Glenn Hoddle said Thiago Silva’s and Timo Werner’s Champions League experience will be important for Chelsea ahead of battles against Atletico Madrid.
Most would agree that this is the toughest draw Chelsea could have had in the last 16.
It is not only because of the quality Atletico have in their squad, but also their tenacious defensive style, which has often proved difficult for attacking teams like Chelsea.
Interestingly, former Blues player/manager Hoddle still believes Chelsea have the quality to prise open Atletico’s stubborn defence.
“It is a tough one,” Hoddle told BT Sport (via Football London).
“It’s the one they probably didn’t want.”
“I think Chelsea have certainly got the firepower up front to open up Atletico.
“But it depends also as you’re going into these big games I always feel if you’re hitting confidence, momentum, and results.”
Hoddle highlighted duo’s experience
Compared to the young Chelsea squad, Diego Simeone’s men arguably have the upper hand in terms of Champions League experience.
Hoddle, however, is optimistic since Chelsea have also brought in two experienced players in the summer.
“Two great players with experience who won’t fear anything going into those games,” he said of Silva and Werner.
“I am confident, but I think it will go close to the wire.
“It could have been an easier draw for them but I think he will go in optimistic.”
Silva, who captained PSG to their first Champions League final last season, is obviously one of the senior players Lampard will rely on for the tie.
On the other hand, Werner was RB Leipzig’s talisman in the competition before joining Chelsea.
Aside from those two, Hakim Ziyech is another Chelsea summer signing who had extensive experience in the competition with Ajax.
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