Rio Ferdinand was pleasantly surprised by Timo Werner’s involvement for Chelsea’s first goal versus Atletico Madrid yesterday, speaking on BT Sport.
Thomas Tuchel induced another tactical masterclass last night, this time in the Champions League against an admittedly under par Madrid side.
Everything went according to plan, as the Blues cruised into a first quarter final in the competition for seven years.
Perhaps the only snag in what was an almost perfect performance was that Werner failed to score again.
That’s now six games without a goal for the German forward.
However, his contribution went much further than simply sticking the ball in the back of Madrid’s net.
It was Werner’s pinpoint cross to set up Hakim Ziyech’s first Stamford Bridge goal that got Chelsea on their way to victory.
The 25-year-old’s involvement in the move started when he went to close down a Madrid cross with a sliding challenge.
He was swiftly back onto his feet as Chelsea broke from their own box to complete an excellent counter attacking move.
Ferdinand lauded Werner’s overall influence in that devastating passage of play.
“Werner, he was the key to it,” hailed the former Manchester United centre-back.
“He goes out to defend a cross. Look at he way he gets there.
“Look at the desire to get across. Slide tackling. That’s not something you associate with someone like Timo Werner.”
This change in attitude and desire demonstrated by Werner can be seen throughout the entire Chelsea squad.
Tuchel has installed a new winning mindset into his players and they look a different proposition for it.
They are now a force to be reckoned with, not only in England but on the European stage as well.