To use the tired cliché, Florent has somewhat had a season of two halves. It’s strange – back in 2007 he joined Chelsea and made an immediate impact in his first competitive game against Utd in the Charity Shield. He looked a typical Mourinho signing: a bit of pace and skill, but with strength as his defining attribute. I very distinctly remember him shrugging off one or two Man Utd defenders to reach the ball first and score his first goal for the club from a tight angle. See it here.
All that proved a false dawn – the rest of the 07/08 season saw him stumble into intense mediocrity and 08/09 under Scolari was no different. As a fan he was beyond infuriating, his stubborn refusal to take responsibility, try and beat a man or even just attempt positive play made him an almost entirely redundant member of the team. By comparison, Kalou’s always positive approach meant I overlooked his limitations. Kalou, on the other hand, has turned suddenly from a player with potential to a player who hasn’t started to deliver on that promise. Maybe Malouda’s revitalisation is down to Guus’ coaching, and there’s a potential worry that he’s only improved as the stakes have got higher on the pitch. Regardless, for me Malouda is the Chelsea player who has improved the most over the last 12 months. Do you agree? Let me know who else might deserve the accolade… Oh, and Florent, if you’re reading this: no offence, but think the hair through again mate. Just a suggestion. Malouda in stats: 07/08 – 36 appearances, 3 goals 08/09 – 43 appearances, 11 goals
Six months on, we’re approaching a close season in which we all expected Malouda to be shown the door. But after a reversal of epic proportions it would now be more surprising to see him leave. He hasn’t shown extra skill in my book: but it’s his attitude that’s made him a better player. Now he’ll look forward rather than backwards. Now he’ll make a driving run towards the byline or take a shot at goal. A rush of goals in the last couple of months mean he’s averaged a goal every four games over the season: respectable, and something Joe Cole hasn’t achieved since 05/06. He’s a nailed-on starter for tomorrow’s cup final.
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