robin Van Persie continue to rise up and deliver for the Red Devils ???  

                                                               
                                                                             
Feel free to share your views .... !!!

                                                                           

Tracking Chelsea's Latest Transfer Rumours

                                                                             
         
                                                                             
                                                                               With the January transfer window fast approaching , it is just a matter of days before the battle off the pitch kicks off . Chelsea have always been heavyweights of the transfer market in the Abramovich era and rumours have already been rife . Several world class players have been linked to them and some of them might be at Stamford Bridge before the month ends . Although the addition of Eden Hazard , Oscar , Victor Moses , Marko Marin and Cesar Azpilicueta have added a lot of attacking flair to the side but the departures of Didier Drogba , Raul Meireles , Micheal Essien (loan) and Romelu Lukaku (loan) have left them short of the squad depth required to compete in 7 competitions . But the upcoming transfer window provides the perfect opportunity to make amends to the side and fill in those missing places .

1 : Radamel Falcao     

                                                                     

                                                                               Radamel Falcao is one of Europe's most sought-after striker at the moment and several top clubs have been linked to the Colombian international . After taking the La Liga by storm in his first season with Athletico Madrid , the Colombian has continued his devastating form this season with an impressive 17 league goals in 16 appearances , just behind Lionel Messi in the League scoring charts . Chelsea face stiff competition from Manchester City and Real Madrid for the striker's signature . 
                                                                           
                                                                              Although Chelsea have been tracking the Colombian for some time now , the deal doesn't looks feasible in January . Fernando Torres's recent resurgence in form under Rafa Benitez has led to belief that the former liverpool tailsman can lead the Chelsea line . There are also doubts whether Falcao would be able to cope up with the pressure of a 50 million tag on his shoulders  ( Just ask Nando how it feels !! )  and shine in a more competitive league like the Premiere League . Moreover Athletico Madrid's superb league form this season and the Colombian's personal desire ( as stated by his father ) to play for Real Madrid present further obstacles . Financial Fair Play Regulations is another reason . So a January move seems out of question but Chelsea would be fighting for the Colombian's signature in the Summer Window .

2 : David Villa

                                                                              Grapevine suggests David Villa is destined for a January move away from Barcelona . Several clubs have already been linked to Spain's all time leading goal scorer , with Chelsea being the latest one to enter the fray . After breaking his tibia in the club world cup last December which sidelined him for the rest of the season and Euro 2012 with Spain , the former Valencia sensation has gained some form this season and has already netted 5 goals in 12 appearances . But he has been unable to break into the Barcelona first team , falling behind Pedro and Sanchez in the team's ranks . This has led to speculation that he is looking for a possible move away from Camp Nou in order to get more first team action .
                                                                           
                                                                              David Villa would fit into this Chelsea team very easily . With Villa and Hazard on the wings, Juan Mata in the Central number '10' role and Torres as the sole striker , it is a mouth-watering prospect and could form an attack capable of breaking down any defence . Villa , Torres and Mata have been playing together for years now and there is no doubt it can work fluently . Moreover , Villa can lead the line also which can provide the much required back-up for Torres . The only obstacle to this path would be Chelsea's transfer policy of signing players under the age of 30 and a permanent move seems more unlikely . But a loan move would be perfect and Chelsea look like they can snap up villa before the window closes . Hope so !!!

3 : Marouane Fellaini

                                                                               Everton have had a fantastic start to the season so far and are challenging for a top four finish this season . While all the players can be credited for their efforts , one player whose performances have stand out above the others is Marouane Fellaini . The Belgian midfielder has been in sublime form and Everton will face an uphill task to keep their rising star at Goodison Park . He is a strong central defensive midfielder but has displayed some fantastic qualities while playing as an attacking midfielder as well as a striker . 

                                                                              
                                                                              Chelsea have been linked with the Belgian international from the start of the season and a January move has been the talk of the town for some time now . It made sense considering the lack of central midfielders in the Chelsea squad . Lampard , Ramires and Mikel are the only central midfielders in the team after the injury to Oriol Romeu . But things have changed in the past month or so , with the invention of David Luiz at the centre of the Park . The Brazilian CB has been employed by Benitez as a central midfielder in three games now and he has been spectacular so far . Luiz is a similar player to Fellaini , in almost every prospect . Both are strong commanding players with great ball skills and love to make forward runs to the box . So if Luiz can play well as a central midfielder consistently , why would Chelsea ever need Fellaini . What looked like a certain deal a few months back , is not necessary anymore and the Chelsea hierarchy would want to see more of Luiz in the coming months before making a final call . While they can go for a central playmaker which is the need of the hour .

4 : Demba Ba

                                                                              The Senegalese striker has been a regular goal scorer for West Ham United and Newcastle United since arriving in England in 2011 , with 36 premiere league goals to his name . He was prolific alongside Cissé last season for Newcastle and a number of clubs have been linked to the 27 year old over the past few months . He is still 27 years old and looks to be in the prime phase of his career .

                                                                               Chelsea need to buy a striker in January to offload the pressure on Torres ( He looks exhausted these days and rightly so ) and Demba Ba fits in as the logical choice. Although Falcao would be the ideal player to partner Torres , the 50 million transfer fee would be too much even for Chelsea . On the contrary , Ba has a buy-out clause of 7 million which would be a bargain buy to say the least . Moreover Ba has enough premiere league experience to make an immediate impact at Chelsea . Chelsea are pushing for an early deal according to reports but they may face some stiff competition for his signature .

5 : Willian

                                                                               Willian has been under Chelsea's radar for some time now and the player has already stated his desire for a move to Stamford Bridge labeling it as his 'Dream move '. The Brazilian midfielder has been in exceptional form for Shaktar Donetsk this season , with match winning performances in the champions league group stages . The Ukrainian outfit are reluctant to sell their star forward and reportedly rejected a bid from Chelsea in the Summer window.
                                                                                
                                                                               Although Willian would be a great addition to any club , Chelsea have already got a plethora of attacking midfielders down their ranks and it would not be a wise move to get another one . Chelsea have other areas to strengthen up and hence their interest in Willian is slowly wearing off . Willian is a great talent and he might end up playing in some top European club but at the moment that club doesn't looks like Chelsea . Meanwhile Manchester City have identified Willian as one of their transfer targets according to reports .

6 : Paulinho

                                                                              Corinthians midfielder Paulinho has been linked for a January switch to Chelsea over the past few weeks and it isn't hard to understand why . Chelsea's lack of central midfielders in their roster and the long term injury to Oriol Romeu means they need to buy someone in January . Paulinho is a strong box-to-box midfielder with good defensive capabilities and his attributes suit the nature of play in the Premiere League . His display in the Club world cup final against Chelsea was a demonstration of his qualities . 

                                                                               Chelsea are definitely in the race to sign Paulinho but whether Corinthians would be willing to let him go is still not clear. Anyways if the deal does go through then it would definitely boost up the centre of the park for Chelsea .

                                                                                

                                                                             
Several other players like Metalist Kharkiv’s midfielder Taison , Arsenal's Theo Walcott have also been linked to Chelsea but the degree of truth of these rumours will unfold once the transfer windows opens up . Please share your views and tell us who would you like to see at Stamford Bridge at the end of the month !! Good Luck !!

   

Chelsea Have Done It Again !!!!

                                                                         Just when everyone thought that the tide around Stamford Bridge has finally settled down , they have done it again . Chelsea have made a habit of going against the odds time and time again . Last season , after the ruthless sackings of Carlo Ancelotti and then Andre Villas Boas , Chelsea went on to win the champions league . They turned every odd when they surpassed Barcelona in the semi finals and then a penalty shoot out win against Bayern Munich in the finals . Whether it was shear determination or some crazy luck is an entirely different question . But the fact was that no-one expected them to do it .

                                                                         This season it was completely different , after the summer additions of some of the best attacking midfielders in the world , it was expected that Chelsea would be a team to reckon with and would definitely go on to win some silverware . They started off with seven competitions , five months down the line , they are already out of four and the future isn't looking that bright . The premiere league has already been declared as a two horse race after Chelsea dropped to 3rd , 10 points adrift of league leaders Manchester United and the other two domestic competitions aren't viewed as primary targets .

                                                                         The FA Community shield against Manchester City , the Uefa super cup against Athletico Madrid , the Champions league , and most recently the Club World Cup final against Corinthians , Chelsea went onto the game as the favourites but after the game it was all but disappointment for the fans. They are going against the odds at every occasion but on a negative path rather the positive one last season .Chelsea have a fantastic squad , far more better than the teams that have beaten them in each of these occasions ( Manchester city may be an exception ) , which brings us to the question . Why cant they unleash their potential and fire on all cylinders  ???? . They should be thrashing opponents  rather than seeking close wins , which isn't happening either at this moment .

                                                                         Many fans and people alike have already pointed out that this team is lacking options in the forward line , with Fernando Torres , the only established striker in their ranks . Spot on . The attacking midfield is something of a blessing for Chelsea with Eden Hazard , Juan Mata , Oscar , Victor Moses and Marko Marin fighting for places . The defence has looked organised under Rafa Benitez and with John Terry back , it should be fine . This brings us to the central midfield , the holding '2' in the deployed 4-2-3-1 formation . This is where Chelsea have lost big games and its hurting them badly . Teams like Athletico Madrid , Juventus and Shakhtar Donetsk have exposed them far too often here .
                                                                               

                                                                          John Obi Mikel is a Defensive holding midfielder who can sit back and protect the back four , Ramires is a box-to-box runner , Romeu is still young and needs time  (  currently out with a long term injury ) and Frank Lampard looked every day of his 34 year old in the final against corinthians . Chelsea are lacking a central playmaker in the center of the park , who can link up the defence and the attack . Someone who can feed ammunition to the big guns waiting upfront and dictate play . This was clearly evident against Corinthians although torres could have taken it to extra-time , but in the long term chelsea are lacking here .

                                                                           
                                                                           Every great team needs a great playmaker , who dictates play for them . Xavi (Barcelona) , Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid) , Paul Scholes (Manchester United) and Pirlo (Juventus) have all done it for their teams . But who is gonna do it for Chelsea ?? . Had Chelsea's attempt to sign Luka Modric last season been successful , it would have been a completely different story here . With all the attacking talent that chelsea have hogged up this summer , they have missed an essential part of this Puzzle . Without a shade of doubt , this Chelsea team has some serious talent and they are gonna be great players in the future , but for the moment they need a quick fix to boost that central midfield area. The January transfer window is approaching fast and chelsea need to make amends as soon as possible . Chelsea fans will need to wait a bit more before they can see the sublime football of this building team.

Fifa Club World Cup Final Preview

                                                                           

                                                                             England Heavyweights Chelsea take on South American Giants Corinthians in the final of the Fifa Club World Cup in Japan this Sunday . Chelsea come into the competition as last season's champions league winners after their astonishing victory in Munich this May while Corinthians won the Copa Libertadores to qualify for the showpiece event . The English Powerhouse secured their place in the final after cruising to victory in the semi final against Monterrey in Yokhama on Thursday where as Corinthians clinched their place in the final after beating Egyptians Al Ahly 1-0 in the other semi-final . The winner will walk out of the International Stadium in Yokhama as the New World Champions .

                                                                             Chelsea come into this game as the undoubted favourites and will bid to add a first Fifa World Cup to their Trophy Cabinet this Sunday . The Champions League Winners have had a turbulent year , with the highs of wins against Barcelona and Bayern Munich in the Champions League against the ruthless sackings of Andre Villas Boas and Roberto Di Matteo . Chelsea are 10 points adrift of the league leaders Manchester United in the Premiere League race and already out of the Europe's Elite competition , the champions league . So this represents a serious chance of silverware this season for them and they aren't taking it lightly as displayed by their performance in the semi final . Rafa Benitez has slowly steadied the ship with three wins in a row , after a disappointing start to his managerial campaign at chelsea and will look to buy himself some more time by winning this showpiece event .

                                                                             Things have started to look up for the European Champions as they enter the second half of the season , especially the recent form of their 50 million prized asset . Since his deadline day transfer from Liverpool , Fernando Torres has highly scrutinized for his lack of goals upfront , but he seems to be delivering the goods for the moment with a return of 5 goals in the last three games . This is the first time that he has scored in 3 consecutive games in his Chelsea career  and the signs are positive only . He is still a long way from his glorious days at Liverpool but he is scoring goals , looking confident and sharp . Chelsea need their Number '9' to deliver if they are to make anything out of their season .

                                                                             Corinthians , on the other hand , will be no pushovers and would work hard to stop the European Champions . It would be a dream for them to beat the English giants to the title , as they go on to make amends for their disappointing league run this season . They finished sixth in the Brasileirao 2012 table but have finished the season strongly and are on a run of 5 wins in the last seven matches .

Team Form ( Last Five Games ) :

Chelsea : W W W L D

Corinthians : W L D W W



Team News and Probable line ups :

                                                                           Chelsea have no fresh injuries concerns and are likely to put up a strong side for their quest to the title of world Champions . Peter Cech would likely take up the goalkeeper spot while Branislav Ivanovic may be shifted to the right back position after Cesar Azpilicueta's shaky performance in the semi-final . David luiz will need to slot back to Central Defence after his midfield adventure in mid week . In the centre of the field , Ramires might partner Mikel to form the Central two in the 4-2-3-1 . The attacking amigo of Eden Hazard , Juan Mata and Oscar are likely to provide support to Fernando Torres upfront , who is going to spearhead the attack .

                                                                           Corinthians manager Tite is likely to retain the same side that saw off Al-Ahly in the semi-final . Paulo Andre , Fabio Santos , Chiaco and Alessandro will likely form the back four in front of goal keeper Cassio . Defensive Midfielders Ralph and Paulinho will anchor the side in a 4-2-2-2 formation . Corinthians are likely to play very compact between the defensive lines and the attacking trio of Chelsea might need to work hard to create space .

Corinthians Probable Line-Up : Cassio, Alessandro, Andre, Chicao, Santos, Ralf, Paulinho, Danilo, Douglas, Emerson, Guerrero .

Chelsea Probable Line-Up : Cech, Ivanovic, Luiz, Cahill, Cole, Obi Mikel, Ramires, Hazard, Mata, Oscar, Torres.

Prediction : Chelsea win 2-0  

What next for Chelsea !!!!

                     

                                                                             

                                                                               When Chelsea won the UEFA Champions League in May , it was surprising but they deserved it . They showed the passion and desire to win the Holy Grail that long awaited them . No-one could argue about the credibility of the newly crowned European Champions as they defeated the favourites to the title , Barcelona , on the road to the final . Chelsea fans around the world were singing the beginning of a new era at Stamford Bridge and it did look rosy for them . Roman Abramovich had finally got what he craved for , the European dream was fulfilled . But the owner wanted to continue the legacy and transform this chelsea team to play beautiful attacking football and the Russian Oligarch wasted no time in laying the foundations of his dream team as Chelsea hogged up some fascinating players ( Eden Hazard , Oscar , Marko Marin , Cesar azpilicueta and  Victor Moses ) in the summer transfer window . On paper , the squad looked very strong and Chelsea did take the Premiere League with a storm , racing 4 points clear of the top of the table after 7 games . They played some beautiful and sleek passing football and were touted by many as 'Barcelona in Blue' . They looked like serious title contenders but what followed is known to all of us.

                                                                              With the group stages of the Uefa champions league kicking off and the tight schedule ahead , the team went through a bad run of results . Defeats against West Brom in the league and then Juventus in the champions league resulted in the ruthless sacking of Roberto Di Matteo . They were on the verge of elimination from the group stages and lying 5 points off from the top of the table . Rafa Benitez came in as the 'interim manager' till the end of the season . He has not been able to change things around much as they have picked up only 2 points from a possible 9 in the league . Chelsea Fans have been booing him all the way long and the results havent helped either .

                                                                                 On Wednesday Night , Rafa Benitez did get his first win for chelsea in the 6-1 rout over FC Nordsjaelland and Fernando torres got a brace to get over his slump of form . But all this was overshadowed by the Juventus win over Shaktar in the Donbass Arena , meaning Chelsea became the first ever depending Champions in the history of the Competition to go out of the Group Stages . It was a tough group but having said that they should have made it through to the Knock out stages of the Competition .It was one of those nights at Stamford Bridge when the supporters were not sure whether to celebrate their side's emphatic win or to rue over the fact that they were heading out of the most prestigious stage of modern day football . Even the most optimistic Chelsea fans would say that this was a complete disaster .
                                                                           
                                                                                  Chelsea make the trip to Sunderland this saturday looking for their first league win in 8 matches . It is a must win match for them and they need to show their character and realign their image as a strong force of European Football . Chelsea fans need to forget the recent turn of events involving the sack of RDM and their elimination from the Champions League . They need to get behind their team as they are already under high scrutiny from everywhere . This season could still be a success , the premiere league race is still not over and the club world cup , europe league and the FA cup represent some prestigious trophies . This Chelsea team still boasts of some amazing talent and is capable of turning the corner any moment . Rafa Benitez is slowly stamping his mark on the squad but he is short on time here . And how important could be Chelsea's Number 9 , Fernando Torres , to all this . He needs to rise up to the Occassion , as does the rest  of the team . After the brace against Nordsjaelland in midweek , can Nando score again come this saturday ?? . Well for the moment , let us just hope that he finally turns around the corner and help Chelsea get over this slump . Best of Luck..>>!!!