Chelsea Banter Archive January 09 2017

09 Jan 2017 22:30:09
Even though I was at the game yesterday I still like clarification on player performances before commenting. BBC MOTD were very complimentary on Willian and his performance. Sadly on here a few still knock him.

10 Jan 2017 01:49:50
Remember it was only Peterborough.

10 Jan 2017 11:12:13
For me he's a good player but he's not a great one what frustrates me is he has the quality but he's to inconstant where it matters though he credit where it's due he will run he's guts out for the team. just think Pedro is more of a danger in final third.

09 Jan 2017 11:46:12
I do feel now it is fair to post this, because it is a well deserved apology to Pedro Rodriguez. I, like most on this site last summer thought we had signed someone who wasn't physically capable to succeed in England, struggled to get into games and generally was pretty wasteful.
How wrong I was.
In Conte's system, with no defensive responsibility, he is a maverick. I would almost liken him to the role Muller plays at Bayern, that of a ramadeuter (space-investigator) as he literally pops up everywhere. His running intelligence, and attacking movement is second-to-none in the league. Secondly, he is the first genuine winger we have had since Arjen Robben who I would back 9 times out of ten to find the target. His range of finishes with his feet is superb, and he normally always makes them absolutely unsaveable- top or bottom corner. Obviously he isn't much of an aerial threat, but he can shoot from anywhere within 25 yards and be a real menace.
I would cautiously estimate if his goal ratio continues at the current rate and he stays fully fit, he will bag at least 15 in all competitions. He has also always been a player for big games, evidenced by the number of goals he has scored for Barcelona in cup finals, and has started to produce that kind of form for us this season with key goals against Spurs and United. I think what makes him preferable in most people's eyes to Willian is the fact he is more consistent with his end product, and especially so this season. He has 5 assists in the league this season, which is one off his total last year already and his cohesion with Hazard and Costa, as well as Cesc is at times magnificent to watch. What has most surprised me about Pedro since coming to England is his marked improvement in his off-the-ball work, he does track back and press high, and as such he is forcing mistakes from defenders because he is so sharp. Finally, his drop of shoulder, ball-control and turn of pace have also made him a much trickier player to come up against as a direct winger, and his best position is clearly in the final third of the pitch. So, on behalf of most Chelsea fans, well done Pedro, you are starting to show why you have a one-in-four record at Barcelona on average and why you were such a cult hero there.
On a side note, good god, Ray Wilkins has become bitter since he left us