The Failings and Successes of Chelsea’s Youth Policy.

A year after their spectacular triumph in the UEFA Champions league, Chelsea Football Club had finally achieved one of their most elusive goals since Roman Abramovich bought over the club in 2003. However, the winning of the Champions League also heralded a significant change, the exit of Didier Drogba, one of the most prolific strikers the club has ever had.

While Drogba was just one player, he represented the change of guard for Chelsea. After all, he was one of the last few players who played through Chelsea’s glory days under Jose Mourinho. Like Gianfranco Zola’s exit before him, his exit signalled a fresh start and the building of a new Chelsea Team.

The Good

Before Drogba’s exit, new pillars of the Chelsea side had already been added in. Ramires, the combative midfielder from Benifica, who endured a mediocre first season under then manager Carlo Ancellotti, has transformed in to an indispensable pivot in the middle of the park. This was followed by an inspired purchase of David Luiz, who has since grown leaps and bounds as not only a solid defender, but also a brilliant attacker. New arrivals Oscar, Eden Hazard and Victor Moses, all in their early 20s, have also given life to a Chelsea side once known for their “uncreative” style of play.

Eden Hazard and Oscar in particular, have formed a dangerous Triumverate with club talisman Juan Mata. Commonly referred to as the “The Three Amigos”, each Amigo brings his own unique quality to the Chelsea attack. Eden Hazard pace, trickery and directness continues to turn defenders inside out on the flanks. On the other hand, Oscar’s wide range of passing and silky dribbling complements that of Mata as the duo look constantly to find gaps in the opponents defence. Together, they form a unique blend of pace, trickery and incisive passing which has been the bane of numerous defences this season.

It is undeniable that finest signing of the lot would have to be Juan Mata. The twinkle toed Spaniard from Valencia FC. Juan Mata was Andre Villas Boas’s buy, and he has been the leading light in this Chelsea side ever since. Blessed with trickery and vision, there are no words that can describe what Mata means to this Chelsea team. This season, his haul of nearly 30 assists in all competitions speaks volumes of the man who has become the leader in this young side, a side whose average age has decreased significantly from 28 to 26 years old (Results may be a little high because of veterans Terry, Lampard and Ashley Cole). At only 25 years old, Mata has yet to reach his prime and has many good years left to contribute to Chelsea.

Another revelation this season would have to be Cesar Azipilicueta, the young Spanish right back from Marseille. Cesar impresses with his industry and defensive strengths. With him at right back, Chelsea have been able to rein in the likes of premier league danger men Gareth Bale and Ashley Young. Strong performances have cemented him as the side’s predominant right back, displacing Branislav Ivanovic from a role which he has made his own in previous years.

With such a strong core of young players, Chelsea has their future secured for the next season. However, many fans and neutrals alike worry that their success may undermine the prospects of long standing youth players within the club.

The Bad

Like it or not, Roman Abramovich is no idiot when it comes to continuity. Despite his managerial merry go round, Abramovich has kept his back room staff constant in his desire to build a sustainable youth team. Ever since his entrance, Chelsea has benefitted from a surge in talented youth team members.

While some players like Jack Cork, Michael Manciene and Jacopo Sala have left the club for pastures anew. Such moves seem justified with the fact that many of them have shown that they were unable to contribute significantly at the highest level of competition. However, the youth policy has also missed several stars. One in particular, would be the Serbian midfielder Nemanja Matic, who currently plays for Benifica.

Used as a make weight to bring David Luiz to Stamford Bridge, Chelsea let go of a player who could have been a potential partner to Ramires in midfield. This season, the Serbian showed Chelsea exactly what they were missing with his industry, passing and defensive acumen, a way better alternative to underperformers such as Jon Obi Mikel.

On the other hand, Chelsea’s reluctance to entrust stars such as Romelu Lukaku, Thibalt Courtois, Kevin De Bruyne and Josh Mceachran deserved places within the side continues to confound fans and pundits alike. Regression in the development of talented stars Nathan Ake, Ryan Betrand and Nathaniel Chalobah compounds further misery in fans who continue to pray for the arrival of the next youth player to break in to the first team.
Among these players, Romelu Lukaku showed that he is the most deserving of a place in the current Chelsea the side.

The Belgium star has proven himself this season in the Premier League for West Brom. In striking positions, Lukaku has shown Chelsea that he is the right man to lead the line and frightening prospect of a player. A towering physical specimen, Lukaku is not only strong but also very fast. That deceptive turn of pace and strength have bullied defenders this season. Furthermore, the Belgian possesses neat finishing and is solid at hold up play. It is a pity that his chances to play in the team next season might be further nullified with the impending arrival of Radamel Falcao.

In Goal Keeping, Thibalt Courtois is arguably the best young goal keeper in the world. As an established first teamer for Atlético Madrid, he has impresses scouts with his goal keeping prowess. With many clubs circling around the Belgium, it will be a huge loss if Chelsea forces one of their best ever young goal keepers out because of a lack of game time.
Meanwhile, a long standing crowd favourite Josh Mceachran continues to wait patiently for his chance to play. Josh Mceachran comes highly recommended by many coaches who believe in the potential of the English man. Villas-Boas once commented on McEachran saying:

“This is a youngster with so much talent, Physique-wise, there is nothing to him at the moment. In the changing room you see him getting ready to go and train and he looks nothing like a footballer. His power and pace is in his head. But you could say the same about Luka Modric, Jack Wilshere or Samir Nasri. All are built with slight physiques but they are all among the finest midfield players in the world. Josh is going that way. His brain is always five yards ahead of the rest. I see in him very much as part of the future of this club.”

It is a pity that despite glowing recommendations, Josh continues to be ignored in favour of other players. Josh has been in the youth team since 7 years old, and thrived through the years while others left. This season, he has impressed at Middlesbrough, and earned the Middlesbrough young player of the season award. Furthermore, Josh is just a year younger than Jack Wilshere. However, it is surprising how Wilshere has successfully cemented his place in the Arsenal first team so quickly while Josh continues to languish on the side lines. This is even more surprising when both players were once considered the brightest young English midfielders of their generation.

The Future

Chelsea may have bought themselves a young and talented core that will help them challenge for future trophies and silverware. However, they have undermined years of effort spent on developing talented youth who could make a difference for the club at a significantly cheaper price.

Thibalt Courtois can be the next Peter Cech, Lukaku the next Drogba and Mceachran the next Lampard but all that will not matter if the coach does not give them the opportunity to step up to the plate. While it is more likely that Romelu Lukaku will be recalled back to the first team for the next season, it remains to be seen whether he can displace the next big and expensive striker that signs for Chelsea. For other players, one should expect them to go out on loans yet again. While loans are good to develop experience, it remains to be seen whether such rejection from a parent club that courted them initially will have adverse effects on their loyalties.

As a football enthusiast, my wish is undoubtedly for these players to live up to their full potential and bring the game to new heights, no matter where they play. I can only hope that they do not come back to bite Chelsea for the club’s decision to let them go.

Kevin De Bruyne – To Go or Not?

It was only in January 2012 when Chelsea announced the permanent signing of Kevin De Bruyne from KRC Genk. The Belgian arrived on a fee in the region of 7 million, but was loaned back to Genk for the remainder of the season.
For many Chelsea supporters, De Bruyne was a signing many had never heard off, even when the Belgium had played against Chelsea in the Champion’s League (Although his performances in those games were arguably muted). For those who do follow the Belgium league, De Bruyne would be readily recognized as one of the top talents to ever come out of the country. He was an instrumental cog in Genk’s side since being promoted to the first team in 2008 and already a league winner at the young age of 21.

De Bruyne arrival at Chelsea was an inspired move. Chelsea had secured one of the best young talents from Belgium who could inject flair and creativity into the side’s then ageing midfield. However, his step up to the Chelsea first team would have to wait after Chelsea announced a loan move for the youngster to German Club Werder Breman for this season.

While many might argue that a loan move was unnecessary, it was the right one as the De Bruyne would have found it hard to break into the first team flooded with big marquee signings like Oscar and Hazard. It was also that loan move that saw him flourish for the German side Werder Breman.

Currently, De Bruyne has already chalked up 6 goals and 8 assists in 28 games for the club. This is impressive considering that the Belgian had only begun to establish himself into the first team. While statistics only tell one side of the story, it is the Belgian’s passing and creativity that really shines through on the pitch.

Ever since making a debut for the Genk side, many knew that De Bruyne was meant to be a star in central midfield. This was due to his superb passing range and vision which saw him create many chances for strikers. While he primarily played as a left winger for Genk, his play style mirrored that of David Silva and Mata, who devastated defences with pinpoint passes after cutting in from the wings. De Bruyne also had a unique flair for dribbling, pace to burn and packed a killer long shot which has seen him score sensational goals from distance (youtube him when you can).

This season, De Bruyne showed the Bundesliga all the qualities that endeared him to fans worldwide. Arguably, the most important move would definitely be the Belgian’s successful transition into a center midfield, where a majority of his goals, assist and key performances came from.

However, like other players, De Bruyne is not perfect. The Belgian falters especially in the defensive aspects of the game and is poor in finishing moves inside the box. While finishing may not be the most important trait for him to master, the defensive aspect of the game could be make or break for the Belgian especially in an ever changing football landscape. As center midfielders now are expected to perform both attacking and defensive aspects of the game well, De Bruynes weakness could be the reason why Chelsea might offload the Belgian in the next transfer window.

As many might have noticed, rumours have been flying around of an impending exit. The Belgian is reportedly being used as a makeweight to bring Bayer Leverkusen striker/Left winger André Schürrle to the club. The German has fared better in the Bundesliga this term, with 11 goals and 6 assist coming in from the left winger position.

André Schürrle comes in as a striker who is known for his high work rate, stamina and versatility in playing in an area of the attacking midfield. He has to pace to burn and an eye for goal which could help alleviate Chelsea’s striking woes. Furthermore, he can also provide back up to any of the three midfield attacking positions behind the striker which are currently dominated by Mata, Hazard, Oscar and Victor Moses. His addition will bring new dimensions to the Chelsea attack, although the unfortunate displacement of Oscar or Moses from the first team will be a likely result.

Nevertheless, it is without question that André Schürrle represents a great buy for the club, but is losing De Bruyne in the process a big mistake?

As it stands, Chelsea lacks alternatives in the center of midfield. In most games, the pair of Ramires and Mikel has been a regular feature. While Lampard deputies capably for Ramires and Mikel at times, a lack of capable substitutes especially with Romeu injured has exposed the weaknesses of the Chelsea dual midfield pivot.

For example, Mikel while strong in defence lacks the passing ability to release Chelsea’s attacking midfielders. As many would agree, Torres flourishes in a system where he runs on to through balls. Mikel’s preference to lay the ball off the Chelsea’s ball playing trio of Hazard, Mata and Oscar leaves the Spaniard with little running space. Ramires on the other hand, is full of drive and running, but also lacks the eye for a pass. This is where De Bruyne can potentially flourish.

It is obvious that a Genk version of De Bruyne playing on the left wing would hardly get a chance in this competitive Chelsea side. To play, he would have to displace Hazard, arguably Chelsea’s best player. In midfield however, the time is right for De Bruyne to make his mark. While his defensive skills have been questionable, more game time and tutelage under his peers can improve his all round play. His passing however, is something that brings tremendous leverage to Chelsea’s attacking play.

Be it short or long pass, De Bruyne can do it all. In a way, he reminds many of Xabi Alonso (albeit his passing side of the game) in his passing play style. In a duo with either Mikel or Ramires holding, Chelsea could finally have the perfect link between defence and attack. Furthermore, his knack for long shots will also take pressure of David Luiz, whose forays forward are masked with more unpredictability than effectiveness.

In conclusion, it would be a bad move for Chelsea to let De Bruyne go. Years ago, they acquired a rough gem that looked uncertain of success. However, thanks to astute loan moves, Kevin De Bruyne has shown that he can flourish in center midfield. It is up to the club whether they would afford him the opportunity to play or not.

PS: On a side note, if both André Schürrle and Kevin De Bruyne could stay, that would be the best outcome

Ramblings of the Rich and Bored

Shiek Mansour, Roman Abramovich and Tony Fernandez, what do they have in common?

A Shit ton of money.

The Trio are some of the wealthiest owners of football clubs in the premier league. They represent an increasing number of affluent people who have taken the step towards owning football clubs all over the world.

However, many have not been happy with latest developments. Fans of other clubs who have yet to gain infusion of petrol/steel/airline/etc dollars claim that such backing brings about detrimental impacts. After all, such money gives them an edge over other clubs with less capital in the transfer market.

For years now, countless articles have gone out showing what fans or the industry think about such developments? What about our favourite tyrannical billionaires? Surely they have opinions too?

For one, Chelsea are facing a tough battle for 4^th place despite having spent millions on the world’s top young boys. They are also left with 2 misfiring strikers and a manager who can’t seem to stay focused on the prize. Add that to negative sentiments on the Frank Lampard contract debacle and you realize how great a headache Abramovich has on his hand.

In Manchester, Current Champions Manchester City sit on a double digit deficit from league leaders Manchester united. The team which Shiek Money Mansour spent hundreds of millions of dollars on are not playing well. Aguero has yet to hit the same heights as last season and a discontented Yaya Toure stirs up a storm in the back ground.

If you think that’s bad, what about Tony Fernandez? Air Asia’s eccentric CEO. His club now sits at the bottom of the table with 23 miserable points. All this despite spending a shit ton of money buying footballing stars. This is an absolute nightmare situation for any investor to be in.

In times of crisis, I like to think that the best places for solace lies in meeting with people who are in just as much shit as you are. Hence, in that eventuality, what would our owners say to each other in such a situation?

In a not so secret meeting location many miles away….

Mansour: Welcome Roman to my humble abode. You are now in my luxury suite at the Etihad stadium. If you would like, I could give you a tour of my private art collection or let you have a taste of some expensive caviar.

Abramovich: Well Mansour, it surprises me how you take every opportunity you can to rub your wealth all over my face. I get the point that I am no longer the Premier league’s sugar daddy. Right now, I feel like a rich Arsene Wenger. This disgusts me, I need to freshen up in the toilet.

Minutes later…

Abramovich: What a splendid and lavishly decorated toilet. I expected nothing less from you. At one point, I even thought oil would flow out from that tap. However, I can’t seem to understand one thing. Why are there fireworks laid out in the bathtub?

Mansour: Ah my apologies Roman, those fireworks must have been left behind by Balotelli. I was really hoping to try lighting those up with him eventually. Too bad he was shipped off to Milan. What an irony, I was hoping that Mancini could get the best out of that brat. I am never buying Italian “wonder kids” ever again.

Abramovich: This is why you can’t spend ridiculous amounts of money on players. Look at Shevchenko and Torres. I could not even get these 3 players to score more goals than Drogba. And Drogba was a Jose Mourinho buy. That guy’s shadow stalks the entire team! Now these media vultures are saying that I am making wrong decisions for Chelsea football club. But it is my club!

Mansour: You can’t have that attitude in the club managing game Roman. You also can’t make transfer decisions for the club. That’s why I have my expensive team of scouts and negotiators to do that for me. They might need my yacht or private jet now and then to bribe players but I get what I want.

Abramovich: Throwing ridiculous bags of money to get what you want, how nice…

Mansour: Now now Abramovich, don’t take the moral high ground on me. It is not as if you were not doing that before I entered the scene. All is fair in the game of football.

Abramovich: Fairness is one thing, but I cannot tolerate how you keep undercutting me at every turn. First with David Silva then Nasri and then Aguero! I had to buy a replica of David Silva in Mata to console myself. It was a miracle you did not steal Hazard away from me.

Mansour: Hey, I take Mata any day. He has become the best player in your club while Nasri and Silva have not been playing well this season in my club. Forget about that playboy Hazard, he flirted with every single team and dumped everyone majestically for you. I am done with that kind of player.

Abramovich: Hazard was a major coup but still… playing second fiddle to your wealth is infuriating.

Mansour: Don’t worry friend! If you do need an ego boost, hang out more with Tony next time. Girls can tell who the poorer rich guy is.

Abramovich: How ingenious! I should start following him on Twitter and Facebook then. Oh look, here he comes.

Tony arrives…

Tony: Hello my friends, I have just got off the phone with several football agents. They are adamant that their clients move if we get relegated. I can’t believe it, it is as if everyone wants to jump ship already.

Abramovich: Took you that long to figure out? I never understood your transfer strategy anyway.

Mansour: Be nice Roman. I feel your pain Tony. Spending 12.5 million dollars each on Loic Remy and Chris samba was a huge move. Yet even though Remy consistently scores, you can’t seem to find your way out of relegation.

Tony: I can’t wrap my head around Chris Samba. It was as if Russia made him a lousier defender. He got torn apart by Fulham that day and I am paying him 90 grand a week!

Abramovich: January transfers are crazy. The last time I spent money in January on players, I got a Torres and David Luiz. Now Torres isn’t scoring any goals and Luiz is just crazy. I paid for a defender god damn it, not some defender who thinks he can be both Xavi and Ronaldo at the same time.

Tony: Well, David Luiz is a great player to me. How about trading him for anyone of my players? Would you consider Adel Taraabt? That kid is full of talent.

Abramovich: No way, that kid carries tons of emotional baggage which I can’t handle. I think I will stick to sideshow bob. I mean come on. Afros are totally cool. Hmmmmm…this got me thinking, how about I buy a team full of players with Afros?

Tony: I would totally jump in on that deal.

Mansour: I will get Tevez to grow one and transfer him over. That would be epic.

Abramovich: You know who we can get? Fellaini! That Belgian is crazy talented.

Mansour: Sigh, I am over the whole “talented” tag thing. Just look at Scott Sinclair! I thought he was full of talent until I watched a YouTube clip featuring him during a free kick training. He couldn’t even complete a free kick properly! This is the last time I am buying any ex Chelsea youth team players.

Abramovich: Excuse me? I have spent tons of money on my youth team. Sinclair was just a piece of deadwood. Just look at Lucas Piazon, Romelu Lukaku and Kevin De Bruyne. They are excellent young starlets for my Chelsea revolution.

Tony: If only you can keep them at the club. Funny how you are sounding more and more like a paedophile. Besides you didn’t mention Courtois. It’s crazy how you still rely on Cech when you have the best young keeper in the world right under your nose.

Mansour: Yeah. You should dump Cech already Roman, Courtois is the future.

Abramovich: Hey don’t insult Cech! He may be over 30 but he still adds value to my team. And Look who is talking now. How dare you criticize my transfer policy Tony?! At least I don’t screw up and buy two keepers in the same transfer market. Poor Rob Green, he thought he would be the number one until you paid another premium for Julio Cesar.

Mansour: I have got to agree, that was a poor decision and a waste of money Tony. What do you think this is? FIFA? I thought you had more sense than that.

Tony: Well at least I am a better FIFA player than all of you. Besides, I am damn sure I won’t pay 50 million on a striker who can’t score or a striker who took a vacation in the middle of the playing season. Face it! You guys have made mistakes as well.

Abramovich: Well we are not staring relegation in the face. Try to accomplish that on FIFA Tony.

Tony: Trust me. QPR is not getting relegated this season. The Players will come to their senses soon.

Mansour: What senses do they have when money has clouded it. On a side note, what is Park Ji Sun doing in the side anyway? I get that you are Asian and need to have fill your Asian quota but did you have to get him? There are better players Asian players out there.

Tony: Park has tons of marketing value. He is practically a god to Korea women so that tons of loyal fans. How about you? Fancy any Arab players coming in anytime soon?

Mansour: That’s Ridiculous…. We Arabs don’t do Arab players! Besides we are digressing my friends. May I remind you that we came together to find a solution to our problems. Roman needs to maintain a champions league placing and Tony needs to stay in the premier league. I am losing my patience with Mancini. He may have built up a title winning squad but the management of it is getting atrocious!

Abramovich: That’s why I don’t put my faith in a manager completely.

Tony: You fire every manager that gets a bad run of results. That’s bordering crazy. You have an addiction to the chopping block, admit it!

Mansour: Agreed. You have got to start trusting people Roman. Very soon no one will want to manage Chelsea. Imagine if you kept getting fired on your first job, you wouldn’t be here today right? I would probably be talking to some Chinese Billionaire right now.

Abramovich: Oh please, who I fire is my own problem. Besides don’t you like the feeling of firing people?

Tony: Not even remotely you sadist…

Abramovich: Fine, it is probably the Russian mafia in me that enjoys it but honestly, all my managers have been subpar. And I lost out on my one true love Guardiola. Thinking about it breaks my heart. But rest assured, there are plenty of candidates ready to take the leap of faith as long as money is around. Chelsea will bounce back! Till then I will keep firing and hiring till Guardiola gives me a chance.

Tony: What about your fans? Surely they are tired with this managerial merry go round?

Abramovich: Money always talks Tony. Who cares what the fans think. That’s Rule one of being a ridiculously rich and powerful man. Besides, as long as we win, everything will soon be forgotten.

Mansour: That’s true. Too bad I don’t have the heart to adopt your approach.

Abramovich: Oh please, your Arab syndicate dictates oil prices on a whim. Don’t pretend to be compassionate in front of us.

Mansour: You got me there. Nevertheless, I will definitely be splashing huge amounts of cash in the next transfer window. No hard feelings if I steal your transfer targets?

Tony: Just leave the old birds and Russian league players to me brothers.

Abramovich: It is funny how we called an emergency meeting yet the solution was right in front of us the whole time. Gotta love money.

Mansour: Well money is the only solution before fair play comes in.

Tony: Fair play? That’s the biggest joke UEFA ever tried to pull. Get your cheque books out boys, it’s time to spend.

Should there be a 13th season for Frank Lampard?

A fierce Eden Hazard drive stung the hands of Jussi Jaaskelainan. However, the danger was not over yet.

The rebounded ball landed on the feet of Victor Moses, who’s attempted cross rebounded to the Belgium yet again.

Hazard had the opportunity to take another shot.

Only this time, he chipped it over the West Ham defence to the awaiting Frank Lampard. With a fierce leap, he met the ball head on, sending it into the net. Finally, Lampard had broken the 200^th goal barrier.

There were so many things about that goal that seemed all too familiar. From the trademarked late run into the penalty box to the neat finish that many strikers (Ba and Torres included) wish they could pull off. With that goal, Lampard reminded Chelsea fans of the amazing 12 year journey they had taken with him.

Coming in from West Ham as a rookie, who would have thought that Lampard could achieve so much at Chelsea Football club? Not many would have expected Lampard to see off Bobby Tambling’s 202 goal bench mark at the end of his career. But now, he is 3 goals away from doing it.

In the hearts of many, their thoughts were unanimous. They wanted Lampard to stay and retire at the club where he made his name.

Hearing the cries of the countless fans begging Roman Abramovich to give Lampard another contract is heart-warming for any Chelsea fan (me included). I know how hard it is to let go of a legend we love.

However, as a pragmatist, there is only one question we can ask. Is there value in keeping Lampard for another year?

In all honesty, football is a business. Clubs are like companies offering a service of entertainment to millions of fans worldwide. We fans pick up the tab for a good 90 minutes of it.

Players in a way are like products. Only in this case, each product is different and undergoes constant change as they age. Some change may be for the better and others for the worst. Everyone has an expiry date.

When you look at Frank Lampard, you see a freshly minted product acquired from the shelves at West Ham who became a priceless collectible. He was different, a special footballer blessed with both superb technical skills and an intelligent footballing brain.

Through constant hard work and commitment, Lampard became so much more. He developed a great vision and passing range and became the ideal creator. With his intelligent runs and finishing ability, he was the ideal goal scorer.

However, all that was in the past.

For anyone to make a decision on whether to award Lampard a one year extension, one can only look at a few key criteria; Strengths, Weaknesses and Risk for the future.

Strengths

Undoubtedly, Frank Lampard is one of the team’s most senior players. He is also a respected vice-captain and a capable captain when called upon.

His influence in the dressing room and on the pitch is crucial. Many often point out that experience is needed to win titles. Just look at rivals Manchester United. Their use of players such as Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes exemplify that.

Should Lampard leave, Chelsea will lose a crucial component of the dressing room. The last time a bunch of experienced players left, Chelsea went from doubles winners to 4^th placed challengers. Carlo Ancelotti (the coach then) got fired.

Furthermore, Frank Lampard is a model professional. His ability to stay out of controversy in recent years and attitude in training is top notch. He sets an example for many of the younger players to follow.

As a player, Lampard offers dynamism. Having been able to make a seamless transition from attacking midfield to defensive midfield where he currently plays. He also offers numbers to a relatively small squad challenging on many fronts.

Chelsea plays predominantly in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with the duo midfield pivot a crucial part of the system. That pivot is where Lampard plays.

The only other midfielders playing in his position are Mikel and Ramires (Romeu is injured). There is currently a shortage of capable players in the holding midfield position. Hence, should Lampard leave and no suitable replacements are brought in, the club will struggle to match the quality of the other teams.

Moreover, Lampard leads the club in shirt sales. The club stands to lose a significant portion of their shirt revenue should he leave.

Lampard’s name has also been synonymous with the Chelsea brand worldwide. While new names like Hazard and Mata are ready to exert greater marketing influence, retaining Lampard is crucial if the club seeks to continue appealing to the greater market of fans that have been tied to the club through him.

Lampard’s marketing power together with John Terry is also the strongest in appealing to English fans, where he is a fan favourite and cult hero.

Weaknesses

One major question that should be considered is whether the club can find a replacement for Lampard.

Furthermore, it is important for that replacement to match what Lampard currently does for the club. With a lack of players of the same mould in the market right now, it is highly unlikely that the club can find a suitable replacement anytime soon.

However, is it really necessary for the club to invest in a player like Lampard?

Currently, Lampard loses his edge in a competitive Chelsea midfield. The current surplus of attacking talent like Hazard Mata and Oscar also decreases his importance to the side as an attacking midfielder; a role he played to aplomb for years.

Instead, what the club really needs are players with the ability to screen the defence and propel attacking moves from the back. While Lampard has shown that he can play in defensive midfield, his effectiveness has been called to question in recent months.

Compared to Mikel, Lampard is defensively weaker. Compared to Ramires, Lamaprd’s work rate and industry is understandably lower due to his age.

While Lampard surpasses both Ramires and Mikel in passing range and scoring, that is hardly the priority when you have 3 gifted attacking midfielders and a striker to do that work for you.

Risk

At the age of 34, Lampard is in the zenith of his career.

If he is offered another contract that should exceed a hundred thousand pounds a week, it would mean a huge financial risk for Chelsea if he gets injured.

While Lampard has escaped serious injuries in his career, signs of a recurrent thigh injury are worrying. This season, Lampard picked up a thigh injury and was absent for the euro 2012. Chances that he might suffer a relapse of the same injury should be accounted for.

However, risk also runs both ways.

Chelsea Fans have been vociferous with their demands for Lampard to stay.

In this case, a Lampard departure could lead to sour relations with fans.

Fans are the bread and butter of the club. While it is highly unlikely that fans will boycott the club if Frank leaves, giving fans what they want might do a lot to mitigate other deep lying resentments against the club.

One such resentment would definitely be the never ending managerial merry go round that goes on in the club. Giving Lampard a new deal might placate fans who are increasing frustrated at how the club is being run.

Conclusion

Frank Lampard has given Chelsea 12 amazing years of service. He has created cherished memories and became the idol of many fans. However, looking forward, it is time for the club to let go.

While Frank’s contributions in shirt sales and goal scoring feats are undoubtedly crucial, keeping a 34 year old veteran at the club with a huge wage bill is a risk not many will take.

Furthermore, the presence of other midfield talents around the world may prove to be more attractive and less expensive acquisitions.

While fans may rue the decision, it is for the best. Lampard’s involvement in the team has stifled the careers of many throughout the years. With his influence waning, it is time for him to step aside and let others take on the mantle for themselves. (I am looking at you Josh Mceachran)

What is the Value of Religion in Today’s world?

“Religion is an organized collection of belief systems, cultural systems, and world views that relate humanity to spirituality and, sometimes, to moral values.”

I believe it is basic human instinct to seek answers to what we do not know. As anyone would tell you, we have only grasped the surface when it comes to understanding the world by which we live in.

There a phenomenons and miracles that we have not yet found explanations for despite the advancements in science and technology. In a way, religion has always been used as a way to explain why things happen the way they do.

When the ancient Greeks struggled to find a rational explanation for the genesis of fire, they made the tale of how Prometheus stole fire from Zeus for humanity’s sake.

For centuries, religious texts have served as the rather “convenient” answer to these mysteries. Think about it, how easy is it to just heap what you do not know on mighty powerful beings that know more than we know?

However, as centuries came and went, we gradually found out that fire was created by the generation of kinetic energy through the rubbing of flint stones. With enough heat generated on combustible materials, a fire could be made.

What science does for us is that it replaces what religion once explained and added that with proof. Yet science can only explain so much.

I don’t plan to talk about whether there is a god or not. I feel this debate is beyond even our own understanding. What I feel people should come to consensus with is that if there is a god, it is not the god describe in the bible, Qur’an or any religious texts for that matter.

What I do want to talk about though, is the impact of organized religion in our society today.

For many of my friends, religion is a part of their life they commit to. Be it in weekly meetings at church or the mosque. I have never been to church or intend to, because I think organized religion is what the world does not need.

For this piece, I will be using examples from Christianity. It is not from a personal bias, it is just that I am more in tuned with events surrounding Christianity than any other religion.

When you look at an church nowadays, it is not just a house of god. It has become a corporation or business model that strives on its devout followers. In fact, the line between simple places of worship has been blurred so much.

In Singapore, we have a church that owns a shopping center. We have another that sponsors the career of a (fledgling) pop star.

Like it or not, these places have become companies that follow business etiquette and practices. But instead of participating in a free market like everyone else, the rules don’t apply to them because they are places of worship.
In fact, to put it bluntly. If i wanted a business model that succeeded, I would build a church.

After all, I have a legion of devout followers who need me. I get to deduct money of their salaries with little cost. (All i need is an overzealous pastor and an area for people to congregate). It is even a sustainable business model because it is not affected by recession.

While I agree that verdict maybe harsh, lets look at the other benefits organized religion claims to give us. The most common benefit many people mention is morals.

The very notion that you need to be immersed in religion to learn morals is outrageous. How is the bible or Qur’an a possible source of morals when their stories depict an angry god that commits genocide. (town of sodom anyone?)

Humans are born innately with morals, it is a proven fact. One of my favorite quotes on this comes from Eddie griffin who said.

“You do not need to go to church to know it is wrong to kill you mama”

The most common thing people tell me when I engage in discourse about religion is that you cannot dispute a book that has been around for ages. Yet one thing they can never wrap their heads around is the question of whether the book is even real.

We all know for a fact that god did not write the bible. In fact, it was followers of Jesus that wrote the book. Now if I was guy back then and I wanted publicity for the biggest pop star of the era i.e Jesus, I would say anything it took to get everyone to remember him. Even if it is not real.

I mean come on, Nostradamus could have been some mad man who wrote gibberish, yet a thousand years later people are studying what he wrote as if they were cryptic messages foretelling the future. Isn’t that  a worthy investment. In fact Jesus must have been a really smart guy, years after his death who would have thought he would be the most famous icon after Buddha (another smart man).

In any case, think about it as simple probability. If I wrote a bunch of words relating to random crazy events, what are the chances that in a million years down the road, an event like what I wrote might come to fruition?

So back to the bible, how do we know that the original writers had not tampered with the text. In fact when the new testament came out, did anyone ever question its authenticity?

This is the biggest problem with religion, they base their entire ideology on a book that has no credentials. But they never question it, why? Because religious people are never trained to question.

These are my thoughts on religion nowadays. To sum it all up? I am just disappointed how admirably stupid people can be when they just believe unwaveringly in things just thrown at them.

Could be a result on childhood indoctrination or human being’s basic instinct to find excuses for the unknown?

What do you think?

 

Chelsea need Nigerian Duo to Salvage their Season

Chelsea’s loss to Manchester City on Sunday did little to quell the anxiety and anger among fans of the club.

Going into the new season after having secured the services of superstar Eden Hazard and other young prodigious talents, Chelsea looked like the team to beat for the upcoming season. However, a loss in form in the league and their premature exit from the champion’s league followed. This led to sacking of Club Legend and fan favourite Robert Di Matteo.

It seemed to be yet another bleak season for fans of Chelsea Football club. Only this time, their disappointment was further exacerbated with the hiring of Rafa Benitez as interim manager. While initial results seemed promising, the season has now gone downhill.

Thankfully, Benitez did get one thing right. That was the increased responsibility he has given to Chelsea’s Nigerian duo.

For many fans, Jon Obi Mikel has been a familiar face and a mainstay in the Chelsea team since he joined as an 18 year old in 2005. Now 25, the Nigerian has grown leaps and bounds. Most recently, he showcased his talent as a holding midfielder in Nigeria’s win at the Africa Cup of Nations 2013.

In the tournament, his tenacity in defence and solid distribution of the ball provided the perfect springboard for his team mates to attack. He was the main reason why Nigeria was able to demolish teams like Ivory Coast, Mali and finalist Burkina Faso, proving why he is one of the best African midfielders at the moment.

While Mikel was gone, his midfield presence in the Chelsea midfield was sorely missed. While the Ramires – Mikel midfield combination has drawn criticism for being uncreative, one thing never lacking between the two was their defensive strengths and sheer power. Ramires would embark on his lung bursting runs confident that Mikel would be there to screen the defence.

That defensive solidity was evident in the match against Manchester City, where Mikel made his long awaited return to the club’s midfield. In the match, he made numerous interceptions and tackles while displaying his expansive range of passing. Although he was partly responsible for Yaya Toure’s goal, his overall performance reminded Chelsea fans why he has been a constant feature in the side despite the managerial merry go round that has been going on in recent years.

On the attacking side, Chelsea’s other Nigerian star Victor Moses has drawn plaudits from many for his inspired performances on the right wing.

Originally bought from Wigan for a mere 9 million pounds, Moses was a relatively quiet arrival compared to the likes of Oscar and Hazard. Many had even wondered whether he could fit into the team. While Robert Di Matteo fancied Moses mostly as an impact substitute, it was Rafa Benitez who saw potential in Moses and trusted him with numerous starts.

In the subsequent games, Moses’s trickery, pace and attacking strengths repaid Benitez’s faith in him. The Nigerian even managed to displace Brazil wonder kid Oscar from the starting line-up. His success is mainly due to his play style, being the only out and out winger in the squad. What he brings in attacking width and effectiveness makes him so indispensable for Benitez.

His impending departure to the AFCON must have been highly disappointing for Benitez, especially when the Nigerian was fast approaching top form. This loss was even more keenly felt when Benitez failed to find adequate replacements for them.

One might remember the David Luiz experiment, where the Benitez finally gave the Brazilian a shot at playing as a midfielder. However, after several good displays, his influenced waned and Chelsea suffered as a result. In other areas, bringing in Oscar back into the team with Mata and Hazard gave greater attacking creativity, but failed in bringing the best out of Torres or Demba Ba.

Fast forward to last Sunday, a win against Manchester City would have been the perfect catalyst to boost Chelsea’s top 4 hopes. However, the disastrous loss puts even more pressure on the entire team to continue their quest to qualify for the Champions league. However, one thing that can be taken from it was the good performances both Mikel and Moses produced. Giving many hope that the pair can become the backbone of the team this season together with the evergreen Juan Mata.

It is clear to many that Chelsea’s Nigerian duo has been sorely missed. While Oscar and Hazard slowly find their feet in the premier league, it would fall on Moses (who has already had premier league experience at Wigan) to propel the side’s attacking moves. For Mikel, his indispensable defensive influence in the middle of the field can bring stability back to the Chelsea back line.

Their influence is the key to improving this woefully inconsistent Chelsea team in a state of transition.

While winning the league is nearly impossible for Chelsea, a top 4 finish is not impossible for them. However with Arsenal, Tottenham and Everton all vying for the coveted Champions league spot, they definitely face a tough battle on their hands.

Benitez can only hope that the return of his Nigerian stars will galvanize the salvaging of this season.

A Walk Down Memory Lane 3 – A Tribute to Jonathon.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a novel that explores introversion – a trait in Johnathon, my high school class-mate. John was recluse, often drifting around unnoticed.

My experience with him went back to the first day of junior college, where I witnessed an unfortunate incident that happened in class.

We were taken by our form teacher to the lab for some ice breaking. Back then, we were sitting on lab stools, old wooden and weak. Johnathon as I remembered was over weight, and unfortunately, broke the chair when he sat on it.

At that point of time, I had barely known anyone in class. What would be an incident that drew bouts of laughter did not happen. But that memory would serve as a joke that we would always bring up throughout our entire college years.

Our initial feelings at that time about Johnathon was clear. To sum it up, John was seen as weird and to a certain extent crazy. He was also very detached from our class. Despite our efforts to include him in activities, he stubbornly kept away, obviously daunted by the new surroundings and people.

In a way it was also our fault for excluding him in the first few months. Girls found him weird while guys could not click with him. Also, he was too defensive and could never take jokes made about him. He would often resort to pulling out his trusty pen knife and waving it in our faces when we made a joke about him he did not like. No points for who he first pulled the knife on (me).

In fact, his knife wielding antics caused the bout of altercations between me and him. I felt he had no right to behave that way and that he was child living in his own world. He felt that I was arrogant and had no right to dictate the rules of life to him.

When the yearly project work assignment came into play, I desperately hoped that I would never have to be in his group. Lo and behold, we found out that we were placed in the same project work group.

Like how the story’s (The Perks of Being a Wallflower) characters Sam and Patrick eventually befriended Charlie, the protagonist. The project was a chance I was gifted with to delve into Johnathon’s world.

It was weird to step into the same room as your enemy knowing that you have to set aside differences to get the A grade you want. Throwing John into our group seemed make us a volatile concoction. However that was not the case. Through our weekly meet ups, our perception of each other changed.

I realized that we had similar interests; one in particular was our love for Japanese cartoons (Manga). Johnathon also impressed me with his candor. At times, his unique advice on how to solve my problems was refreshing. I even began to crave his insights on my problems. (even though I could never admit that to him)

During the course of our project and the weekly meetings, he became a close friend and confidant. We even talked about the possibility to go to Japan with other classmates for a Manga convention in the summer (I would be going to see girls instead of course).

At that time, his relationship with my classmates also changed. Through me, he managed to gain more friends. They began to like him and we gradually bonded. Touching moments where we cheered him on to the finish line during physical education lessons to countless study sessions we had together were memorable. I particularly enjoyed our Halo sessions when we were supposed to do work.

In short, john became one of us and we became part of his world.

Sadly, while he made more friends with other people, our bond was one that broke as fast as it started. A day before our final presentation, John’s shortcomings culminated into a huge fight between the rest of the group members and him.

The cause was his lack of responsibility and negativity that left us frustrated when we found out he was way behind in preparation for our presentation. My group leader lost it and scolded him severely. I lost my calm and joined in, frustrated at the fading chance to get an A grade. For Jonathon, he took it as a personal attack.

A day after a somewhat disastrous presentation, we were back again as enemies. I would snap at his annoying behavior in school and he would jump at any chance to insult me. It came to the point that I even wanted to video tape his threatening of me with a knife ( a habit he never lost) and show it to our teacher. It was a nasty experience that lasted till the end of A levels.

Perhaps the best thing that happened for us was the end of school , where we stopped seeing each other everyday. I did not meet him for months and we forgot about each other. I turned my focus to the exams.

It was only a year later when we met again, this time at a year end barbeque at my friend’s house. During that bbq, we talked once again. It was nostalgic, just like the good times we shared working together at my house doing project work. However, I still sensed a feeling of apprehension when we talked. Old hatred still ran deep in our veins. I knew my friendship with him was still turbulent. I still wonder  now whether he had put the past aside.

At the end, I cheekily promised that I would help him out with his new gyming routine and still anticipated the day we would meet again to receive our A level results together.

That never happened

A month before the results, John passed away from a cardiac arrest while he was gyming. I remembered receiving an sms from a close friend. It was devastating news. In fact, I could not believe it. I thought it was a sick joke. On the day of the results, a slight glimmer of hope still rested in my heart. I hoped that he would appear and join our class once again. All we got instead, was a chartered bus to his funeral.

“Things change. And friends leave. And life doesn’t stop for anybody.” Stephen Chbosky.

I have always thought that one day, we will all lose something we love. I had not imagined it would happen so soon and so fast. I found a little solace in this quote when I read the book in the days leading up to his funeral. However, as I stepped down the bus that day, my head was still in turmoil.

In one hand, I clutched at my A level results. My results were not good. My future for tertiary education seemed a far cry away. I thought I would feel sad or regretful yet all I could think of was the one thing that every one of us had that day.

Life.

For all the results we got, be it good or bad, we had the privilege of staying on. I had the privilege to fight another day. That was a chance that John did not have. That was a chance stolen away from John. Despite my bad results, I decided to find the resolve to continue on my quest of success, to honor John’s memory.

It was somewhat comforting and I thought I had found a goal worthy of pursuing. A goal that would honor his memory. With that, I promised myself that I would not cry and joined the rest of my classmates walking into the funeral hall. Yet as we all queued up to see John’s casket, tears began streaming down uncontrollably.

I realized what the root cause was; the hidden regrets that I kept hidden from my friends and even myself, when I first heard the news of his death.

I regretted that I had not made full use of the time we had together. Walking into the funeral hall knowing that we were each other’s worst enemies during our JC years was painful. It hurt even more, knowing that we were once close friend.

My mind flashed back to that night at the bbq. I regretted not taking the opportunity to patch things up with him.

As I sobbed at one corner by myself, I chanced upon a handful of Johnathon’s friends at the wake. They were shedding the same tears I was. Only they could understand the opportunity I had lost.

As I look back at this incident a year later, I realized that there are many lessons that one can learn from this experience.

One would be to make the best out of my life, to honor those who were tragically unable to. The next is to look ahead positively, knowing that I still had the opportunity to achieve success another day.

This will be the lesson that ties John’s death back to the book I read. The Perks of Being a Wallflower.

To many, “wallflowers” are exactly like Johnathon. They are deemed weird, best left alone. They are society’s unwanted, those that fly by without others noticing. While John may have bonded with our class eventually, I could safely say that we were the few friends he had. Many others shunned him when in truth, he is just human, like all of us.

The book does a good job in shedding light on the lives of those obscured by the prejudice of conformity. When John and I were working together on that project, he became a good friend. He became someone I cared about.

While subsequent incidents soured that bond, I was still glad that I had taken the opportunity to know John. Not many have given themselves the chance to do that.

To jump straight to the conclusion, it is basic human nature to stay away from those who do not seem like the norm. In some cases, listening to your instincts may be right but that is not always the case.

I implore anyone who reads this to find a wallflower in your life and ask yourself this very question, ” Do I really know him?” If the answer is no, take a few hours of your time and drop him a message. Maybe go out and get some coffee with him/her.

You might be surprised when you eventually find someone who might be, what Johnathon was to me.