Ramires and Kakuta To Inspire Chelsea In Europe
The wait is over; rumors of Chelsea signing Brazilian Ramires from Benefica have been confirmed. The announcement was made yesterday by Benefica, an official statement read, “Benfica has reached agreement in principle with Chelsea for the transfer of Ramires for a fee of 22 million euros.” The signing will be finalized in the upcoming days, after the medical exam and hopefully before The Blues take on Manchester United in Sunday’s Community Shield.
However, questions have been asked as to how a highly talented, but young and inexperienced player like Ramires can strengthen the squad enough for Chelsea to have a shot at the Champions League title. That is the London club’s goal this season, having won the Premier League, the FA Cup and the Community Shield three times and the Carling Cup twice, over the last decade, they are now eager to prove their dominance in Europe. They’re squad was not the most convincing in the last Champions League campaign, but it was expected that they would strengthen it with more experienced reinforcements during the summer transfer window.
With other big clubs making big signings; both players and managers, it may seem like Chelsea have fallen behind in that department. The Special One, Jose Mourinho joined Madrid to coach the Galacticos – his impressive record gives Madrid hope of recapturing some lost glory. Manchester City emptied out their fat wallet to sign; David Silva, Yaya Toure and Alexander Kolarov. All thought of as useless signings, reminiscent of last season’s signing of Ade and Robinho – both of who proved to be useless to the club.
Liverpool have strengthened their squad with former Chelsea player, Joe Cole. They also maintain skipper Steven Gerrard and striker Fernando Torres to develop what Arjen Robben referred to as “the deadliest in Europe.” Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger seems to have convinced Cesc Fabregas to put his Barcelona dream on hold and stay at Arsenal. Jack Wilshere, the young Englishman seems to hold great potential and along with Fabregas’ decision to stay, the duo are anticipated to guide Arsenal to launching a successful campaign for the Premier League.
Runners up, Manchester United have added young, promising talent to their squad – Javier Hernandez. They have also been linked with the likes of Ozil, Benzema and Khedira, and with time still remaining on the transfer window, anything could happen. Barcelona, who were also after Fabregas have added the Spanish highest goal scorer in the World Cup, David Villa. Even though Villa shares the honors with Sneijder, Forlan and Muller, his performance in the World Cup made him one of the most sought after players.
Coming back to Chelsea, they have an aging squad, with most players returning from disappointing World Cup campaigns. They have failed to impress in the pre season summer friendlies, losing to both Frankfurt and Hamburg with the same 2-1 score line. Ancelotti, who had put his best side forward – playing Drogba, Frank Lampard, John Terry, Essien and Anelka, could not hide his disappointment. Even though Ancelotti stood by third choice goal keeper, Turnbull, who had conceded the goals, he said he did not feel his team was ready for the next season.
However, Chelsea just haven’t found their flow as yet. With the return of Michael Essien and Jose Bosingwa, it is expected that Chelsea will be back in Europe, fighting for the Champions League trophy. Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba, who have shown considerable improvement under Ancelotti, are eager to continue with their good form in the upcoming season and both will hope to score more goals than last season.
Gael Kakuta, the French under 19 star who led his national team to victory and won the golden boot in the process, is thought to be Chelsea’s surprise weapon this season. He has been compared to Manchester United legend, Eric Cantona. The Frenchman boasts a combined skill of pace, trickery and technique, which if used correctly could help Chelsea win not only the Premier League but also the Champions League.
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