The Importance of a Balanced Midfield

I practically agree with all points that MK said. This season maybe we're lacking some determination, plus that the player helping Pirlo in the middle in the sence of creativity(Seedorf or Ambrosini) is many times out of form or injured.

Another problem is that IMO in the past 3 years we where the best team on paper and last year only Barca and Chelsea could compete with us as regards to player numbers and quality. However this year Chelsea got stronger with Essien in the middle and a 'new' Crespo while Juve strengtened their midfield with Vieira. On the other hand we come from the Istanbul shock, and many of our old players are 1 year older. Let's hope that in the near future our new buys Gilardino and Jankulovsky will add quality and new ideas in the pitch.

This discussion is futile given Chelsea have not won anything other than Premier League. They have potential...yes...They are presumably the champion of the next era...But have they done anything except lead an overrated, competition lacking league who's sole claim to global dominance was a single CL title to a fortunate Man Utd???

But they were supposed to win the Champions League last season...what happened? Accolades are not bestowed on those who should win, but those who do win. Ronaldinho may be more skilled technically than a Rino Gattuso, but what good is it to have the skills and no balls? Pardon the pun...how many classy midfields has Rino shut down by depriving the opposition of the ball? And who scored a goal to mark his coming of age as emerging attacking midfielder come defensive juggernaut?

Similarly the Rino vs Essien debate is another fruitless discussion...I don't care how talented Essien is or supposed to be, that is a matter of speculation. You are only as good as the quality of opponent you defeat, and until they defeat the likes of Juve, Barca or Milan, I dont think they can be rated. Those who profess Chelsea has the best midfield in Europe, without having a major scalp under their belt, sound more like an over-inflated egotistical English supporter...the same sort of supporter that claims they will win the World Cup every 4 years...enough said!

Honestly...money is not everything in football, prudence is! Why do you think Silvio, a man who can match Chelski dollar for dollar and still have billions in change, a man with so many enormous connections, a man who leads a club and country...why do you think he is not quaking in his boots? You know why? Because he is not in the least intimidated! Chelsea wanted Gila...but who got him? Chelsea wants Sheva...but who has him? The key is to get what you want, but not gorge yourself with overabundance! That is wasteful and damaging! What for the Chelski bubble to implode. He wants to leave a legacy that will last a century, I'm tipping he will leave a gaping whole should he ever tire of his game.

Contrary to popular belief, football is not won and lost in the midfield, it is won and lost on the bench. It is won and lost in the system...from coach, to specialists, to management. Chelsea buy players, we buy technology. If we believe we have the best players (backed by our record), our only prudent investment is to keep them on the pitch and in the best possible condition. Hence the Milan medi-lab and the new techno project - see: http://www.channel4.com/sport/footba...lia/nov3d.html

Milan...Now thats a smart club!!