Recently the Daily Mail had reported that Raul Meireles is a target of Napoli and could join for around £8 million whilst the Daily Star have suggested that he could be used in a deal to sign Edinson Cavani, but considering the midfielders we have in the squad, should he really be the first out of the door?
I’m expecting many people to disagree with me here if the opinions I have heard and read are anything to go by, especially as the Portuguese midfielder isn’t the most loved player at Stamford Bridge and seems to be one of the default scapegoats for a poor team performance…and by saying that I’m not suggesting he’s not had his woeful displays, he’s had them, but perhaps not as bad as people have made out.
Meireles played over 40 games in all competitions for Chelsea last season and contributed six goals and six assists during his first campaign at Stamford Bridge, which aren’t bad stats for a player in his position. He was never particularly amazing, just a steady all rounder with good mobility, works hard and isn’t afraid to get stuck in. He’s never going to be a guaranteed starter but he’s a very useful squad player, essentially.
In comparison, Michael Essien, a player who was one of the best in our ranks once upon a time and a character that is appreciated by the fans. However, the injuries he has suffered have all but ruined his career and his performances have been laboured, he’s a shadow of his former self. It’s sad, really sad, but in reality I do not see him recovering his previous best and is something of an expensive under-performer at the moment.
I’d also clear out the likes of Yossi Benayoun ahead of Meireles, as he has a snowball’s chance in hell at playing much first team football as he’ll be behind the likes of Eden Hazard, Juan Mata, Oscar, Marko Marin and company in the pecking order. On top of that, he was a pointless buy to begin with and pretty much nailed his colours to the mast when he chose to support Arsenal over his parent club.
Now, I’m not saying Meireles shouldn’t be sold and if the club decides to do so then so be it. But he’s a decent squad player and is probably a better option than those he’d be leaving behind in my opinion.
I’m expecting to get a few replies in support of Essien especially, probably saying “give him one more season” but we’ve been saying this for years now. But you are all of course entitled to your opinions (arguing our views is part of the fun when it comes to football discussion) and your feedback is greatly appreciated as ever. Tell me what you think in the comments section below.
Essien,malouda and benayoun shud b sold cuz dey r all getin older by d day,most especially essien.Meireles is a gud midfielder.He stil has dat strength in him,dat attackin strength,more beta dan d aforementioned…He shud nt b SOLD! He deserves more playin tym dis season…UP BLUEZ
essien has much confident than mikel and for the portuguess star he can go cos if u see the caliber of player chelsea r getting essien can give dem much support dan mikel and remember we need positve thinkers not negetive thinkers like mikel who always gives back pass and at times results in a goal for the opponent. Essein takes long range shots for goals and that shows the qualities of a midfielder in the case of mikel how many goals has he scored for chelsea when he joined it is abt time mikel, malouda, and benayoun are shown the way out of the team.
Before I say anything,mikel should stay.He’s still our best defensive midfielder for now. Mereileses’ game has been erratic. Sometimes okay and also bad. I think he needs more time to prove himself. Malouda should leave as he’s been giving enough time to prove himself,instead he’s not improving. As regards essien,he’s gained so much weight and can hardly run.its better he goes for gym,and I still think he’s got something for us. Get falcao,instead of cavani.
Essien is the best midfielder we have ever had and with him in the team it serves as a motivation for the young lads like romeou and the rest i think he Essien needs more play time than mikel and portugal player.
Pls pls nd pls, leave mikel(our best DM) out of dis, Meireles shld nt b sold nw, unless there is a profitable offer 4 him. Essien, malouda nd benayoun can b sold 2 raise fund 4 Cavani
mereiles can be use as a makeweight for cavani bt the likes of phereira,malouda nd benayoun can be shown inorda to ease the overcrowded midfield
I agree with you on meireles, I believe essien and benayoun should be shipped out way before considering getting rid of meireles.Meireles contributed some important goals last season, although he’s sometimes careless with the ball, makes some wrong passes and late tackles, however I think 6 goals from him this season will make a good contribution considering the fact that we are looking ahead to another tough season yet.
Every man is entitled to his opinion,in my opinion i think meireles should stay,we still need him considering the number of competitions we are into this season.Even in the past season he has not done badly,i love him.
Nice article… But I find it difficult to support %100. I ‘d be supporting U if we have not made the signings that we made. But chelsea signed three offensive attack minded midfielders and I know already RDM must be having problems on how to accommodate dem at the same time. We have good options in that middle, so if napoli says that he is the only way that D?? can do business with us about cavani, den so be it.
Malouda should be thanked nd bid goodbye and benayoun maybe. But not essien, apart from the fact that he’s our hero, he also did so well in pre-season. I see a comeback
God bless chelseafc.
couldnt agree more. meireles is a totally underated player who links up well with mata and torres. mad to sell him. malouda should be gone already he had one very good season, how long should he be allowed to live on that?
Let’s us not forget that there wil be a point in time during the second half of the season when we wil need these experienced players ie Essien & Meirreles. Quote me right that moment will surely come and u all shall witness it.