Abramovich signals intent with duo

Sunderland v Chelsea

GMF Editor
Published 01/02/2011 19:48 by GMF Editor, read by 3,096 people.

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Sunderland: Gordon, Onuoha, Bramble, Ferdinand, Bardsley, Elmohamady, Henderson, Sessegnon, Malbranque, Richardson, Gyan. Subs: Mignolet, Angeleri, Riveros, Mensah, Colback, Reed, Cook.

Chelsea: Cech, Bosingwa, Ivanovic, Terry, Cole, Lampard, Mikel, Essien, Anelka, Drogba, Kalou. Subs: Turnbull, Ramires, Malouda, Ferreira, Bruma, McEachran, Sala.





Chelsea's record-breaking capture of Fernando Torres and David Luiz proves Roman Abramovich remains fully committed to the club and fully behind Carlo Ancelotti, according to Stamford Bridge legend Kerry Dixon.

The £50million capture of Liverpool striker Torres smashed the transfer record between British clubs, while Benfica defender Luiz became one of the most expensive defenders ever to come to the UK in a deal worth in the region of £25million.

Dixon told Sky Sports News: "It shows that Roman Abramovich has still got his heart in the club and it's a big statement of intent of what he wants from Chelsea this season, which if things go to plan, could lead to Wembley and the Champions League final."

He added: "I'm sure that it will give everyone in the team, no matter what position, that bit of extra impetus to go and find that extra five per cent.

"Torres, on his day, is the best striker of his type in the world, and could play with Didier Drogba, who is the best striker of his type in the world.

"It's going to be exciting for Chelsea fans to see them together, if Carlo Ancelotti decides to play that way.

"It's a big decision for Ancelotti whether he decides to change the shape of the side or whether he rotates it a little bit.

"He's certainly got options, though, because Torres can also play as a lone striker."

Fellow Chelsea legend Ron Harris echoed the sentiments of Dixon, saying: "It proves to the supporters that Roman is still happy to splash the cash.

"One or two people have said that maybe they wouldn't be signing anybody and when the Fernando Torres move came about, it showed that Chelsea are still up and running."

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