Time Werner has endured a hit and miss start to his Chelsea career so far but under Thomas Tuchel, there are early signs the the German is having a growing influence on the Blues side.
Despite Werner faltering in front of goal – it may come as a surprise to hear that he actually has the most goal involvements of any one in the Blues side.
It hasn’t been plain sailing for the German, and his goal scoring form in the Premier League still leaves a lot to be desired, but his general team play is certainly improving.
We’re seeing a new-found work rate to Werner’s game and it was evident again in Chelsea’s opener tonight.
The 25-year-old sprints to make a block on a Kieran Trippier cross which skews up into the air and drops perfectly on the head on Ngolo Kante who starts the electric counter attack.
But not only does he play a huge role in winning the ball back, he doesn’t just admire that block and he sprints 70 yards to latch onto Kai Havertz through ball, before calmly squaring for Hakim Ziyech to sweep home.
It’s this work rate which is often an understated part of Werner’s game – he’ll the team before himself and that’s why Tuchel loves him.
He’s got raw pace and an engine – making him the dream striker for Tuchel who demands hard work from his side – evident by their remarkable defensive record.
Chelsea fans themselves have picked up on it and were quick to leap to the defence of Werner who has had a fair amount of critics in the past weeks/months.
Here’s what they had to say on Twitter….
What a performance from Timo Werner so far. Week in week out getting important goal contributions yet constantly gets slandered. Deserves more respect.
— Raf (@CFC_Raf) March 17, 2021
The goal starts with Werner winning the ball back by flying into a block on Trippier’s cross – then he still has the energy to run in-behind. Fantastic defensive & offensive play by the German.
— Premier League Panel (@PremLeaguePanel) March 17, 2021
Timo Werner takes a lot of criticism and I'm guilty of it too but I have to admit, man's attitude has never deterred. He keeps working hard and that goal for Ziyech was all down to his immense work rate!!
Thank you Timo!!
— The Other Side Of The Coin (@TOSOTC_CFC) March 17, 2021
Ziyech… it's worth the wait.. All respect and credits goes straight to Werner for his wonderful assist.
— SARA (@sarajbz) March 17, 2021
Two of the most criticized Chelsea players giving us the lead at the break. It was a pleasure watching Werner set up Ziyech for the second goal of this tie. pic.twitter.com/c56nAJHyaB
— Olieć (@EddieOliech) March 17, 2021