Donatello

Was going to say Chelsea gifting us our 'meanest defence' title back (...almost).

Ramirez is more ponderous on the ball (imo). And he's had 3 seasons now to make an impact, which he hasn't. As for your point about being suitable for Koeman's system, I'm assuming he (Koeman) sees differences between the two players and has designated him (Djuricic) a suitable candidate for his system, else why loan him? Not that I'm advocating signing Djruricic (but I'm not going to dismiss him based on 270 minutes of football either). Incidentally, where has this £9-10m figures arisen from? People weren't too sure on the other thread :S

It's been argued in the 'Djuricic' thread that he's only able to make such flicks/turns because, A) we were/are winning, and B) he had/has enough space (well, duh), but as you've highlighted, aside from Tadic, no one has shown this level of creativity/ability throughout the season, so he's quite clearly capable of generating something different when compared to the rest of the squad (regardless of circumstance).

As mentioned previously, (prior to the last game) Pelle had contributed a goal or assist every 194 minutes, whereas Shane Long had contributed a goal or assist every 195 minutes. That's obviously not the total return/measure of a player, but I think it's a statistic which can be cited in Long's defence. In conclusion, what you said ("I don't think it's a bad return").

Thanks, K-Billy. Much appreciated, as always. Can we (I) infer that the situation with Alderweireld isn't concrete? i.e. he was always 'going', because Athletico were never going to accept £6.8m. That is to say, is he still up for grabs on the open-market *fingers crossed* Or are Athletico keeping him regardless of offers? (not that I would expect you to know Athletico's intention, but your source may have a vibe). Alternatively, perhaps he is obtainable, but the transfer fee sought puts him beyond viable target status.

Yeeeaaahhh, where did this figure actually come from?

Not to mention the flick/spin-turn when he collected the ball in central midfield before driving forward (immediately prior to the exchange you're referring to). Lallana-esque.

The two flicks by Djuricic leading up to the 6th goal are tops.

You'd think the Pool fans would try and drown out the Palace fans for the final few mins. Well, they've just chirped up.

Moreno to Gerrard, Gerrard to row Z

Problem being that he'd sign all of them. Or his dog would. I forget who's controlling who. Edit: Redslo said it first

Isn't Milner's 'issue' that he wants to start in central midfield, let alone start as a utility player? He's *never* going to get that at Chelsea.

http://m.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/32749397 Cech, anyone?

Thanks for collating

Haha I know it's popular to hate on Shane, but I'm sure he'd come in handy during a European (finger crossed) campaign. As for Jay, Edit: For context, Pelle has contributed a goal or assist every 194 minutes, whereas Shane Long has contributed a goal or assist every 195 minutes.

Do you think he'll (re)sign? (on an instinctive/gut-level)

Given that he 'feels' entitled to £100,000+ a week and a central striker role.....naaah. Looking at the data, he's only played something close to regular first team football in 2 out of the past 5 seasons, which surely reflects his injury susceptibility. For the sake of argument, say he accepted £50,000 a week (pah!), could we afford to invest such figures in someone whose selection availability is so evidently temperamental? Probably not. Good player though (obviously), more than good enough for our level.

There will be a fee set by tribunal, right? Does anyone have any indication whatsoever of what it may be (approx)? (Ta' in advance) I recall in January there being talk about the fee being in the millions (4-6)...but given the history of tribunal fees, I fear I may have just made that up I swear there was talk though - a vague recollection, if you will.

In Trippier's defence, he does a *lot* of crossing from deep (which troubled us at St.Marys, fo' sure).

This Rob Green? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vxHpy_i8SUQ

No worries. As I said, I took no pleasure in "calling you out" Curious, is all. Besides, with most things football, it's a simply matter of perspective/opinion/etc, I.e. it's possible you thought Gallagher (or similar) prolific, and I would've enquired after your reasoning. Anyway, the second paragraph in your most recent post is bang on. Pelle has stopped running like he used to - at the half way(?) point in the season, he'd run more than any other striker (SkySports fact/thing). I can't imagine that's even remotely the case now. I can't help but feel that his all but guaranteed spot has contributed to this.

This. All of it. But then I'm in the majority of one who sees some semblance of a goalkeeper in Gazzaniga - perhaps because I've been watching him in youth games. As you say, his ability to collect crosses has improved significantly. He save from Vardy's effort is worthy of praise too.

Playing Devil's advocate, if (on the small chance) he does sign, what affect will this have on Schneiderlin, if any? Would it create the possibility of a future in which he would stay? I.e. would the perception of maintaining a cohesive unit, and adding to said unit (rather than reducing/maintaining status quo) be enough?