The Burning Question: Will Fernando Torres Step Up For Chelsea?
Filed under: Feature - Posted by: Jonty
Just seven goals in 46 appearances tells the sorry story of Fernando Torres’s frustrating time at Chelsea. In the latest of our pre-season Burning Question articles our contributors examine the chances of the Spanish striker recapturing the form that persuaded Chelsea to shell out £50m on the former Liverpool man…
Since joining the London outfit in the January transfer window of 2011 many of the Stamford Bridge faithful have been left perplexed at the poor form of a player that scored 82 goals in 214 appearances for Athletico Madrid, and 65 strikes during his four years at Liverpool. As the goals dried up, Torres has struggled to sustain a starting role: last season Didier Drogba was given the nod to lead the line and repaid that faith with a string of important goals.
However, this season sees a different Chelsea setup. Drogba has departed for China and Torres finds himself with very little competition up front; currently only Daniel Sturridge is vying for the striker’s role, with Romelu Lukaku now departed for a season-long loan at the Hawthorns. While bodies are clearly required up front, the club have instead invested heavily in midfield, with Torres’s compatriot, Juan Mata, now joined by Belgian Eden Hazard and Brazilian Oscar to form a lineup brimming with creativity and craft. A confident Torres could provide the final piece in title challenging jigsaw, but can he raise his game and gain legendary status at the Bridge?
Granville says…
In my opinion, no. Many words have been written about his fee and the expectation that came with it, but a closer examination of his style of play and that of Chelsea, looks to me at least, in conflict. A direct counter-attacking style of football where he has to come for the ball, doesn’t suit and unless Chelsea can successfully employ a number ’10′ who can pick up the ball and play it in front of him, I cannot see him ever being a consistent goalscorer. Unfortunately, a succession of injuries and surgery has removed the explosiveness he had five years ago, so he’s had to adapt his game. There’s no question that he works hard for his team-mates but that will never be enough if the goals fail to flow.
Despite being one of his biggest fans, Vincent Del Bosque showed a lack of faith by choosing to go without a striker in all but one of the Euro 2012 games, only offering him a start against Ireland, the weakest of opponents. He duly returned a brace in that game and a goal against a 10-man Italy out on it’s feet.
Having already turned more corners than a Rubik’s cube, I’d be hugely surprised to see a transformation in form that comes anywhere near close to his dazzling first couple of years at Liverpool.
Andy says…
Oh god I hope so. I really, really do. His confidence has to have been boosted by his Euro 2012 goals and his form at the end of last season. With Didier Drogba having departed for pastures new, Torres really needs to step up and command that striking spot for Chelsea – not least because they have so few options available. Considering Roman Abramovich has been splashing the big bucks to amass an attacking midfielder armoury to now include Eden Hazard, Oscar and Juan Mata, Torres will surely get the ammunition.
Paul says…
Despite limited game time in the recent Euro 2012 tournament, Torres finished as top scorer and demonstrated his ability to function at the highest level – for as long as the tactics are suited to his style of play. While the searing pace and burst of acceleration beyond the last defender – a trademark of his time at Liverpool – may no longer be in evidence, he is still capable of excelling in the season ahead, providing Chelsea play to his strengths; something they have yet to do in El Nino’s time at the Bridge.
Much depends on Roberto Di Matteo’s ability to integrate the new signings such as Eden Hazard, Oscar and Marko Marin alongside Juan Mata in the attacking midfield positions behind Torres, while implementing a change in playing style. If the Blues boss can achieve this seamlessly, the Spanish forward could finally flourish for the Londoners. Although a return to the 24-goal haul of 2007/08 seems unlikely, a confident Torres could quite comfortably hit the 15+ mark; on the other hand, there’s no doubt he has the potential to hugely frustrate his Fantasy owners in any given Gameweek.
Mark says…
This has to be the time for Torres. Having struggled to earn his opportunity to lead the Chelsea attack and fend off the claims of Didier Drogba, he now looks assured of starts playing in front of what is arguably the most creative midfield in the League. Service shouldn’t be an issue, then, and, if Torres can take confidence from his Golden Boot winning displays in Euro 2012, I see no reason why the goals won’t follow.
Fantasy managers are on board regardless of his long-term prospects due to the double Gameweek but how many are actually looking to carry Torres beyond the opening week? For many, Wayne Rooney is being measured up as an immediate replacement but if Torres produces against Wigan and Reading, the temptation to hold for the visit of Newcastle will be strong. He has every chance of working his way into our lineups and Chelsea folklore – if he can get his head right and take a couple of early chances, he could make a mockery of his Fantasy price tag. Failure in the first few weeks, however, and both Fantasy managers and Roberto Di Matteo will waste little time in lining up a new recruit.
About The Author
“Fantasy Football Scout community manager and podcaster.”
Jonty @newsandfeatures
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“I am happy with the way I’ve started, but on the other hand, I should have scored four or five more, so that’s something for me to work on.”
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August 12 at 3:10 am
mmdo says:
Friedel
Hughes Hangeland Williams Cuellar
Silva Bale Hazard
Graham Aguero Rooney
Rudd Cork Guthrie Barnett
RMT guyz
or graham>torris
hazard>dyer??
August 12 at 3:17 am
Aussies join Classic League 54619-31940 and H2H League 54619-31956 says:
is that hughes from fulham? if it is thats too much fulham
August 12 at 3:20 am
mmdo says:
thers no one alse man
August 12 at 3:21 am
Aussies join Classic League 54619-31940 and H2H League 54619-31956 says:
well do u really want two fulham defenders?
August 12 at 3:25 am
bdwhite91 says:
You could always go Hangeland > Saylor or any other 5.0 Newcastle defender
I’m set on having Hangeland in my squad personally, but I wouldn’t double up on FUL defense if I were you.
August 12 at 3:22 am
srksamejo says:
Its ur 534th team ryt?
August 12 at 3:12 am
Infinite Sheldon says:
So is it true Chelsea are looking to sign Cavani?
August 12 at 3:17 am
Aussies join Classic League 54619-31940 and H2H League 54619-31956 says:
Possibly but the 100m ‘valuation’ might through them off
August 12 at 3:26 am
aflickering says:
IMO what they really need is someone to play on the right of a front 3, that’s where they’re a little light. that’s why hulk would’ve been perfect, or cazorla for that matter.
August 12 at 3:26 am
Infinite Sheldon says:
They were hardly going to say a reasonable price. Teams always do that to try to get more monies.
August 12 at 3:12 am
Henry Hill says:
If you’ve ever seen Step Brothers you must watch this! I’m legless laughing at the bloopers, Will Ferell is something else
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vED9n5lcq6c
August 12 at 3:15 am
bdwhite91 says:
Check this out if you’ve seen The Hangover.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DN46a6Nw-cs
August 12 at 3:23 am
Henry Hill says:
Haha class man, my favourite scene of breaking Bad here, whats yours?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3YVis0HwZdM
August 12 at 3:26 am
bdwhite91 says:
I liked when Mike lit up the Warehouse in season 3
August 12 at 3:18 am
Tonebone6759 says:
RMT please
Vorm, Begovuc
Cole, Hangeland, Cuellar, Gorkss, Demel
Valenica, Piennar, VDV, Lampard, Maloney
Torres, Graham, Aguero
sticking with corm as had hm all last year – never let me down. VDV is a bit of a risk? any other areas to improve?
August 12 at 3:20 am
Aussies join Classic League 54619-31940 and H2H League 54619-31956 says:
Nice team, I think VDV is a good pick, almost a unique judging by the small number of selections by FFS teams.
August 12 at 3:25 am
aflickering says:
if he was nailed on he’d get way more attention.
August 12 at 3:26 am
Mikee says:
You had a corm all last year? Ergh sounds painful
August 12 at 3:18 am
Bartlett Is Superman says:
Harry Kane.
-4.5mil
-Impressed in preseason
-AVB has said he is up to leading the line
-scores goals
-4.5mil
-differential potential? Yes.
August 12 at 3:26 am
TheJogaBonitos says:
the jury’s out for me, will wait on that one but could be a great budget option if he nails a starting place
August 12 at 3:28 am
aflickering says:
now you’re just clutching at straws
August 12 at 3:18 am
mrclown17 says:
well this is my team.
mignolet federici
lescott hangelaand clyne demel gunter
lamps siggy dyer yaya guthrie
graham roo aguero
got 1.5m in bank.. where to upgrade? plz help me. clueless =(
August 12 at 3:21 am
mmdo says:
u cant see that ur GK is shit?
August 12 at 3:22 am
mrclown17 says:
then? joe hart? ddg? friedel? mignolet(doesnt have any tough fixtures) thats why i pick. federici dgw =p
August 12 at 3:25 am
Aussies join Classic League 54619-31940 and H2H League 54619-31956 says:
mignolet could be a good pick but as u have money leftover probably upgrade to ddg
August 12 at 3:27 am
mrclown17 says:
ddg? ok, any other areas need to be improved? my def sucks or what? plus my mid not really same wif others. =.=
August 12 at 3:29 am
Aussies join Classic League 54619-31940 and H2H League 54619-31956 says:
maybe upgrade yaya to kagawa, i cant really see anything that stands out as being bad so yeah
August 12 at 3:33 am
mrclown17 says:
kagawa looks like a good bet. but yaya in pre season plays in hole position. n loves to get forward n provide crucial pass to mc forwards. kagawa im not sure whether he will start the game. saf loves to play tight when play away from home. scholes n carrick or maybe cleverley shud get the not instead,
August 12 at 3:31 am
aflickering says:
i wouldn’t spend any more than you have on keepers myself (in fact, i’ve spent less). least important position because it’s the least predictable; half the best scoring keepers last season were cheapish. personally i don’t like yaya much (plays deep too often) and siggy isn’t going to be scoring at the same rate as he did at swansea, ’cause he’s likely to drop behind VDV a lot.
August 12 at 3:33 am
mrclown17 says:
in pre season yaya plays in hole postion just behind aguero n tevez. looks dangerous to me. =(
August 12 at 3:39 am
Infinite Sheldon says:
Won’t Silva play in the hole once he’s fully fit and rested? I think Barry is injured too so Yaya might have to play CDM.
August 12 at 3:42 am
aflickering says:
silva can play on the left or right too though. yaya will sometimes play in the hole, especially as i’m expecting silva to get a little less gametime this season (due to obvious fatigue last time round). but ‘sometimes’ ain’t enough for me.
August 12 at 3:22 am
mahfreems says:
Now that Popov is at Stoke does this threaten Wilson’s place in the squad?
August 12 at 3:25 am
Mikee says:
I reckon so, yes
August 12 at 3:23 am
Snubya says:
Valencia YET AGAIN played by fergie at RB. Kagawa it is (who also scored and did well to set up goals).
August 12 at 3:25 am
Mikee says:
A late-night RMT:
De Gea Federici
Terry Saylor/Cuellar Clark/Hangeland
VDV Lampard Kagawa Pienaar Guthrie
Aguero Bent Petric
August 12 at 3:27 am
Aussies join Classic League 54619-31940 and H2H League 54619-31956 says:
how about a RMG (rate my gravatar): what the hell is that? is that an icecream?
August 12 at 3:29 am
Mikee says:
Yep sure is
August 12 at 3:31 am
Infinite Sheldon says:
Yum
August 12 at 3:48 am
RESULT says:
That grav is from the movie j.t does krakow..i think
August 12 at 3:30 am
Aussies join Classic League 54619-31940 and H2H League 54619-31956 says:
Are we any closer to knowing who is more nailed on out of:
Gorkss or Mariappa
McCartney or Demel?
August 12 at 3:31 am
Geezer says:
Please RMT:
Krul Begovic
A.Cole Lescott Demel Clyne Hughes
Bale Hazard Michu Noble Guthrie
Rooney Aguero Petric
August 12 at 3:33 am
Infinite Sheldon says:
I’m not sure about Hazard. I would have Kagawa instead and powwibly Torres just for GW1 but apart from that fine.
August 12 at 3:35 am
Geezer says:
Thanks for your tips
August 12 at 3:35 am
Infinite Sheldon says:
What was your rank last year just out of interest?
August 12 at 3:41 am
Geezer says:
247
August 12 at 3:42 am
Infinite Sheldon says:
Seriously, do you have the link?
August 12 at 3:44 am
Geezer says:
Why do you ask? Is my team looking that bad since you don`t believe me? I got 2300 points
August 12 at 3:50 am
Infinite Sheldon says:
It’s not that hard to get the link, it would give a bit more confidence. That is an extremely good rank. If you said a normal rank I wouldnt have asked.
August 12 at 3:55 am
Geezer says:
Confidence for who? Why did you ask in the first place?
August 12 at 4:05 am
Infinite Sheldon says:
Your rank makes your opinions more highly regarded. Plus it makes my advice to you pointless.
August 12 at 4:11 am
Geezer says:
Ok then. I`m gonna give it to you. But nobodys advice is pointless! Without the advices I wouldn`t have done it that good.
August 12 at 4:13 am
Geezer says:
http://fantasy.premierleague.c.....8/history/
August 12 at 3:35 am
Mikee says:
‘powwibly’… I can sense the keyboard shuddering at the impending use of the word Torres…
August 12 at 3:37 am
Infinite Sheldon says:
Torres is a good option for GW1, then change to Rooney. Rodney’s price won’t have risen if you do it fairly quickly.
August 12 at 3:37 am
Aussies join Classic League 54619-31940 and H2H League 54619-31956 says:
haha rodney
August 12 at 3:38 am
Mikee says:
I’ve got Delboy myself
August 12 at 3:40 am
Infinite Sheldon says:
I’m going to blame the autocorrect.
August 12 at 3:32 am
Mikee says:
That is a REALLY generic team.
One of the most generic I have seen.
Well done.
August 12 at 3:32 am
Geezer says:
My team?
August 12 at 3:33 am
Mikee says:
Dammit I keeping failing to click ‘reply’
August 12 at 3:33 am
aflickering says:
please can somebody talk me out of picking nasri as a differential over kagawa?
August 12 at 3:34 am
Aussies join Classic League 54619-31940 and H2H League 54619-31956 says:
one word: pine.
August 12 at 3:36 am
Mikee says:
Just look at my ice cream and count to ten
August 12 at 3:40 am
Fantasy Genius says:
nope, infact i commend you for such a pick.
August 12 at 3:41 am
Infinite Sheldon says:
If he’s likely to start then he could be a great pick.
August 12 at 3:43 am
aflickering says:
silva unlikely to make the start of the season. plus nasri played very regularly toward the end of last season.
August 12 at 3:48 am
Infinite Sheldon says:
That is something to think about. I don’t think Silva is injured though, he is just being rested, so may return very soon which means you may have to transfer Nasri out pretty soon or am I wrong?
August 12 at 3:49 am
Fantasy Genius says:
spot on, don’t listen to all these morons whose advice will be to get the same generic players everyone else has. nasri has massive upside and will make an absolute mockery of his 8.5 price tag.
August 12 at 3:50 am
Infinite Sheldon says:
If he can do better than last season and if he gets the game time.
August 12 at 3:52 am
Fantasy Genius says:
ok everyone now shhhhh on the nasri differential before everyone jumps on
August 12 at 3:52 am
Infinite Sheldon says:
Don’t say it like that, now people will get him. His game time is far from assured anyway.
August 12 at 3:54 am
Fantasy Genius says:
a
August 12 at 3:58 am
Infinite Sheldon says:
B
August 12 at 3:40 am
mrclown17 says:
mata anyone? no one pick him for gw1?
August 12 at 3:41 am
Infinite Sheldon says:
Might not start apparently. Well wait and see if he plays in community Shield. If he does, then I may have to rethink my team depending on how confident I am with Kagawa.
August 12 at 3:43 am
Aussies join Classic League 54619-31940 and H2H League 54619-31956 says:
i’d pick him over hazard if he is nailed on to play, for sure.
August 12 at 3:45 am
mrclown17 says:
sam with me. how about lampard tho? sure starter?
August 12 at 3:46 am
Infinite Sheldon says:
My problem with him is a great amount of the goals and assists he provided last season came about via set pieces which he won’t get as much of at Chelsea. He is prone to rotation too but Kagawa is 1m cheaper. He plays for a better side too.
August 12 at 3:47 am
Infinite Sheldon says:
I’m talking about Kagawa vs Hazard. Don’t know why. That was a fail.
August 12 at 3:46 am
mrclown17 says:
he is one of the best performer in chelsea shirts last season. lamps is better option tho?
which will you choose here.
a. lamp yaya bale
b. kagawa siggy lamp
which one better?
August 12 at 3:47 am
Aussies join Classic League 54619-31940 and H2H League 54619-31956 says:
B but find the 0.5m for bale
August 12 at 3:48 am
mrclown17 says:
yeah. its hard tho. maybe i switch cuellar with clyne. worth it?
August 12 at 3:49 am
Aussies join Classic League 54619-31940 and H2H League 54619-31956 says:
after looking at sunderlands shoddy defence in pre-season, yes.
August 12 at 3:54 am
mrclown17 says:
their defence being poor? shud i switch mignolet? =.=
August 12 at 3:50 am
aflickering says:
+1. whats your team mrclown?
August 12 at 3:54 am
mrclown17 says:
well this is my team.
mignolet federici
lescott hangelaand clyne demel gunter
lamps(or mata) bale kagawa dyer guthrie
graham roo aguero
got 0.5m in bank. in case hazard or mata MUST pick later. how bout you af?
August 12 at 3:42 am
Aussies join Classic League 54619-31940 and H2H League 54619-31956 says:
Best 2x 4.0m defenders?
August 12 at 3:51 am
Geezer says:
I got demel + clyne
August 12 at 4:33 am
tezzaboy7 says:
2 from Tierney, Clyne, Demel for mine
August 12 at 3:43 am
Gaz Downright says:
is this thing on? ok, I go again
The Burning Question: Will Giovani dos Santos Finally Step Up For Tottenham?
August 12 at 3:43 am
Aussies join Classic League 54619-31940 and H2H League 54619-31956 says:
Will pigs fly?
August 12 at 3:43 am
aflickering says:
No.
August 12 at 3:46 am
Gaz Downright says:
Torres who?
August 12 at 4:03 am
Billy Gilmore - Viva er Betis manque pierda! says:
That would be a great differential.
August 12 at 3:53 am
jelly.john says:
Michum or sinclir
if i had petric
August 12 at 3:53 am
Infinite Sheldon says:
Michu.
August 12 at 3:54 am
Aussies join Classic League 54619-31940 and H2H League 54619-31956 says:
sinclair
August 12 at 3:54 am
Infinite Sheldon says:
Might be leaving apparently.
August 12 at 3:54 am
saints says:
Gents, your thoughts please, starting midfield of:
A- Bale / yaya / pienaar / Michu
B- Gerrard / Yaya / Kagawa / Siggy
C- Gerrard / yaya / Kagawa / pienaar. (+ few £ to beef up defence)
August 12 at 4:06 am
Geezer says:
A
August 12 at 4:08 am
Aussies join Classic League 54619-31940 and H2H League 54619-31956 says:
A because of bale and no gerrard
August 12 at 4:13 am
saints says:
What if I told you in the telegraph league the player prices were:
Bale 5.5
Gerrard 4.3
Yaya 4.3
Siggy 4.0
Kagawa 4.0
Pienaar 3.6
Michu 3.3
Would you still be so keen on bale?
August 12 at 3:56 am
Cloggie says:
Jaaskelainen | Federici
Cole | Lescott | Hughes | Simpson | Mariappa
Nolan | Mata | Michu | Maloney | Sigurdsson
Aguero | Pog | Torres
Bank: 2.0M for Torres> Rooney
Any suggestions, lads?
August 12 at 3:57 am
Infinite Sheldon says:
You need bale. Don’t like pog. I would upgrade one of your keepers but that’s just me.
August 12 at 3:57 am
jelly.john says:
also : yaya , lambs , piennar , bale
ageuro , pog , patric
August 12 at 3:57 am
mrclown17 says:
friedel or mignolet? is friedel’s place at risk? any transfer activities in gk position for spurs?
August 12 at 4:08 am
lfcserg says:
What are your thoughts on my team, give it a rating out of 10
DDG – Federici
Lescott – Williams – Hangeland – Barnett – Demel
Silva – Lampard – McClean – Maloney – Guthrie
Aguero – Torres – Graham
2.5m spare for Lampard -> Bale and Torres -> Rooney
August 12 at 4:08 am
Infinite Sheldon says:
I’m not sure if Silva is going to start the season. Pienaar or Nzogbia instead of Mcclean, they have beer fixtures.
August 12 at 4:08 am
Infinite Sheldon says:
Better
August 12 at 4:10 am
Tatty Bojangles says:
Silva might not be ready for the start of the season.
August 12 at 4:09 am
Infinite Sheldon says:
He’ll be ready, it’s just he might be rested.
August 12 at 4:10 am
Scratch says:
I’m doing my own head in with all this tinkering..
1. Ivanovich, Bale, Lampard, Rooney
2. Ivanovich, VDV, Hazard, Rooney
3. Jones, Hazard, Lampard, Rooney +£.5m
4. Jones, Bale, Lampard, Torres +£2m
5. Jones, Silva, Lampard, Torres +£2m
6. Ivanovich, Silva, Hazard, Bent + £2.5m
Rest of team is
Fed, Jaask
Cole, Cuellar, Hangeland, Fonte
Larsson, Dembele, Noble
Aguero, Pogrebnyak
Opinions most welcome
August 12 at 4:13 am
Infinite Sheldon says:
Youre over thinking it.
August 12 at 4:15 am
Billy Gilmore - Viva er Betis manque pierda! says:
Anything without Jones.
August 12 at 4:19 am
Perfect Curve says:
2. for me
August 12 at 4:20 am
Scratch says:
Why not Jones? Smalling injured, Rafael in the Olympic team. Looks perfect for him.
August 12 at 4:22 am
Billy Gilmore - Viva er Betis manque pierda! says:
He’s ill atm and he’s more of a liability than rafael at RB. He might play but you’ll be forced to make a transfer after a few weeks. 1 for me possibly with Torres for Rooney then switch.
August 12 at 4:24 am
Scratch says:
He gets forward at RB though which is the important thing. Whether he’s great at playing the position is irrelevant to CS. Sure even John O’Shea was a must have when nailed on at FB for United.
August 12 at 4:28 am
Billy Gilmore - Viva er Betis manque pierda! says:
‘Nailed on at FB’ is the key there. If he can’t play very well at RB then the whole defence can’t cope and you concede. Just look at the Olympic final yesterday for proof of this.
August 12 at 4:43 am
Scratch says:
Yes but the point is, John O’Shea, an absolutely appalling footballer and defender was a constant in the United team when they were on their great run of clean sheets a few years ago and was about a million cheaper than the other United back line. It’s essentially the same thing here. You pick the defender in the team he’s in, not the best defender.
August 12 at 4:23 am
Billy Gilmore - Viva er Betis manque pierda! says:
And Valencia may play RB.
August 12 at 4:11 am
Gordon Almera TH says:
“Official: Sinclair set to Man City” , Is it happen?
August 12 at 4:13 am
Infinite Sheldon says:
You tell me. You said its official?
August 12 at 4:16 am
Gordon Almera TH says:
Oh i’m sorry make you confuse
Just ask that will be happen or not , hahaha
August 12 at 4:18 am
Infinite Sheldon says:
There are rumours. I heard Sinclair waved to the fans suggesting he was saying goodbye but I didn’t see that myself.
August 12 at 4:14 am
Brian says:
Who rotates well with Southampton out of interest?
Big thanks in advance, hate these kind of questions myself. Only came up with West Ham in the opening weeks.
August 12 at 4:20 am
Billy Gilmore - Viva er Betis manque pierda! says:
QPR 38/38
FUL 36/38
NOR 36/38
RDG 34/38
H/A
August 12 at 4:21 am
Brian says:
Cheers mate, much appreciated.
August 12 at 4:16 am
Infinite Sheldon says:
Geezer, so what are your opinions on Hazard? I personally have Lampard. I also think Kagawa will be better. hazards goals last season came from set pieces a lot which he wont get at Chelsea, that worries me TBH.
August 12 at 4:20 am
Geezer says:
I haven`t watched him play for Chelsea yet so I`m gonna know more after the CS tomorrow. I think Lampard plays to deep for my liking and don`t think he is going to be nailed on this season. Kagawa is looking really good. I`m on Hazard right now instead of Kagawa because of the DGW
August 12 at 4:24 am
Infinite Sheldon says:
I think Mata will be better. At the moment, I can’t seem to afford two 9.5m players in midfield so that means if I want two Chelsea players, I’ll have to have either Lampard or Torres.
August 12 at 4:23 am
Perfect Curve says:
I know its been being said for seasons but I’m just not convinced that Lamps has the legs any more and the introduction of Hazard is just one more reason why I won’t be picking Frankie. I won’t be picking Hazard or Kagawa either until the dust settles and we know how regularly they will get 90 mins and how they will adapt to the English game.
August 12 at 4:25 am
Infinite Sheldon says:
Who are you picking then?
August 12 at 4:45 am
Perfect Curve says:
I’ve got Nolan, N’Zogbia, Bale, Pienaar and, er, Michu. At £6.5m, though, I think he is less of a risk, is nailed on to play high up the pitch and Swansea have a sweet first six or eight fixtures!
August 12 at 4:19 am
mahfreems says:
Anyone have a box table of this seasons fixtures?
August 12 at 4:24 am
Manani says:
can someone who watched the united’s friendly yesterday tell me,
how did kagawa played in the midfield, partnering with cleverly?
got over-ran a lot??
August 12 at 4:25 am
Perfect Curve says:
So, Gerrard might be playing in a more advanced role now that Joe Allen has joined from Swansea. Is he worth investing £9.5m in? Or would Bale be better value for money? Or VDV? Or Siggy? Or Hazard? Or Lamps? Or Kagawa? Or Nani? Or Cazorla? AAAAAAARRRRRGGGGGGHHHHHH!!!
August 12 at 4:25 am
Billy Gilmore - Viva er Betis manque pierda! says:
You forgot Mata
August 12 at 4:26 am
Geezer says:
And Dempsey
August 12 at 4:28 am
Billy Gilmore - Viva er Betis manque pierda! says:
Dempsey’s injured though and won’t play.
August 12 at 4:34 am
lfcserg says:
He’s not injured just an excuse to cover up the transfer saga.
August 12 at 4:35 am
Billy Gilmore - Viva er Betis manque pierda! says:
Yeah most likely but he’s not fit to start the season in any case.
August 12 at 4:40 am
saints says:
Obviously we’re trying to asses value, What if I told you in the telegraph league the player prices were:
Bale 5.5
Gerrard 4.3
Yaya 4.3
Siggy 4.0
Kagawa 4.0
Pienaar 3.6
Michu 3.3
Which 4 would you choose?
August 12 at 4:43 am
Manani says:
bale
August 12 at 4:55 am
Perfect Curve says:
Pienaar, Siggy, Michu and Kagawa I reckon, purely on value for money.
August 12 at 4:32 am
Perfect Curve says:
Just out of interest, how much stock do people put in the fixture ticker on the right hand side. Its become a bit of a bible for me but I don’t know if that is because I am being smart or because I can’t make a decision but I know that red is a bad colour!