It is difficult to pinpoint exactly what has gone wrong with Chelsea’s strikers this season. On one hand, Romelu Lukaku should have been the goalscorer that Thomas Tuchel has needed since he arrived in west London. A strong, intimidating and deadly inside the box threat seemed to be exactly what the doctor ordered. On the other hand, Timo Werner should have provided decisive counterattacking alongside the Belgian, in addition to clinical finishing from almost any angle. Yet, despite displaying these qualities elsewhere, neither has lived up to those expectations.
This conversation is premature all things considered, but it’s one that needs to be had in the grand scheme of things. Chelsea currently finds itself in the midst of an uncertain period with the transfer of ownership and all that comes with that change of power. This, of course, can cause doubt and distraction amongst players. That aside, the simple fact remains that the Blues cannot continue to pay for two “world class” strikers without receiving the expected results. This summer will be one of chopping and changing in west London, so this begs the question, which striker—if either—will Tuchel want to remain at the club?
Should Chelsea keep Romelu Lukaku or Timo Werner this summer?
The first up for debate is Werner since he is the player currently in form, and the longest serving of the two. One cannot deny that Werner has improved in recent games. He is finally looking like a real threat up front. Along with Kai Havertz and Mason Mount, Werner has rediscovered the hunger he was missing previously. Not only is he posing problems for the opposition’s defense every time he gets the ball, but he is also causing problems when out of possession. The German international finds good space by either coming short or by running in behind the back line. Regardless, is this newly found form enough for him to stay in SW6?
Personally, I’ve been critical of Werner this season. But I will be the first to admit that if he continues to play as he has recently, and improve upon those performances, his stay is inevitable. Werner offers the flexibility that Tuchel’s system demands in attack. Havertz has established himself as the main attacking threat, and that allows Werner to serve as that versatile forward who can play off his teammates.
The German is lethal on the counter attack and, with enough minutes on the field to build up confidence, he can have a killer instinct in front of goal. Attacking strategies won’t revolve around him, nor will he be an old school No. 9 for Chelsea. However, he can serve as important asset directly and indirectly. Werner has managed 11 goals and six assists in all competitions, which is especially decent considering he’s struggled and been sat on the bench a lot this campaign.
This leaves us with the question of Lukaku. The Belgian looked like the next best player to buy if acquiring Erling Haaland was not an option this summer. At first, Lukaku showed why the Blues broke the bank for the striker. He held defenders off in possession, he was clinical in front of goal and he was especially a nuisance inside the box. This all went down the drain after the infamous interview which cost him his place on the team, the trust with the fans and ultimately, his confidence. Lukaku has not been the same player since his ill-advised comments. He has missed chance after chance and looks a shadow of the No. 9 we saw at the beginning of the campaign.
The one thing Lukaku offers is a single-minded approach to attacking play. This is something Chelsea lacks when he is not on the pitch or when the opposition goes on the defensive. Premier League teams are excellent at parking the bus, so a flexible attacking front is not always the most effective way to find the back of the net. This is where Lukaku’s skills and physical attributes come into play. If he recovers his confidence and form, he could make all the difference for the Blues.
In the end, for the sake of this argument, one must go. As things stand, that player is Lukaku.
One cannot expect a player who lacks in confidence and form to perform when it matters most, and perhaps what Lukaku needs is a little more time. However, the Belgian will only be as successful as he was at Inter Milan if Tuchel changes his game plan and tactics. This, of course, is not going to happen. Tuchel has established himself and his track record with the club speaks for itself. He is not going to change everything he’s built for the sole benefit of one player. Therefore, time is a luxury Lukaku cannot afford. In the summer, if any club is willing to pay £70 million or so for the veteran striker, Chelsea should not think twice about it and accept the offer.
Who do you think the club should retain during the summer? Let us know your thoughts in the comments or on Twitter!