Tactics and Transfers: An open letter to Cesc Fabregas and Gary Cahill, Lukaku’s value drops

I have always maintained a strong opinion about Cesc Fabregas, and a less inflammatory (albeit persistently negative) one about Gary Cahill and his limitations. To both of them – I’m sorry.

This weekend Cesc Fabregas showed exactly what he can do. Perhaps his limitations are purely an object of his age. But it appears the player I judged him to be and the one that he appears to be under Antonio Conte are totally different.

Perhaps his half seasons of play and complete negligence as a midfielder stem from mismanagement under Chelsea’s previous leaders. In Chelsea’s last few games he has been an important piece of the puzzle. So while many of the old issues are still apparent, some thank you’s and appreciations are in order for Cesc Fabregas. So there, glad that’s over.

Gary Cahill has for a long time been called a “poor man’s John Terry,” a quite unfair characterization. Gary Cahill is his own man. He still has his short-comings,  but they are entirely different from John Terry’s. Chelsea are incredibly lucky to have him as a bridge in the captaincy role moving forward.

Must Read: Gary Cahill twice saved Chelsea from a red card at Everton

Gary Cahill’s most defining moment was perhaps his gentlemanly flummox against Manchester United. Let’s face it – that is not something that no one would ever accuse John Terry of doing. Gary Cahill is a gentleman and a leader. He is second only to John Terry in goals scored by a defender in the Premier League. Chelsea supporters should be comfortable in the knowledge that Cahill has them covered moving forward.

Romelu Lukaku’s performances in recent weeks have taken the luster out of the prospect of Chelsea signing him. He is no longer a convincing answer to Chelsea’s striker needs, particularly at the bandied about £70 million transfer fee.

He still has a questionable first touch, which for a player who will be 24 in two weeks time does not seem to be improving at all. He does not seem to bring his teammates into the play, and he fades against stern opposition. Chelsea are hoping to win the Champions League in the near future. Lukaku would face even better defenders in Europe than those in England, and is showing little sign of rising to that occasion.

There is very little to suggest he is measurably better than Tammy Abraham will be. Abraham is taller, faster and more of an all-around poacher. At 19 years old, Abraham looks like he will be the more complete forward in his prime than Lukaku.

Tammy Abraham is going to need a significant amount of playing time at the club next season. He has destroyed scoring the record set in the Championship by Moussa Dembele, and he is being discussed as a £40 million player. If Diego Costa leaves, Chelsea should strongly consider playing Abraham up front in a 3-5-2 next to Eden Hazard.

Chelsea must keep their feet on the ground during this season’s run-in. As Pep Guardiola has learned in his first time coaching something other than a flat-track bully, anyone in the Premier League can be a test on their day. Sunderland drew with City at the weekend to prolong the Mancunian battle for respect and a top-four finish.

Everton were the toughest team of the run-in on paper, but teams struggling for survival are like wounded animals. Chelsea would do well not to underestimate their final opponents. It would be criminal to come this far and not see the job out because of simple cockiness and idiocy.

Next: Player ratings: Chelsea overcome significant hurdle with win at Everton

A sixth title is within Chelsea’s grasp but is not in the cabinet. Keep the foot down.