Oriol Romeu (Central Midfielder): All of us are familiar with the young chap who was bought from Barcelona where Barcelona had a first refusal option or something like that. And then he went on to shine under Andres Villas Boas (yeah, remember THAT chap too?) and Ancelotti. Following that, he just disappeared. Then he went on loan to Valencia which did not do him much good. And now he is back from Valencia and training with the first team squad. And then Jose Mourinho decides he is good enough to play central midfield for Chelsea – either as first choice or backup (my money on backup). But long story short, Oriol Romeu is still only 22 years old, plays in a position Chelsea are in a lot of need, and he can impress Jose Mourinho. What more do you want? As a result, the club gave him a new 3 year contract. Three years – not five. Why? Because the club knows he may or may not fulfill his potential. If he does fulfill it, then he can go ahead and sign an extension. If he flops, then we can bid him goodbye in a couple of years. In any case, he offers something at least to the central midfield position. Hopefully he will prove Mourinho right. Key items: Familiar face, central midfield, 22 years old, 3 year contract, has to prove himself.
Blue with Black and White Stripes 