Michael Ballack backs Timo Werner to rediscover his goalscoring touch at Chelsea
According to Omnisport (h/t Metro), former Chelsea and Germany star Michael Ballack expects Timo Werner to get back to his best at the Bridge.
The 24-year-old joined the Blues from RB Leipzig in the summer. While his nine goals and seven assists in 30 appearances aren’t the worst, they pale in comparison to the proficient spell he put together in the Bundesliga. (h/t Transfermarkt)
Werner is going through a slump at the moment, scoring just once in his last 19 games for club and country. The sooner he gets going, the better for Thomas Tuchel.
“When the [drought] breaks, then things will go better again.”
Ballack believes Werner started off well but his recent struggles will have gone to his head. Confidence is key for a striker and it shows when the player is in want of it.
“If you aren’t scoring as a striker, then it is hard on the self-confidence.”
Chelsea are a much bigger side in comparison to Leipzig and deploy a system that sees them expected to be on the front foot. With opposition falling back, there is a lack of space for Werner to run into.
Adapt and evolve!
Having exploited just that playing for a counter-attacking team in Leipzig, Werner has struggled to adapt himself to the new demands.
“I believe that it is very hard for him overall, as he was used to playing differently at Leipzig. He had a lot more space in front of him.”
Ballack expects Werner to adapt to his new surroundings and rediscover his old form. While his off the ball movement has been good, the striker has failed to deliver the end product.
“He has to work on his playing style a little bit or try to get himself into better positions.”
Hopefully, Werner is saving his best for last and will unleash his true self in the second half of the season. It will go a long way in helping the Blues salvage a season that promised so much.
