takanohana

And Jermaine poining towards pre-assists. Hopefully OptaJoe starts measuring pre-assists, and then expected pre-assists. Then we'll know the reality of the situation.

And people said the same thing about Rodney Marsh, Garry Birtles and El Hadji Diouf.

Difficult to see it turning round for him. Only mitigation I can see is that he came from a less physical league, and was not required to significantly up his work-rate and fitness under Slot (if reports are accurate). This then is the first season he will be forced, by Iraola, to raise his intensity to the levels now needed in the PL. Straws, grasping etc.

Jurgen's comments read v much like Wirtz is the personality type that needs an arm around the shoulder instead of a kick up the a*se. Which is fine, up to a point.

Hopefully Kerkez on the left.

How have Chelsea bought 4000 players in the last few years and don't have a midfield.

With no one new in midfield, this season is heavily dependent on MacAlister regaining form and fitness. He is our only midfielder who can bring some control and steel in front of the back four. Leaving aside Nyoni for now, who is unproven if promising. It's a big and unnecessary gamble. If Mac doesn't step up, really think we could be in trouble.

Can he play as a 6?

Did Hughes actually do a good job at Bournemouth? Genuine question. Clearly not the same level of club and expectations. But if so, how on earth does he go from assembling good, developing players and a well-perfoming squad, to this utter sh*tshow.

Top priority. Not holding breath.

Barcola as Gakpo replacement, Sarr as an Isak back-up sorta thing, plus a right winger is ok. Gakpo out and only Barcola and Sarr in, is f*cking nuts.

It's almost hard to care about swapping one limited winger for another when our midfield is fluff.

Is Dom our latest version of a player with no obvious position? Following Trent and Elliott.

That we sold Jones with, apparently, no intention to then add another midfielder is utterly incomprehensible.

Yep, Mac and Dom as double pivot doesn't fill me with confidence, but let's see if Iraola can bring some more solidity into how we defend as a team.