Chelsea's Big Brazilian Brut "Alex," Makes Move To PSG

Alex has moved to Paris Saint-Germain for a fee of 4 million Euro's reuniting him with former Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti. With the new arrival of Bolton's Gary Cahill at the Blues, Alex could see his already non-existant field time diminishing even more.

This transfer window has been a bit quite on a whole, and this deal is only one in a few that sees a slightly- high profile player move to a high profile club. All I am saying is he can hit a mean free kick, so  hold on to you Berets players of League 1.

Liver n' Onions: Battle of the alleged racists & Liverpool vs. Chelsea

The classic color battle: Red vs. Blue, Hot vs. Cold and in terms of this weekend Liverpool vs. Chelsea. The Reds take on West-London's Chelsea at Stamford bridge where  ex-Liverpool starlet Fernando Torres will clash heads with the new Liverpool regime.

For such a mammoth fixture in the English footballing calendar, the build up to the match has been somewhat of a docile one as off field affairs have somewhat muted the anticipation of  Sunday's match. In this week of International play a lot has gone down off the pitch in regards to Liverpool players, consequently arriving in bitter-sweet form. As the player's were off serving their countries, some more than others, journalists have been praying on the decision by the FA  to charge Luis Suarez with racial abuse directed towards Manchester United's defender Patrice Evra, during their match on October 15th. They have finally decided to act after weeks of dilly-dallying over it, releasing a official statement that reads,

“The FA has today charged Liverpool’s Luis Suarez following an incident that occurred during the Liverpool versus Manchester United fixture at Anfield on 15 October 2011.

“It is alleged that Suarez used abusive and/or insulting words and/or behavior towards Manchester United’s Patrice Evra contrary to FA rules.

“It is further alleged that this included a reference to the ethnic origin and/or color and/or race of Patrice Evra. The FA will issue no further comment at this time.”

Luis Suarez will face a 6-match ban plus a hefty fine if he is found guilty, which is not comforting to any Liverpool fan as he is the lynch-pin in the Reds attack, the one who makes us tick offensively. Without the Uruguayans influence we are left with a less than clinical Andy Carroll, a solid Dirk Kuyt, and Craig Bellamy to provide the finishing. Not bad options, but in comparison to Suarez's influence pails in comparison. 

Suarez's charge has emerged at a interesting time as his team will face a Chelsea side that fields John Terry, a player also under investigation for racial bashing. Oddly enough these player's will be lining up against each other this weekend, and furthermore could be linked when it comes to a official decision on their charges. Terry could end up being Suarez's alibi. If the FA charges the Liverpool player, they will also have to charge John Terry with the racism claims over his alleged basing of QPR defender Anton Ferdinand. As England's poster boy and captain, Terry won't be painted as a racist by the FA, so if they don't charge him they will most likely not charge the Uruguayan. 

One thing that is a fore-gone conclusion is that they will not be comparing similarities at the weekend, looking to win their personal head-to-head. Suarez will be lining up opposite Terry at the weekend in a match that really is anyones for the taking. Chelsea sit 5th behind Newcastle, 3 points atop Liverpool in the league table.  Chelsea have won 4 of their last 6 games, defeating Blackburn a fortnight ago 1-0, where Liverpool have won 3 and drawn 3. All be their defense looking the weak point of the side, Liverpool have let in only 3 goals in the their last 6 matches, having faced teams like Swansea, Stoke Manchester United, and Everton. Chelsea's stats sing a similar song, but to a more dramatic tune. Having scored a fair amount, with 3 against Arsenal, and 5 against Genk on the 19th of Oct. A more telling stat is that they have shipped 10 goals in their last 6 matches, most notably 5 against Arsenal. This paints a picture of two teams that can both score, but in defense are more than suspect. When Liverpool and Chelsea clash it often produces a quality spectacle, so I will go out on a limb and say a 2-3 Liverpool win, even though my conscience says a 1-1 draw.

Along with the guaranteed racism mentions by the match announcers, a huge talking point is former Liverpool player's Raul Meireles and Fernando Torres facing their old club. Torres will be itching to net a goal against his former employers, after he was booed by England fans in Spain's match with England. Much has come out in various media publications about Torres threatening to tell the " real" story over his exit from Liverpool, which in my mind is no more than the Spaniard creating drama, and journalists trying to sell papers. Anyhow, that just adds fuel to the fire in facing your old squad who's supporters publicly burned your jersey after your departure. Scoring 56 Premier League goals in just 79 appearances under Rafa Benitez at Liverpool, Torres has struggled to find form after his big money move and Liverpool's replacement Luis Suarez will look to show him how it's done. 

You might expect to Martin Kelly drafted into the line-up for Liverpool, chosen over Glenn Johnson at right back. Johnson's performance in England's match with Spain was one to forget, as the faults that he is usually accused with where plain to see, and proved to the fence-sitters that he lacks International class.  Having Juan Mata and and Ashley Cole running at you on the left, the last thing Kenny Dalgleish needs is his right back going walk-about. Johnson and the attacking threat  he does provide, will be chosen second to the more disciplined, old-head- yet younger player Martin Kelly.

Not to point out the obvious…Liverpool's Midfield will have to be way more commanding than displayed in their measly 0-0 draw with Swansea in their last Barclay's Premier League match. Against Chelsea, all guns must be firing so the likes of Charlie Adam has to tune his boots to the right pitch and connect some passes. Steven Gerrard, If he starts, will have to look at his opposite number and fellow England International Frank Lampard for some inspiration and motivation.  Possession was poor a fortnight ago, and when defending Liverpool sat really deep against a far less challenging opponent in Swansea City. This cannot be how the game transpires against the Blue of Chelsea, as Juan Mata will be have his cutlery sharpened, ready slice the Liverpool defense.

Looking back a few paragraphs to my prediction, Liverpool see it out thanks to a Carroll header, and a brace from Kuyt. Maxi doesn't get the start, unfortunately, for Dalgleish opts to go with the players he knows/ payed for.

Stay tuned for the next edition of Liver n' Onions as I will review the match, and bring you the latest from Merseyside.

David Luiz Blesses Fernando Torres in CL match vs. Genk (video)

Fernando Torres is back scoring in the Champions League netting twice for the blues in their match 5-0 win over Genk last night. This is all due to the blessing bequeathed upon him by witchdoctor David Luiz, summoning the sprits from the past to aid the striker. 

Check video it's absolutely wild...

Attack of the Green Laser pens....Champions League action

"Set lasers to stun boys!"

If you watched the Champions League clashes of Chelsea vs. Valencia and Dortmund vs. Marseille you would noticed a sickly green feature on the various players faces and bodies. This is not due to bad fish served at the team hotel, but childish troublemakers shining laser pens into the eyes of the players in both of the games. Having played with them myself I know how far they shine/ how painful they are if pointed into your eyes for a duration upward of 1.5 seconds. Now I don't think Dortmund's keeper Weidenfeller could blame letting Andre Ayew's goal on temporary blindness, but in the case of Solomon Kalou's groping of the ball in box, I would recommend the adverse. I might get some stick from the secret laser society  for not praising their organization, popping up in two different games across Europe. A successful achievement in the plot to annoy the piss out of players, refs and fans alike, the shenanigans  caused by laser wielding hooligans led to plenty of commentary from the match reporters, so I guess mission accomplished.  

Speaking of shenanigans: the players who participated got into the most for this round of CL action were Edison Cavani for his unparalleled forward play, notching the penalty in their match against a brittle Villarreal, and Super Mario Gomez, popping up with two pure poacher goals in the drubbing of a out of sorts Man City. Alexander Frei wasn't to shabby grabbing a brace against Man United, and Ramirez finally looks to be settling into Chelsea's midfield, showing blistering pace allowing him to catch up with his poor first touch. Honorable mentions go to Andre Ayew of Marseille, Marek Hamsik of Napoli, Frank Ribery, and Valencia's goalkeeper Diego Alves who came up with a myriad of peachy  saves defying Chelsea from taking the away win.

Team flops of this round had to be Manchester City, who as a team failed to make any impact whatsoever outside of the first five minutes. Neuer was working on his tan while Joe Hart was going bald over the slack marking that led to both goals. Mario Gomez is as in form as nature allows right now, and he came up with a masterclass in a positional sense, it's got to be that hair! The team looked like one tht has never layed in a European competition- yet the majority of the team has vast experience  playing for other teams that have. That set the adhesive that holds their team of individuals together suffered in the humidity, peeling away to expose the weak foundation that the squad is build on. They just plain and simply looked awful.

The second flop of the week Is actually a two parter, but both team wear yellow. The sub(par)marine yellow of Villarreal and the Gelb(yellow) of Dortmund. Villarreal I thought might be a surprise package in the so called group of death which includes Napoli, Munich and City, yet judging on results so far I'd reckon their hyde will be scared by whips come advancement time. They looked terrible going forward, with Nilmar lacking confidence and touch he made Nil impact on proceedings, whilst Giuseppe Rossi like the little engine that could, chugged his way to relevance, but couldn't break the deadbolt of Inler and Cannavaro. 

Dortmund played 10 times better than they did against Arsenal a fortnight ago, and all they got was a 3-0 defeat. Goetze looked lively yet he was left to forage for himself. Hummels and Subotic made some uncharacteristic mistakes in the back with a slip from Subotic leading the Marseilles first goal, and a poor back header from Hummels granting Remy the chance to run, chest and volley past Wiedenfeller in goal for the second. Like Man City, Dortmund look a team a bit overwhelmed by the task of vying in the Champions League. 

For a full summery of results and scorers hit the link. The Link 

No Bueno Torres

With only 1 goal in 18 league matches for Chelsea, Fernando Torres completes another poor game for the Blues this weekend, once again struggling to make any impact what-so-ever. A sad sight for me as  I absolutely  adore  the player, now more than ever for the fact he's not playing for Liverpool ( sorry..).  I remember his first goal for the Blues, for the sole reason that I have never been so excited for a Chelsea player to have scored. It doesn't matter what team he's playing for, I cant forget that hair-raising excitement felt when he buried all those magical goals for the Reds. Magical goals that have dried up completely of late at the West London club.

With lack of confidence that is apparent to see, Spanish National coach Vicente del Bosque left " the nino" watching their most recent Euro qualifier against Liechtenstein from the stands, and Torres started Chelsea's weekend fixture against Sunderland on the bench. Manager Andre Villas-Boas hopes that dropping the striker will inspire him to up his game, and get back in form. 

If you go onto google images and search Fernando Torres Chelsea, every image
is one of him scowling, upset, looking pissed and  unhappy...it's sad but brilliant!

If he were a  Native American, this would be the opportune moment for the out of form striker to make a vision quest, to find himself, becoming one with the pitch he plays on. We all know he has the skills in his locker, the tantalizing Torres, the tormenting and the terrorizing. This vision quest I speak of would come in the shape of Torres returning back to home town club of Atletico Madrid and starting anew. He needs to rediscover the hunger, and will to dominate that playing for passion, not money fuels. Since moving to Chelsea with a 50 million pound price tag, the expectation seems too much for the man, un able to cope with the pressure. Moving back "home," is the confidence booster that he needs. He will undoubtedly have to take a pay cut, or not if he still struggles for form. I cannot see him coming good anytime soon for Chelsea as he has only netted one goal so far. He has tried growing his hair long again, even highlighting slightly, but  his gorgeous locks have yet to help his finishing prowess. When that goal came  that rainy night at West Brom I thought the flood gates would open, the goal acting as a catalyst....but sadly this prophecy did not hold water.

In a recent interview with Spain’s Primera Liga website Torres has called out his fellow Chelsea teammates for being too slow, hinting at the fact that they are in part to blame for his misfirings. Torres has fired back, saying he has been misquoted and that he was not slighting his teammates. Whether actual or not it is water under the bridge as it's what's is done on the pitch that matters. Torres's past heights have somewhat masked his short comings of late, but manager AVB has made a strong statement by dropping Torres to the bench, one that Ancelotti never quite made. Torres has warranted a demotion, and I am actually surprised it has taken this long. All you have to do is look at the stats. one goal in 18 appearances, for a 50 million pounder, is not good enough.

It's a Mata of intent.

Chelsea has confirmed on their website this morning that Valencia playmaker and Spanish International Juan Mata, has signed for a fee of 23 million pounds, pending only a medical. The West London club has strait up jacked this deal from Arsenal, as fellow London club looked to replace their once fabulous Fabregas. This signing marks the biggest player signing for Chelsea this summer as transfers have been quite till this week that has seen Lukaku and Mata join the club. In Chelsea's opening fixtures, the team has 
looked sluggish and lacking grease in the gears, having to come back to win against Stoke, and West Brom. An injection of pace and creativity to the ageing midfield is a must, and Mata is just the man to do it. 


Mata's signing shows intent from Chelsea, and intent from Mata. Joining Chelsea harnesses the possibility of winning the league and challenging for European glory. Joining Arsenal is joining a team in transition, struggling to get off the mark in the new season. Uncertainty is abundant, marquee players are leaving, new signings are scarce to non-existance and the possibility of missing out on Champions League football. Wether it came down to money, promise of success, or both Mata is the latest example of Arsenal missing out.

Lukaku Completes Chelsea Move.

Finalizing his move today from Anderlecht Lukaku officially becomes Drogba#2.
The 18- year old Belgium has completed his move to the West London club, for a believed fee of 25 million Euros. Diet Drogba will be available to play against West Brom come Saturday and speaking of Drogba, this must be the final straw after seemingly 2nd in the pecking order after Torres. Lukaku will wear the number 18 shirt this year.

Daily Liver n' Onions

Your daily Liver n' Onions dissects the inner and outer workings of Liverpool FC, delving into the latest news, rumors and fan fantasies associated with the Merseyside club.

Looks the part doesn't he?

Latest paper talk circling around England is that Chelsea is looking to raid Liverpool's overstocked midfield  for Raul Meireles. Seemingly losing the fight for Luka Modric, and missing out on Javier Pastore,  Chelsea are desperate to strengthen their aging midfield. If AVB coax's  the Tattoo- clad  Portugeezer, it would be massive loss for Liverpool!  Without a shadow of a doubt Meireles was one if not Liverpool's best players last year. Traditionally a box-to-box midfielder Meireles was deployed on the wing, and even against such adversity shined. Looking at the Pool's opening fixture v. Sunderland, Dalgleish left the midfield responsibility up to new-boys Charlie Adam and Jordan Henderson, only bringing Meireles on for the final 15 min of the game. I hope for the sake of the club that the former Porto man is in the Scot's plans this season as it would be a big wast to lose him. It's like a child playing exclusively with his new toy, rather than an older one that still works perfectly fine, and has more gadgets.  Getting decent time last year to prove his worth, I feel he needs a whole season in England to show his true talent, as he did in Portugal. For me Meireles should ALWAYS be starting before Adam, 10 out a 10. Better player, slightly different but for my money better. Taking from what I saw in their first match  Dalgleish's looks like he'll give the English players the starting spots, a love affair that could end poorly. Meireles a solid pick up for any team, and the bad ass of all bad asses would be sorrily missed by this fan.

Diet Drogba arrives in London for medical.

Lukaku Arrives in London for Chelsea Medical.

What do you do when your star forward begins to reach the end of his career?? Go out and sign a player who not only plays the exact same role, but looks exactly like him. 18-year old Belgium footballing prodigy Romelu Lukaku now looks set to seal a move to the Bridge, as Chelsea stalwart, Didier Drogba reaches the end of his career. Billed as Drogba, lite, diet, mini, pint-sized, whatever the adjective, Lukaku looks set to replace the Ivorian at Stamfor Bridge. He may be youthful in age, but not stature, standing 6'3. Lukaku has terrorized defenses in the Belgium Jupiter League, prompting this move to the "Big Time." Chelsea's Manager Andre Villa-Boas has yet to make a marquee signing since being instated manager, losing the battle for recent PSG signee Javier Pastore, and failing to coax Luka Modric from Redknapp's clutches. This move, if on...shows intent. Going for Lukaku is a move for youth and the future, but also for the present, as Lukaku's physical presence can surly impose upon English back-lines. 

Eden Hazard has been know to be Hazardous to defenses.

Lukaku is one of the many talented specimens to emerge from Belgium in the last few years. This crop includes players' like Eden Hazard, who won the League 1 with Lille last season. A player that has been tapped up by European powerhouses Real Madrid amongst others, but looks set to stay and slug it out in the Champion's League with the French side. Everton's aggressive, disco throwback midfielder Marouane Fellaini has made a name for himself in the Premier League, for his tenacity in a tackle the  and amount of yellow cards he's received. Steven Defour is another that seemed to flirt with the idea of coming to the Premier League, as United showed interest in the Standard Liege midfielder, but nothing materialized. A player who racked up 13 goals last season from midfield, ran the center of the park with his pin-point passing accuracy and his keen awareness of space. With the recent departure of Paul Scholes, Sir Alex might want to re-up his effort to sign the Belgium. Current EPL player's Vincent Kompany and Thomas Vermaelen, also grace the Belgium squad that come Brazil 2014, will be a tour de force in world football. Not only are these players making a strong impact around Europe at the moment, but their success dosne;t look like slowing any time soon as non of the players' mentioned  are over the age of 25.  

Is Javier Pastore worth 50 million Euros?

With Chelsea's continual  frustration in securing Luka Modric from Tottenham, they have turned their efforts to Argentinean midfielder and Palermo maestro, Javier Pastore. A plight that looks not to be in vein, as Pastore looks to move to a bigger club, with west London looking the destination. With the recent injury to Michael Essien, rendering him out of commission till mid-season, the Blues are looking to add some steel to their midfield. In Pastore's case it's silk. Chelsea's new boss AVB (AndreVillas- Boas) insisting he wants to work with the players already at his disposal, though some new blood in their aging midfield might help in their challenge for the title. 50 Million Euros is a heavy sum for a player that is only 22, and a player that just in the Copa America struggled to get into Argentina's first team. To answer this question you just have to look at Liverpool's signing of Andy Carroll.


Carroll was bought primarily on potential, and was over-payed for immensely, for being a British home-grown player. Carroll went for 35 million pounds making him one of the most expensive English player's of all time. Given that he is somewhat unproven, and the price payed, Chelsea's bid for Pastore seems quite a sensible one. If Chelsea secure  his John Hancock, they will be receiving a young, yet vastly more proven player than Carroll. On the other hand I often feel that Pastore is better suited to the Italian game, with a slower build up and being generally less bullish that the EPL. This also applies to the Spanish game, as Real Madrid had been linked with the player this summer, but then again who hasn't? According to Palermo's vice president Guglielmo Micciche, their are only three teams that are contending for his signature, Chelsea being the front-runners.

With Chelsea's renewed midfield pursuit, they terminate the charade they have been put through trying to sign Luka Modric. Pastore is the better option of the two, who are similar in many ways, not in stature, but play. Both silky midfielders who can really ping a pass, who like to come deep and gather the ball from the back and distribute. Both make darting runs into the box, playing others in or scoring themselves. Modric's goal return last year was not close to Pastore's, yet he makes Tottenham's engine run. Harry Redknapp has stayed firm on not selling Modric, but maybe that's to Chelsea's benefit?

Luka Modric's Transfer Request.

Luka Modric want's out of Tottenham, with Chelsea seeming to be his desired destination. Uncle Arry aint havin nun o dat! But nonetheless the little Croatian submitted this piece of literature in the hopes he would get his way. Makes a strong case...doesn't it!?