I think that post says it all KBC.
Drogba is just too old now, or at least seems like it. Has never looked the same since recovering from Malaria. He used to destroy people like Carragher to the point it was actually embarrassing at times, now he just doesn't seem effective.
Then there's Anelka, who if people are honest is never gonna be a title winning striker again, just not clinical enough. Kalou? Really? If anything, I'd say he's actually worse now than when he joined Chelsea! Obi Mikel still has a couple of years to develop into the defensive midfielder role, but another who hasn't developed quite like people expected.
Then there's Ramires and Meireles, both good players but if you want to be a top club they are squad players at best. Would any other top club in Europe go out of their way to buy them?
Of course, then there's Lampard and Terry, who have both seen better days, and are no longer at a level where they can form the core components of a title winning side.
Personally, I think Chelsea are in an interesting predicament, because they can't trump people for wages anymore, they aren't defending any titles, their stadium isn't the biggest and their assets are actually bordering on hindrances in terms of having people like Lamps or Terry who can't be moved on for big money to help fund further investment. Even Cole has been playing with a buggered knee for a couple of years and is pretty much worth nothing anymore.
Essien is quite rightly key, and it says it all that whenever he's been injured (which has been too often) they often fall away or get knocked out.
