Would Kalou & Bosingwa Be Costly Contracts?

I like Andre Villas-Boas and I trust him to do the right thing as far as Chelsea is concerned, that’s probably why the news of potential new contracts for a couple of our players left me a little confused yesterday.

Salomon Kalou, Jose Bosingwa and Nicolas Anelka – all previous subjects of speculation in terms of their Chelsea futures – are all rumoured to be offered new contracts, with AVB keen to keep them at Stamford Bridge.

The Chelsea boss says “Kalou was offered a contract and hopefully we will continue talks.  In January these players are available to discuss their future. We’ll continue talks until we reach an agreement or not.  The fact that they are emotionally tied to this club – like Nico (Anelka) – too, means we can count on them while they are negotiating. Their loyalty to the club will never be in question.”

It’s not just a question of loyalty though is it? I mean, of course it’s great to have players who actually want to play for us but they still need to be good enough – and that’s where I’m less certain than AVB seems to be.

Nicolas Anelka without a doubt for me, is a player we should hold on to. Yes, he’s one of our older players but his work-rate and contribution is still at a level where we get plenty from him. More than that, like Michael Ballack before him, as soon as he’s gone we’d miss him. Would we say the same of Bosingwa and Kalou? I don’t think we would.

I’m not going to jump on any bandwagons marked ‘slag off Chelsea players’ because whilst I’ll happily point out our players shortcomings or criticise when it’s due, I’m not suggesting either of them are ‘shit’ players – I’ve just never been convinced either of them are right for us.

Kalou’s previously said he dreamt of playing for Arsenal, and put him in their side, he might actually look a much better player.  Bosingwa, I’m probably less down on. He’s looked a little better this season although at 29, unless that upturn is going to translate into consistency in his performances, it could prove to be an expensive contract.

For me though, they’re two players who you never quite know what to expect from them from one game to the next and when you’re a club in our position, that sort of uncertainty isn’t something we can afford.