Pat Nevin believes that 24-year-old is providing more than just assists for Chelsea

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Pat Nevin feels that Timo Werner’s work rate and running off the ball has been crucial to getting other Chelsea players into promising positions.

Writing in his column on the Chelsea website, Nevin wanted to heap praise the 24-year-old who is beginning to grow in significance.

“The work-rate has never been in question regarding the German, but it is becoming clearer that the effect he has on our play is making an ever-increasing difference at important moments,” said the former Blues midfielder.

He continued by comparing Werner to ex-teammate Chrissy Malkin, who ‘was forever using his blistering pace and willingness to go along.’

“That is exactly what Timo is doing for us just now. It doesn’t show up in the bald stats that many people are slaves to, but there is no doubt it helps the likes of Mason Mount getting space in that crucial area between the opposition’s midfield and their defence.”

This was typified by the goal Mount scored in their recent victory over Sheffield United.

Werner made a good run into the channel that drew that attentions away from Mount who was lurking in the area. All the England international had to do was roll the ball into the net following Werner’s pullback.

This was not his only contribution in the match. Werner latched onto a lose United back-pass and managed to round Aaron Ramsdale before being tripped for a penalty.

Chelsea’s striker may be missing goals at the minute, but he certainly isn’t avoiding assists. Werner now has seven to his name in the Premier League, more than any other Blues player (Transermarkt).

Unfortunately, the issue of his baron run will continuously come into question. The £45m (Sky Sports) signing for RB Leipzig has gone 14 league matches without hitting the back of the net.

But as Nevin alluded to, Werner has been contributing so much more in the final third.

The Chelsea Chronicle View

I think we are getting close to seeing Werner at his very best. You could say he is doing everything right except scoring, but a goal or two wouldn’t hurt now and again.

You can see why many pundits are calling for Chelsea to sign a world-class striker, as I think Werner is suited to playing alongside another forward.