Timo Werner’s time at Chelsea looks to have come to a saddening end

Despite Timo Werner being an important component in Chelsea’s 2021 Champions League-winning campaign, it is time to admit the striker’s time at Chelsea is essentially coming to an end. The German international’s individual contribution has not been impactful, nor substantial enough, to warrant another season in blue. Therefore, it is safe to say that the club should part ways with Werner in the summer—if it’s able to, of course.

Two factors have practically decided Werner’s future: the first has been his own decline and incompetence in front of goal. The second is Thomas Tuchel’s change of plans for the team. The former is something he could improve upon, and possibly earn a spot back in the team. However, the latter would prevent him from doing so, no matter his efforts to improve. Therefore, as the Blues look to retool the attack in Tuchel’s image, Werner looks to be on his way out.

Timo Werner’s time looks to be up at Chelsea following latest struggles

The fact of the matter is Werner no longer plays a significant role at Chelsea. Even before the arrival of Romelu Lukaku, Werner’s ability to score was running dry. In this case, it’s important to mention that his goal contributions were significant, but they were not enough overall. That reality forced Tuchel to find alternative solutions. This allowed for Werner to still be useful to the team and utilize his set of skills, but relying on Werner to score was not sustainable, it was more like constantly hoping for a miracle.

His lack of confidence in front of goal is evident to the point that tap-ins being scored are seen as a success. Werner went from assisting goals and creating space for scoring opportunities to doing virtually nothing for the team, whether it be in the starting XI or off the bench. When making runs, he spends most of his time offside, and when he isn’t, he can’t control the ball to make the most of opportunities. This forces him to drop deep, which has the same impact as he is unable to dribble past any defenders, nor continue a play effectively.

Despite all of this, there is still a chance Werner could change his bleak future. Ever since Romelu Lukaku’s arrival last summer, Werner has been pushed aside. However, Lukaku has not impressed like intended either and he is forcing Tuchel to revert to a more dynamic front three. Kai Havertz has become the preferred No. 9 right now with any combination of Mason Mount, Christian Pulisic and Hakim Ziyech around him. That said, Werner can still provide the movement, flexibility and direct threat needed to start games for the Blues. Werner could also be the striker Chelsea intended him to be with a rotation of any of the aforementioned, and more game time, if the team plays to his strengths. After all, Havertz’s recent uptick in form gives hope to Werner supporters.

Nevertheless, that is not happening as Tuchel already has a game plan formulated around Werner’s silky German teammate. It is unfortunate, as Werner is a hard-working player that would rather see the team win than to glorify himself with goals. Unfortunately, Tuchel’s plans include Havertz, Lukaku or just simply don’t include Werner at all. Lukaku is useful to the German coach, even if he does not score goals, as he provides different avenues in the attack that Werner does not. For example, when team sits back and defends, a fluent front three is almost useless, but with Lukaku there is a constant threat inside the box due to his style and physical attributes.

That aside, Tuchel already a very functional front three, even without Lukaku. When playing any combination of the aforementioned forwards, the team looks strong. Perhaps that is because they are not afraid of getting into scoring positions, even if they are low on confidence or in poor form. The same cannot be said about Werner, who—despite trying—fails all the same. For example, against Newcastle, Werner’s contribution was close to nothing. The team was more impactful in the attack when the German wasn’t on the ball or even the pitch. When he attempted to contribute, he lost possession, stopped the attack by breaking the counterattack or was offside.

The unfortunate reality is that this has become the norm when he is on the field. It’s become hard to watch. While one can say that he has a lot to offer based on his FA Cup performance against Luton, this was against a Championship team at the end of the day. If one is to isolate his actions and put it against any Premier League club, the results would be atrocious. Also, one cannot base a player’s worth to the team solely on one match when he disappears the next game he starts. At this point in the season, Werner has become nothing more than a substitute. Because of circumstances within, and out of his control, the German international has run out of time. Even if he miraculously turns his form around, it will only help to elevate his price tag before the summer. In the end, that is still unlikely to happen, which will only serve as the final justification for his sale.

What do you think the future has in store for the striker? Let us know your thoughts in the comments or on Twitter!