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As we all know, Chelsea have to register 25 players and no more ahead of the new season for the Premier League and Champions League competitions, but we have a problem. At the moment with our new signings, promotions and returning loan players, we have 31 players in our first team squad.
Patrick Van Aanholt has already been loaned out this season with Vitesse again.
So RDM needs to make a decision on a few players and so I have decided to open a debate on the five players, who are in the danger of sold or loaned out.
Yossi Benayoun
SEATTLE, WA – JULY 18: Yossi Benayoun #30 of Chelsea FC battles the Seattle Sounders FC at CenturyLink Field on July 18, 2012 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)
The Benayoun debate is an interesting one because honestly, I am not his biggest fan. When Chelsea signed him a few seasons ago, I was disappointed. I always believed that if you bring in new players, they must provide competition to the existing members of the team. At that time, I didn’t believe that was the case!
As we have seen here at Chelsea, he has struggled to make an impact overall and is in the danger of being sold or loaned out again this season. He was far better at Arsenal than he has been here at Chelsea. And that’s probably because he knew he would play most of the matches.
I think Benayoun’s situation could totally change for the better, if RDM sticks with the 4-2-3-1 formation from last season.
Benayoun could play a big part in the team as one of the three attacking players sitting behind Fernando Torres and as we all know, Torres loves playing with him.
CHESTER, PA – JULY 25: Romelu Lukaku #18 of Chelsea handles the ball in the first hlaf against MLS All-Stars during the 2012 AT&T MLS All-Star Game at PPL Park on July 25, 2012 in Chester, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Drew Hallowell/Getty Images)
So what do we make of the £18m investment of Lukaku and his involvement with our first team so far? I have to say that it’s strange because it’s obvious that he is big and powerful, but at the same time we have to remember his age and not to expect too much too soon.
To be fair to him, when AVB deployed him in a few games, it was normally on the right hand side of the three front-men in the 4-3-3 formation which wasn’t his natural position.
He did show glimpses of what he could do against the Sounders in our first pre season game but that was through the middle.
Lukaku’s problem, like Fernando Torres had, was the fact that he joined the club when Didier Drogba was still around. Now that he has left, Torres has been promoted to the number one striker (and rightly so), and it looks as though Danny Sturridge will be his backup so what now for Lukaku?
It’s obvious he needs to continue his development and with rumours that Fulham are interested in loaning him for the entire season, and that Chelsea apparently offered him to Wigan on loan as part of the Moses deal, it looks as though a loan move is on the cards.
Kevin De Bruyne
If reports are to be believed, he has already agreed to go on a loan deal to Werder Bremen.
He is very young and one would wonder whether he is ready for the premier league. He played Champions League football with Genk last season and twice against us. OK, the first game he never really featured, but against Chelsea at home, he was far better and had a real influence on the game.
For me, I would keep hold of him now and get rid of Florent Malouda. With the players we have signed, we have plenty of options behind the striker so why not blood a young player in to the team slowly?
Florent Malouda
I have had my say on Florent Malouda numerous times before, but my feelings haven’t changed at all.
Florent Malouda in our double winning season under Carlo Ancelotti was outstanding. The problem is, apart from that season, we have only seen flashes of that form ever since Carlo Ancelotti left the club.
If the new signings we have made are an indication of Chelsea looking to attack teams with pace and flair, then I am sorry this is something what Malouda lacks.
He’s too slow in possession of the ball, doesn’t look to beat a man with pace and would rather pass the ball backwards or sideways.
OK, he still pops up with the odd goal here and there, but I am sorry we now have better options at the club.
Gael Kakuta
Talented, skill in abundance, and a willingness to play football, Gael Kakuta has struggled at Chelsea since his move to the Bridge.
With the likes of Hazard, Marin, Oscar and de Bruyne having signed this summer, Kakuta looks like he would be sent out on loan once again for the season.
Of course there is the argument about bringing younger players up the ranks, but there has to be a balance. I seriously think that Chelsea have learnt a hard lesson during Carlo Ancelotti’s second season in charge.
Remember how about five big name players left the club and were replaced by younger players in the squad? Chelsea suffered injuries and suspensions and after the youngsters were given a chance, they failed to live up to their billing.
The growing expectations on Chelsea to challenge in all competitions has become so great that the younger players find it difficult to compete.
So the question marks remain on Kakuta. Could he cut it in the Premier League or do you see his future being elsewhere?
