On Gary Cahill and the Back Line

Unless you're not a Chelsea fan (why not?) you probably know by now that Gary Cahill will be in a blue uniform pretty soon. Cahill will most likely serve as a good reserve option and we sure need those right now with Alex's impending departure. Cahill role long term is a bit more unclear. For awhile now he's been touted as a future center back for the England national team and a true star in making. He started the season off with a gorgeous goal against QPR but has had (well documented) struggles with the below par Bolton. I've watched Bolton several times and he makes some real mental mess-ups. However, I do see more talent in him than others have.

Another avenue where Cahill plays is with the English national team. The two times I've watched Cahill for England I've come away impressed with his natural ability and decision making. So what gives? We all know he's been awful for Bolton this year but why has he been better for England (In my mind at least). A appealing theory for many Chelsea fans could be that he performs better with better talent around him. Does that explain some of the head shaking gaffs he has made this year for Bolton? Certainly not, but it's concept we can hold on to.

We need to, as fans, remember the variables of this deal. Snagging an English talent for under 7 million seems to be a rare feat nowadays and he's not exactly being brought in to be the starting center back. In many ways this is just another case of "You get what you get". An out of form center back that was nearly sold to Tottenham for a lot more last transfer window. The last time we bought an out of form the form (so far) didn't come back, so lets hope Cahill can turn his play around for us.

The move for Cahill also changes the back line situation a fair amount. Too me, it looks increasingly likely that a right back won't be purchased this transfer window and there seems to be an increasingly possibility that a purchase won't be coming in January either. This means that we could be seeing right back become a more permanent home for Ivanovic for the rest of the season at least.

The move isn't too bad when you look at it from all angles. I can deal with Cahill being a blue (for now).