How Timo Werner's Arrival Could Actually Harm Chelsea After Olivier Giroud Improvement

After spending the first transfer window of his reign under an embargo - banning Chelsea from purchasing any players - it's no surprise to see Frank Lampard splashing the cash like a child who's been set loose in his local sweet shop.

With the 2019/20 season still ongoing, the Blues boss has already rubberstamped deals which will see Hakim Ziyech and Bundesliga sensation Timo Werner at Stamford Bridge next season.

Both purchases have been lauded as hugely influential signings in Chelsea’s bid to become title challengers. However, could the signing of Werner ultimately prove to be detrimental to the club’s pursuit of Premier League glory?

Having started just two games prior to the turn of the year, Olivier Giroud has become an integral part of Chelsea's starting XI since the league’s resumption following the three-month hiatus.

Three goals in five games represents a healthy return for a striker not renowned for being an out-and-out goalscorer, while his linkup play with those around him – a facet of his game the Frenchman has built a career on - has been instrumental in the club’s recent good form.

While Werner undoubtedly carries more of a goal threat than Giroud (78 league goals in 127 games for RB Leipzig is testament to that) the German youngster doesn’t possess the same ability as the former Arsenal man when it comes to knitting attacks together and bringing those around him into play.

Despite Giroud’s selfless style of play, the €60m acquisition of Werner will more than likely see the Frenchman yet again resigned to a place on the Chelsea sub’s bench (or more accurately a place in the stands as social distancing now demands).

While Werner will bring more goals to the team, the omission of Giroud could see goals taken away from other areas of the side, meaning they ultimately carry less of a threat going forward.

Arguably Chelsea’s standout performers since the restart have been Christian Pulisic and Willian. The pair have mustered an impressive seven goals and five assists between them, with Giroud playing a key role in the duo's upturn in form.

The trio emphatically displayed the connection they’ve developed in the build-up to Pulisic’s stunning left-footed drive against Crystal Palace, with Willian and Giroud playing a neat one-two on the edge of the Palace area, before the Brazilian found Pulisic out wide and the American applied a deadly finish.

While a forward’s goal output is ultimately what many will judge him on, Liverpool’s triumph this season is a nod towards the fact a striker doesn’t have to be a 30-goal-a-season man to spearhead his club to glory.

Roberto Firmino has recorded just eight league goals this season – failing to notch at Anfield since March 2019 – yet his selfless work off the ball and ability to link up with Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane has been a key part in the Merseysiders’ notching their maiden Premier League crown.

Admittedly, with Giroud set to turn 34 in September, the France international is entering the twilight of his career. However, he’s never been blessed with electric pace; his game is built upon movement and being the focal point of an attack.

His strike to open the scoring in Chelsea’s 3-0 win over Watford displayed everything the frontman is about, showing the nous to manoeuvre a yard of space away from Craig Dawson before sliding a clever finish past Ben Foster.   

With a plethora of young talent at the club and experienced figures such as Pedro and Jorginho rumoured to be heading for the Stamford Bridge exit door, Giroud’s experience will be key in the development of their young squad.

However, the frontman can be more than just a mentor for the new generation. He’s shown since the league’s return that he still has the class to lead the line, and can still be a valuable asset for Lampard going forward.

Source: 90min

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