Tammy Abraham probably feels he can’t do much more to become Chelsea’s main striker and a start against Newcastle United tonight is the least he deserves.
Numbers don’t lie
He is already up to 12 goals for this campaign, having claimed the club’s in house Golden Boot award for last season with 17 across all competitions.
Aside from being the Blues top marksmen, Abraham sits joint second in the assists tally with six to his name.
Only Mason Mount and Timo Werner have made more appearances for Chelsea in 2020/21.
Despite all his positive numbers on paper, the England international still isn’t viewed as the solution to Thomas Tuchel’s attacking trident.
Which seems ludicrous considering his output. Abraham was one of the few positives to take away from a highly underwhelming FA Cup victory over Barnsley.
A place in Tuchel’s line up tonight to take on Newcastle should be awarded to Abraham on merit.
Head and shoulders above the rest
But also because of the skills he can offer to Chelsea, most noticeably his aerial ability.
Steve Bruce’s side will attempt to barrage the Blues with long balls up and take advantage of any set pieces.
They certainly have height within their ranks, a trait Chelsea is not completely blessed by. This is where Abraham comes in handy.
His 6ft4 frame can be utilised to good effect in both boxes, as demonstrated when he headed a goal-bound Barnsley effort over his own bar to preserve his team’s lead last Thursday.
Down the other end, Abraham offers a focal point for crosses into the opposition area or a long punt upfield if Chelsea gets penned in by Newcastle’s press.
Olivier Giroud can also play this role but without the mobility of Abraham. That extra yard of pace has become crucial in a game of such fine margins.
The Cobham connection
There is also the relationship he has forged with several of his comrades who will likely be starters at Stamford Bridge this evening.
Callum Hudson-Odoi, Reece James, and Mount all possess a telepathic connection with Abraham that was created during their Cobham academy days.
Tuchel would be foolish not to try to harness this natural relationship and even more ridiculous if Abraham doesn’t feature today.