Chelsea must utilise its homegrown talent, Tammy Abraham, in addition to other forwards if the Blues want to challenge on all fronts next season.
The signing of Timo Werner means Frank Lampard has found his number one striker heading into the 2020/2021 season. The £47.5 million transfer from RB Leipzig was announced in June with the intention to get Chelsea competing at the top. As such, Tammy Abraham must fight for his place in the starting XI if he wants to be known as a regular.
The 22-year-old striker scored 15 Premier League goals in 34 games last season, 12 of these came in the first 20 matches. It was a superb return for the No. 9 in the first half of the campaign and it looked like the club had found its first prolific striker since Diego Costa’s departure.
However, his form halted in the second half of the second half of the campaign due to several reasons. It was Abraham’s first full breakthrough season and niggling injuries caused some issues down the stretch. He returned just three goals in the final 18 games of the season, so what case can be made for why he must be utilised next campaign? Here are three reasons why he could be a priceless asset to Chelsea Football Club:
1. Abraham brings something different to the table
The best patch for Abraham during last season came in the first five games of the season. He found the back of the net seven times in this period as he hit the ground running.
If you look at the highlight reel of Abraham’s goals throughout the 19/20 season, one thing becomes apparent: the style of his goals. 14 of his 15 Premier League scores come inside 18-yard box; many came after converting a cross, playing off the last man or loose balls inside the box.
This is something different to what the club currently has. Werner has the capability to be an all-round forward. His lighting pace means he can reach balls into the channels. The ability to find the back of the net puts him in the world class bracket. The German scored 28 goals in 34 appearances in the Bundesliga last season.
Olivier Giroud is the other striker at the club. The French forward served a purple patch post lockdown, he was pivotal to Lampard’s system. His ability to hold the ball up and bring other players into the game is phenomenal. This is the role he brings to the side. The audacious flicks and the applaudable knockdowns he portrays puts him in a niche bracket of players who have the ability to do this.
Having three different strikers could enhance the Blues next season. Three striking options means there is options for Lampard. With the club playing in four competitions next season, having Abraham—on top of the other two forwards—will provide a good selection headache for the boss.