Mario Melchiot explained that Timo Werner’s movement off the ball was crucial for Chelsea in their Champions League draw with Real Madrid, speaking on talkSPORT.
It ended 1-1 in last night’s semi-final first leg event between the Blues and Madrid, with Christian Pulisic and Karim Benzema the respective heroes.
Thomas Tuchel’s team took off in a flash, completely dominating the opening half an hour and could’ve been a couple up before Benzema equalised.
Werner was culpable of a wasting a glorious opportunity after just ten minutes, following great approach play by Mason Mount and Pulisic.
That squandered chance pretty much summed up the German’s Chelsea career; always in the right place, but never with the right execution.
He should’ve been thriving after scoring against West Ham United last weekend.
Unfortunately, the 25-year-old still looked shot of all confidence.
However, Melchiot felt the misfiring forward’s contribution went much further than simply avoiding the scoresheet.
The former Chelsea full-back said: “When you make the decision to go to Chelsea, they will expect certain things from you.
“He (Werner) brought something to the team that nobody else can bring.
“If you look at the way Chelsea were playing, look at how one man can keep a back line busy. That was Werner and his pace.
“They (Real Madrid) were always worried about him when they were pressing.
“Look how many times Kante become free in the middle of the park because they were so worried about Werner that they couldn’t press all the way through.”
Madrid couldn’t handle the pace of Werner, Mount and Pulisic as they poured down upon their defence in the first half.
Zinedine Zidane opted for a back three, that looked completely out of sorts when Chelsea’s attackers surged up stream.
Understandably, the intensity dropped off as the game wore on and bodies began to tire.
Tuchel brought on Hakim Ziyech and Kai Havertz for Werner and Pulisic, but couldn’t quite replicate their synchronised movements.
Chelsea may need to find another goal and gear if they are to overcome Madrid fully in the next leg.
That means no more gilt-edged misses from Werner or any of his colleges.
Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox
