Sports

Frank Lampard is playing Timo Werner out of position, claims Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink


Timo Werner has played from the left for Chelsea (Photo by Visionhaus)

Chelsea legend Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink believes Timo Werner is being played out of position by manager Frank Lampard.

The German joined the Blues in a £51million deal from RB Leipzig earlier this summer and he had been expected to replace Tammy Abraham as Chelsea’s central striker given the club’s problems in front of goal last term.

However, Werner has predominantly been used from the left flank since joining the club and he bagged his first Premier League goals for the Blues with a brace in their 3-3 draw against Southampton on Saturday.

Abraham and Kai Havertz have shared the central position between them but Hasselbaink believes Werner should move across to become Chelsea’s No.9.

Hasselbaink has been impressed by Werner (Photo by Mick Walker – CameraSport via Getty Images)

‘He is the real deal,’ Hasselbaink added.

‘He is very sharp, he turns the centre-back quickly, and there is only one thing in his mind. He is not somebody who likes to play with back to goal, he likes to see it and make the run on the shoulder of the centre-backs.

‘I like him when he plays through the middle, he does drift to the left, and then comes back to the middle, he is a top striker. 

‘His runs are limited if he plays on the left as he can only cut back in, he is more restricted and he likes to be free and make runs off the shoulder. 

‘I didn’t like to play with my back to goal, I couldn’t do it. For me what I have seen of him, he is the real deal, he doesn’t care how they go in.’

Chelsea have made a mixed start to the season, earning just eight points from their first five matches.

The Blues face Manchester United at Old Trafford on Saturday but not before a Champions League clash against Sevilla.

Hasselbaink believes the side’s leaky defence will prevent them from mounting a title challenge.

‘No, Chelsea are not contenders [for the title],’ Hasselbaink told Sky Sports.

‘They are leaking too many goals. It is a breath of fresh air to see them going forward with the likes of Mason Mount and Werner. 

‘But the defence is a worry, if they cannot improve the centre-backs and goalkeeper it is a concern. Alisson wins Liverpool points, but that doesn’t happen with Kepa. Chelsea need to improve in that area.’

MORE: Jamie Carragher tips Liverpool to sign Dayot Upamecano after Virgil van Dijk injury





READ SOURCE

Leave a Reply

This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this site, you accept our use of cookies.