Ballack

[Chris]

Just wondering if language is a problem for Ballack. He came over not being able to speak English and I don't know if he has learnt now.

Its no real excuse because he really looks off the pace in midfield. It also makes you wonder if he doesn't like playing second fiddle to Lampard.

I think major players are going to start thinking about their game before big pay days in the future. Perhaps he would have gone somewhere where he could have bossed the midfield instead of going where he would get the most money.

His English was and is very good mate, he's just a lazy **** who walks about without a care in the world on the pitch.

[Rich]

Chelsea's and Mourinho's midfield system is based around the rock of Makalele in the deep position and Lampard roving forward to arrive late in the box. Everything/body else has to fit in and around this cornerstone. Ballack in another team would be playing in Lampard's position, that's where he's played for years and that's where he does the damage.

Chelsea are now beginning to suffer from the Galacticos syndrome seen in Madrid, however, the difference between Madrid then, and Chelsea now is that Chelsea will have an outstanding defence again when Terry and a couple of others get back up to speed.

[cobain]

He played so well for Bayern Münich and he did very well in World Cup 2006. He was class and everyone knew that. He signed for Chelsea, because he was believed to become the best goalscorer in Chelsea's rich (?) history. Abramovich and Mourinho were in love with him. Abramovich said that he's the new Patrick Vieira and Mourinho added that Ballack is the new age Zidane. Everyone expected so much of him, because in training, he made Lampard look like Salif Diao. The fans loved him and so did his wife, probably... And it is believed that he receives the highest wage in Premiership. He set his goals very high with Chelsea and he promised to the supporters that he'll score a goal each and every game, week in week out and be a lot better than Gerrard and Alonso combined. His Chelsea career was set to go...

...But then in August 2006, in Community Shield, he met Mohamed Sissoko and got momoed all over the place. Psychic injuries were so severe that he now believes he's Duncan Ferguson. And there are reports that he is scouted by some Lithuanian club called Nevezis Kedainiai.

That's all I can say about Ballack...

[Graybach]

He played so well for Bayern Münich and he did very well in World Cup 2006. He was class and everyone knew that. He signed for Chelsea, because he was believed to become the best goalscorer in Chelsea's rich (?) history. Abramovich and Mourinho were in love with him. Abramovich said that he's the new Patrick Vieira and Mourinho added that Ballack is the new age Zidane. Everyone expected so much of him, because in training, he made Lampard look like Salif Diao. The fans loved him and so did his wife, probably... And it is believed that he receives the highest wage in Premiership. He set his goals very high with Chelsea and he promised to the supporters that he'll score a goal each and every game, week in week out and be a lot better than Gerrard and Alonso combined. His Chelsea career was set to go...

...But then in August 2006, in Community Shield, he met Mohamed Sissoko and got momoed all over the place. Psychic injuries were so severe that he now believes he's Duncan Ferguson. And there are reports that he is scouted by some Lithuanian club called Nevezis Kedainiai.

That's all I can say about Ballack...

He did **** all!!!!! I had him in my Dreamteam and wacthed him closely and he was ****!

I realise he was carrying an injury and appreciate he's a world class player but he was a major letdown.

I'm sure his class will tell in time but don't tell me he had a good world cup.

[Mattshark]

He did **** all!!!!! I had him in my Dreamteam and wacthed him closely and he was ****!

I realise he was carrying an injury and appreciate he's a world class player but he was a major letdown.

I'm sure his class will tell in time but don't tell me he had a good world cup.

I agree as does my German gf, he was very poor in the WC and the German side carried him.

[MrsB]

Not true. He was one of the premier midfield players in the world during the course of the last 4 or 5 seasons. Playing for Bayern he was simply outstanding. The lynch pin of a very, very sucessful team.

Yes, but the German League has been crap for the last 4 or 5 seasons. And Ballack was **** at the World Cup.

[Shaggy]

I can't believe people doubt Ballack's class. He is a Rolls-Royce of a footballer, in pure terms. He seems to be a bit of a diva, though, and a lazy one at that.

[Maestro]

The messed free-kick with Drogba and Ballack was extensively covered in the German media yesterday and he is a laughing stock there at present.
There is no doubt that he is a massively talented player and has proved it time and time again (he had a poor 2006 World Cup but was outstanding in 2002). I'm not sure where his problems lie, it could be that he is homesick and that the bad atmosphere at Chelsea and the pressure are getting to him. Who knows? If his problems aid Chelsea's downfall, which in turn benefits us - then, sorry, long may they continue!!

[Rich]

It's simple, he has to fit into Chelsea's system, rather than the system being built around Ballack.

[dom9]

It's funny how Ballack can't play with Lampard for Chelsea effectively.

And it's funny how Gerrard can't play with Lampard for England effectively.

Do you think it's a coincidence?

I think both players are superior to Lampard, but have make way and adapt to him.

For the record, Ballack did not not look interested on Saturday anyway, but I think my point is still pertinent.

[dww]

To be honest it is a little unfair as in the 4-1-2-2-1 system Mourinho prefers I suspect that he would work fine with Lampard. However when he tried to adapt it due to the arrival of Sheva and injuries to Cole and Robben (and the odd decision to sell Duff) then it become smuch harder. A fair statement is that it is hard to play two attack minded central midfielders in a flat 4-4-2 formation.

Lets not forget that we have had problems getting Stevie and Alonso to play together in the centre and they are a much more natural fit than Lampard and another attacking player. The Terry-Makelele-Lampard triumverate have been key to the way Chelsea have ground out results in the last two seasons.

[Parm]

He has been very poor this season, esp given his talent and experience.
Lampard is the problem, he can not adapt to any other postion and therefore Ballack is the one shifted to the left hand side (either in the 4-4-2 or 4-3-3 or 4-1-2-2-1)

[Howard_lfc]

It's simple, he has to fit into Chelsea's system, rather than the system being built around Ballack.

Is the right answer.
Ditto Shevchenko.

[BobSkinstad]

Not true. He was one of the premier midfield players in the world during the course of the last 4 or 5 seasons. Playing for Bayern he was simply outstanding. The lynch pin of a very, very sucessful team.

No he wasn't. Have you ever seen Bayern play? He was, and still is, a flat-track bully. Looks great when 3-0 up at home against relegation fodder but goes missing when it matters.

Oh, and don't mention Leverkusen's CL run or the 2002 World Cup either, that was before big wages at Bayern had killed his hunger.