Chelsea FC: Forward Thinking

Article by e-Chelsea Correspondent Lee Beevor

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As our season threatens to peter out, the cause of this disappointing end is abundantly clear. Indeed our manager has been equally frustrated, to the point where his usual staunch defence of his players has been abandoned. After the defeats to Palace and PSG, Jose was scathing of his forwards, with the notable exception of Samuel Eto’o. Particular scorn has been poured upon our £50 million flop, Fernando Torres. With this in mind, it seems a timely moment to assess our current crop of strikers and consider where their respective futures lie.

Fernando Torres

This analysis could not start anywhere else but with the maddening Spaniard. In his time at Chelsea, he has been successful only in outlasting his managers. Indeed it is fair to say that his paltry return of goals has been a major contributory factor to the demise of Ancelotti, AVB and most definitely di Matteo.

Our owner even committed the appalling sin of appointing Torres’ former boss, the much loathed Rafael Benitez, in a bid to galvanise the misfiring forward’s fortunes. Under the FSW, Torres had his best spell, albeit his goals were saved for matches against Norwegian part-timers and Europa League outfits of questionable quality. Back in the harsh reality of the Premier League, he continued to fail.

His fifth Chelsea manager has seen the light and it appears at last there is no way back for Torres. Frankly I care not if we release him for free, as I never want to see him play for Chelsea again.

Samuel Eto’o

By contrast, I am growing increasingly fond of the Cameroonian, who has grown in stature as the season has progressed. Clearly unfit after a couple of years on holiday in Russia, Samuel joined us in terrible physical condition. He proved his brain was as sharp as ever, quickly becoming the scourge of goalkeepers and defenders with his astute blocks and interventions, most memorably against Southampton.

As his fitness improved and he adjusted to the unique demands of Premier League football, he started to show his class. It is a great shame we have been deprived of his services since he started the ball rolling with a cool, curling shot for the opening goal at home to Arsenal. I would love to see Samuel given a one year extension to be part of our striking core next season and to help our young players learn from a true great of his generation.

Demba Ba

Unlike Torres, I do not dislike Demba. He always works hard for the team and considering his lack of opportunities, has seldom complained. However, he is clearly not of the required quality to play for Chelsea and should be sold in the summer. Indeed, it is obvious Jose does not rate him, given that Demba has been continually overlooked.
If Arsenal rekindle their interest, it would be strategically wise to allow the move. This would ensure a quartet of harmless opponents (Giroud, Ba, Podolski & Sanogo) lining up at the Library against us next season!

Romelu Lukaku

Lukaku has enjoyed two successful years on loan in the Premier League, with the latest at Champions League chasing Everton. I have watched the Belgian closely when I have seen the Toffees play, as he was one for whom I had high hopes. Unfortunately, I am not convinced that he has what it takes at the very highest level. At this stage in his career, he is definitely not good enough to lead the line at Chelsea. His touch is poor, making it too easy for him to be dispossessed and his finishing is sub-standard. Under the scrutiny he would receive in a Chelsea shirt, I fear we would witness more displays akin to that in the Super Cup against Bayern, when he was clearly out of his depth.

This is a shame, as I like his self-confidence and the way he studies the great strikers to improve his game. Unfortunately, Chelsea cannot wait for him or give him enough minutes to allow his talent to develop. In his case, I think it would be best for all parties to allow him to move on, bank a fee of around £25 million and reinvest it in a proven goal machine.

Patrick Bamford

The 20 year old Bamford is a loanee who I would like to see in our first team squad next season. His progress has been phenomenal, starting the season in League 1 with MK Dons, before jumping up a division and joining Derby. That he has made the transition instantly reflects well on his ability, as evidenced by 24 strikes in 46 matches. Furthermore, the higher level has not slowed this output, as he has notched 7 goals and 3 assists in his 15 Championship appearances.

It may be more sensible to find him a Premier League club with which to spend 2014/15. On the other hand, a supporting role in the squad would enable him to observe top quality players every day in training. Cameos from the bench and a run in the Carling Cup would enable him to be evaluated and a decision taken to retain or loan dependent on his pre-Christmas progress.

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