Chelsea’s summer recruits have been a mixed bag so far. According to Paul Merson, one Blues player is really struggling to get up to speed at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues have started the 2025/26 campaign pretty inconsistently, winning four, drawing two and losing three of their nine matches across all competitions so far.
Chelsea’s owners were pleased with the summer transfer window because they felt this season’s squad is stronger than what they had last year.
The likes of Joao Pedro and Estevao Willian have settled pretty quickly as new individuals in the squad. However, others are taking a bit more time to find their feet, which shouldn’t be too worrying yet as it’s still early days.
Paul Merson criticises summer signing Jamie Gittens in Chelsea vs Liverpool prediction
On Saturday evening, Chelsea host rivals Liverpool in an important Premier League fixture.
Ahead of the league showdown, Paul Merson has raised some concern over Enzo Maresca’s side, particularly in attack. He even singled out Jamie Gittens, 21, as a wide player who’s unlikely to play this weekend.
Merson told Sportskeeda: “I’m a Chelsea fan but I must admit they don’t wet my appetite. They looked good for the first 20 minutes against Brighton and eventually crumbled. This is the problem with Chelsea, they only play well in patches…
“I expect Joao Pedro and Pedro Neto to start this game for Chelsea, but does Enzo Maresca trust Alejandro Garnacho against Liverpool? Jamie Gittens is behind the eight-ball at Chelsea, he’s really struggling and I don’t expect him to play here. Estevao looks like the best option and don’t get me wrong, he’s a good player. But Chelsea have spent a billion pounds and we are still second guessing on who would play for them, unbelievable…
“Liverpool are playing badly, but I just don’t see them losing this game. I’d be shocked if Chelsea won too, but the hosts could get a point here in my opinion.
“Prediction: Chelsea 1-1 Liverpool.”
Slow start for Jamie Gittens at Chelsea
The reality is that Gittens has underwhelmed since joining Chelsea from Borussia Dortmund this summer. He’s got plenty of time to turn things around, though.
| Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| 6 | 0 | 0 |
At the moment, Gittens is struggling to force his way into the strongest XI on the left wing, where he’s competing with the likes of Alejandro Garnacho and Pedro Neto. We agree it would be a surprise to him picked to play the upcoming match at home to Liverpool.
It is encouraging that Chelsea are convinced Gittens will come good with them, but the pressure must be building on the individual. The fan discussion about his slow start won’t disappear until he gets his first goal or assist, too.
Troy Deeney’s message to Gittens is that the Blues attacker must improve his end product, which has been pretty invisible in the opening months of the season.
Last season, Gittens scored 12 goals and created five assists in 49 appearances across all competitions for Dortmund. If he can bring the same kind of composure and energy to his Chelsea performances, there is room for him to play his way into the team.
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