Micah Richards believed that Timo Werner’s long-term role for Chelsea will be as a left-sided forward rather than a no.9, speaking on BBC Radio Five Live.
Werner has juggled between playing through the middle and shifted out onto the wings by both Frank Lampard and Thomas Tuchel.
Neither Chelsea manager have managed to unlock the consistent goal getter that arrived from RB Leipzig last summer.
The 25-year-old netted his first Premier League goal since mid-February during last weekend’s 1-0 win over West Ham United.
That strike was only Werner’s 11th of what’s been a generally frustrating first season in England.
He played as a central striker in that victory against the Hammers, but Richards felt his best position was out on the left.
The former Manchester City defender said: “I think Werner will play on the left wing.
“That’s his position. He played as no.9 last game and he doesn’t seem to know what to do in the Premier League.
“The Premier League is quick isn’t it. You might get more time in Germany. His touch was a little baggy. He made some great runs.
“Don’t forget, when he was in Germany at Leipzig, he was playing off that left channel anyway. A lot of people expected him to just come in and be a no.9 and be prolific.
“I think he is better as a wide forward rather than a no.9.”
Plenty has been made about Chelsea’s need to sign a new, prolific centre-forward.
A major reason behind landing Werner was to fill that void.
This is yet to materialise for the German international, whilst Thomas Tuchel’s other options in that department are also failing to impress.
Tammy Abraham’s future at Stamford Bridge hangs in the balance after being repeatedly overlooked by his manager, with Olivier Giroud not much better off.
Huge names like Erling Haaland and Sergio Aguero have been heavily linked with a Blues move, in attempt to fill out that heavy no.9 jersey.
Nothing is set in stone yet, but it’s pretty concrete that Chelsea does need someone else to lead their line.
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