Gary Neville thinks that Thomas Tuchel has finally found the perfect remedy to get Timo Werner firing again for Chelsea, speaking on Sky Sports Monday Night Football.
A first goal in 15 Premier League outings was the reward for Werner last night as Chelsea strode to a routine victory over Newcastle United last night.
The 24-year-old’s improvement under his new coach cannot be overstated. Werner looks sharper and more energetic than he did for Frank Lampard.
His goal wasn’t picturesque but nobody associated to Chelsea cared, as it meant their expensive forward was returning to form.
Neville and Jamie Carragher spoke to Tuchel after the match about Werner’s new role as a no.10, which he seems to be benefitting far more from than being a lone striker.
“It’s interesting on Werner, almost like playing him upfront on his own as a nine is a last resort,” said Neville.
“He said, playing wide, which looks like his favoured position and the one we saw him play tonight.
“He said double nine, which means playing upfront with another striker. Chelsea have been reluctant do to.
“And he could play as a nine. It’s almost if like he’s set exactly what he’s going to do with Werner and how he’s going to get the best out of him. He’s made his mind up already.”
This will come as sweet relief for Chelsea’s hierarchy. They will have undoubtedly demanded Tuchel to get a tune out of their £45m (Sky Sports) signing who’s been hitting bum notes until this point.
Tuchel has certainly orchestrated his choir to sing in unison once again, with Werner playing a slightly different instrument than he’s used to.
So often for RB Leipzig he was the vocal points of all their attacks. Now for Chelsea, the 24-year-old is being deployed either side of the front man.
His desire to run in behind is becoming a key tactical theme for Tuchel. Player and manager will hope he doesn’t burn out anytime soon with Werner’s flame just being reignited.
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It’s interesting how quickly fortunes can change in football. Lampard tried desperately to unlock the Werner we all knew from his Bundesliga days without much prevail.
Tuchel takes over and it’s a completely different story. Whether that German connection is benefiting the pair I don’t know.
Whatever magic formula he’s being fed, brew another batch because the results have been excellent so far.
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