Chelsea transfer disappoints but fans call for Blues to sign Benfica’s star player

Chelsea’s first half against Benfica has gone well.

Enzo Maresca’s tweaked tactical setup worked really well; the players controlled the game against the Portuguese side, limiting them to almost no chances and creating plenty for themselves.

However, as we reach half time, it remains 0-0, and inevitably, we fear that the other side will perk up in the second half and make things more difficult for us.

Delap disappoints with wayward passing and linkup play

While Chelsea did well, Delap did without doubt struggle a little, especially in link-up play. Fans on social media weren’t happy with some of his passing, especially.

It’s very early days for Delap, and we’ve largely loved what we’ve seen from the former Ipswich man in his appearances so far. But this was an important reminder that you don’t get a finished product or a complete package for £30m in the Premier League these days.

Chelsea fans demand Blues sign Benfica star who kept them at bay

“How much would Anatoly Trubin cost?” asked one Chelsea fan on social media, a sentiment which was being expressed widely.

Just days after keeping a clean sheet against a menacing Bayern Munich side who peppered his goal with shots, the Ukraine star was up to the same old tricks in the first half against Chelsea. Particularly notable was a near-post strong hand to keep out a vicious Cole Palmer effort, and a great big body one-on-one stop against Marc Cucurella.

Given Chelsea pushed hard for Mike Maignan earlier in the summer, and given fans have never been convinced by the quality of Robert Sanchez, one can understand why there are supporters asking why we can’t have a keeper like Trubin on our books.