Pundit says Fulham star is ‘exactly what Chelsea need’ to solve goals problem

Aleksandar Mitrovic of Fulham wins a header ahead of Reece James of Chelsea. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

Chelsea told to sign Fulham star Aleksandr Mitrovic to solve striker issues

Following their goalless match against Fulham, former Chelsea striker Tony Cascarino counselled the team to quickly purchase a new striker.

According to Cascarino, Chelsea’s primary issue is upfront because the team has just two goals in its last six games. The Blues only had three shots on goal against Fulham, which indicated the importance of a reliable attacker.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was acquired by the team to help with goal-scoring issues, but it hasn’t worked out as the former Barcelona player has just one goal in 11 Premier League games.

Chelsea were forced to settle for a draw against Cottage despite making significant investments in the January transfer window, showing that they were unable to fully use their new additions.

And Cascarino was right on target when he told TalkSport in an exclusive interview about Chelsea’s need for a striker:

“I’m sure we’ll talk about Havertz in this conversation because Havertz doesn’t lead the line. All the things I got taught as a centre forward, and all the centre forwards I know, he doesn’t do a number of things very well. And Graham Potter doesn’t recognise that.”

To this, another former Chelsea forward, Carlton Cole, suggested:

“You’ve got to look at Mitrovic’s return as well, he’s been brilliant for them. Even the way he plays, he holds up the ball. Just exactly what Chelsea need at the moment up front. Someone to bring that ball in, hold it up and lay it off, get in the box, get on crosses.”

Cole is spot on. With Chelsea using Kai Havertz as a central forward, who has also been futile in front of goal, as his two clear misses against the Cottagers further proved, the West Londoners need an orthodox striker who is a threat in the box and can convert chances at will.

And bringing up Aleksandar Mitrovic would be a brilliant idea given that the Serbian is currently fourth in the Premier League golden boot race, scoring 11 goals in 18 games.

In addition to being a menace in the air and a traditional number 9, his size is enough to make defenders shudder. He holds the ball with the help of his massive frame, and his positional awareness allows him to enter dangerous areas for goals.

He is only 28 years old, has many years remaining in his playing career, and is also a product of the English top division. He scored 43 goals in 46 Championship games to help Fulham get promoted, and he has continued that brilliance in the Premier League.

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Sometimes strikers can’t always adapt to a different team’s system; Aubameyang was successful at Arsenal but has failed to replicate that form at Chelsea – although that could be down to a natural decline with age. Nevertheless, we can use Mitrovic for a limited period of time if Todd Boehly wishes to sign him in the summer.

He won’t be the biggest name in the market and neither will he be the most lavish acquisition, but he can honestly get the job done up front when it comes to making his presence felt and being at the end of chances.

2 years ago

Rajarshi Shukla