Sunday, August 24, 2008

Soccernet title: Blues flop Shevchenko moves back to Milan


Is this a track record of a flop? You rate it yourself! But to me, the record is respectable, considering the injuries and the sudden change of style of football. People maybe saying that for 30 millions, Chelsea deserve better reward, but as in any investment, there is always risk that things may not go as planned, and this is one of the case. I do admit that at times, when he was given the chance to prove himself, he did not take it as well as he is capable. His performance is slightly worse than Hernan Crespo (which is also considered a flop, but if anyone just look at his record, I believe he is such a superb striker!)

And I believe, no one will disagree that Sheva is a top professional, never complained to the media during this tough period in Chelsea. He works his socks up, and fight for a place in the Chelsea squad. In the Champions League semi final last season when he comes on as a substitute, he made a on the line clearance to ensure Chelsea made it to the final. That moment just showed how good a professional he is, and he is a roll model to the footballers around, who is getting arrogant and acted unprofessionally.

2006/2007: 13 goals in total
4 in the League, 3 in FA Cup, 3 in League Cup, 3 in Europe

Appearances:
30 in the league, 22 starts, 8 as sub
6 in FA Cup, 5 starts, 1 as sub
4 in League Cup, 4 starts
10 in Europe, 9 starts, 1 as sub

- Significant strike at White Hart Lane in an FA Cup replay.
- Hernia operation in the closing weeks of the 2006/07 season ruled him out of the FA Cup Final win at Wembley.
- Carling Cup winner, having played all Carling Cup matches except for the closing seconds of a 2-1 win over Arsenal in the final at Cardiff.

2007/2008: 8 goals, 5 in the league, 2 in League Cup, 1 in Europe

Appearances:
17 in the league, 8 starts, 9 as sub
1 in FA Cup, 0 starts, 1 as sub
2 in League Cup, 2 starts
5 in Europe, 2 starts, 3 as subs

- fitness problems keep him out of competitive action until mid-September 2007.
- in his second game back he scored the final goal of the José Mourinho era, in a home Champions League draw to Rosenborg.
- there followed by an outstanding strike in the Carling Cup against Leicester
- leading up to Christmas, he scored six important goals in ten appearances with Didier Drogba out injured
- back-related problems called a seven-week halt.
- never start a game in 2008
- made seven sub appearances and scored the final league goal of last season

1 comment:

Vince G said...

If Anelka was not bought by Chelsea, Sheva still have the chance to fight for a first squad place.