He's terrible and will soon be replaced by Kovacic in the side

This will be the most important season in Barkley's career. By nature of the manager and the options available to him he's gunna get plenty of game time this season. He's very fortunate, under a different manager his spot could've easily gone to RLC.

He needs to step up and take it. I have many doubts but I'm happy to be proven wrong

He's terrible and will soon be replaced by Kovacic in the side
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A mid 3 of Jorginho-Kante-Kovacic won't work, it has virtually no goal threat. And why Barkley will be given any opportunity to become that goal threat (be our Hamsik).

Kovacic's place in Sarri's midfield will be in Kante's position.

I haven't seen any of your friendlies besides the charity shield, and he was pony in that game.

comment by The Devil's Advocate's Advocate - I Represent Him (U6522)
posted 6 minutes ago
He's terrible and will soon be replaced by Kovacic in the side
-----------------------------------------------------
A mid 3 of Jorginho-Kante-Kovacic won't work, it has virtually no goal threat. And why Barkley will be given any opportunity to become that goal threat (be our Hamsik).

Kovacic's place in Sarri's midfield will be in Kante's position.
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So Kovacic will never play then?

Who knows what Sarri will do, been known to mold players in ways no-one saw prior to them working out. But on the face of it (the armchair manager prospective) that's Kovacic's role - thinking of Kante as Rog & Kovacic as Allan from Napoli.

I will say I don't expect Kovacic to walk into the team. The fact there's no buyout clause in the loan means he'll have to prove himself central to the system to stay in the side.

I’d say Kovacic’s most suited role would either be Jorginho’s position or the attacking mid position. Though he could easily slot into any of the three.

He hasn’t got many goals but it’s hard to when you barely play a game since the age of 21. He could surprise people.

Main thing is we have great options at CM now and going by what Kovacic said today there’s a big possibility he stays here permanently if it goes well.

Yep, could see Sarri molding him into Jorginho's role, he himself started out similar to Kovacic. But knowing how pivotal that position is to Sarri's system working Jorginho's not getting moved this year in particular (bar injuries). He's more untouchable than Kante where Sarri's concerned.

Probably my cynical nature, but I see Real practically giving us Kovacic gift wrapped as a trojan horse realizing this time next year Hazard has 12 months left on his deal. I can't see a scenario where Kovacic stays beyond this season without us sacrificing something - either Hazard or a f*** lot of money.

Think Hazard will sign a new deal tbh. I’m convinced Madrid will be all in for Neymar or Mbappé next year when Hazard will be 28.

More likely a big fee for Kovacic than Hazard in any kind of exchange.

Hazard is going no where

He’s been ok, but not really shown enough to make me think he’ll hold down a starting place for us this season

He's definitely in the best shape he's been in for three seasons...may well be a useful player for us this term...if he gets in on a permanent basis it'll either mean he's indispensable or one if our new signings is not doing the business

We'll see

i think his biggest problem is his name. hes not called messi or bale or hazard, he was once a big hope that didnt fulfill but hes back in good shape and with the right attitude. I can see him doing atleast way better than Bakayoko or drinkwater last season.

comment by The Devil's Advocate's Advocate - I Represent Him (U6522)
posted 13 hours, 19 minutes ago
He's terrible and will soon be replaced by Kovacic in the side
-----------------------------------------------------
A mid 3 of Jorginho-Kante-Kovacic won't work, it has virtually no goal threat. And why Barkley will be given any opportunity to become that goal threat (be our Hamsik).

Kovacic's place in Sarri's midfield will be in Kante's position.
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Well that's Kovacic's Chelsea career over before it's started then!

I expect a very experimental season in terms of squad selection while Sarri explores the squad. Dont expect Kante to be untouchable like he has been the past two years.

Which is great tbh. We suffered heavily when he was injured last year, we need the discover alternatives.

comment by The Devil's Advocate's Advocate - I Represent Him (U6522)
posted 2 hours, 7 minutes ago
I expect a very experimental season in terms of squad selection while Sarri explores the squad. Dont expect Kante to be untouchable like he has been the past two years.

Which is great tbh. We suffered heavily when he was injured last year, we need the discover alternatives.
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I'd rather have him in the team than not!!

Same. Better than Bakayoko that's for sure