image: britishpressphoto.org

Are any Chelsea fans out there concerned by the recent shift towards big name signings? One of the things I really admired about Mourinho's efforts at Stamford Bridge was that he built a real squad, without big name superstars. It worked because players like Gudjohnsen, Drogba, Cole et al were happy to sit out the ocassional game, even though Lampard and Makelele were playing regularly. The recent aquisitions of Ballack, Shevchenko and rumours of Roberto Carlos are a definite shift.

Chelsea now have Ballack, Essien, Makelele and Lampard competing for three central midfield spots, maybe less if they switch to a 4-4-2. Will any of these players be happy warming the bench?

One interesting parallel is Manchester United's signing of Juan Sebastian Veron. He was hailed as the key signing to take United to the next level, but his presence actually ruined United's midfield. fergie tried to work Veron into and around the established four of Beckham, Schole, Keane, Giggs, and it all went wrong. Proof that big name signings look good on paper, but can only damage a solid team unit.