Alan Hudson remains cautious regarding Timo Werner’s future at Chelsea, speaking to Caught Offside.
Werner’s spell at Stamford Bridge has been far from idyllic.
Following his £45m (Sky Sports) move from RB Leipzig, the German forward has only scored ten goals.
That’s a pitiful return for a player who bagged 34 in his final Bundesliga season.
Werner went 14 Premier League matches before netting against Newcastle United but has returned to a barren spell of four goalless games.
His performances have picked up since Thomas Tuchel took over the managerial reins, with a much clearer vision of his role in Chelsea’s team.
However, that didn’t stop Hudson from highlighting the striker’s apparent inefficiencies.
The former Blues midfielder said: “Werner’s form is very concerning.
“A player who looked so very dangerous early on has gone into some kind of cocoon – and needs lifting.
“People don’t really appreciate the confidence factor here. The kid looks lost and has had opportunities on goal that have made him look average.
“But maybe Tuchel thinks he’ll come good.”
It would be understandable if Werner’s self-belief has taken a major blow, considering some of the gilt-edged chances he’s squandered.
But there has to be sympathy. Chelsea’s 24-year-old was denied a goal at Liverpool after being deemed marginally offside by VAR.
Technology almost took away another goal from Werner in the win over Newcastle, with thorough checks issued over a possible handball in the build-up.
However, Tuchel appears to have kept faith in his compatriot, even if it means blasting him with instructions from the sidelines.
The Chelsea Chronicle View
I think Hudson is being overly critical again.
Agreed, Werner’s form isn’t great. But he’s offering plenty more to the side with hard work that largely goes unnoticed.
Had that goal been given against Liverpool we wouldn’t be having this conversation.
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