Chelsea

Michael Ballack tries to explain Timo Werner struggles at Chelsea

By Ben Knapton, Senior Reporter | 07 February 2021

Former Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack believes that the Blues' style of play is behind Timo Werner's below-par start to his Stamford Bridge career.

Former Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack believes that a change in style has been to blame for Timo Werner's underwhelming start to life at Stamford Bridge.

The 24-year-old has so far failed to live up to his £47m price tag and boasts just four goals in 21 Premier League appearances for the Blues in the 2020-21 campaign.

However, Werner did win the penalty - converted by Jorginho - which propelled Chelsea to victory at Tottenham Hotspur in midweek, and Ballack is confident that his compatriot will start firing for Thomas Tuchel's side soon.

Speaking to Omnisport, Ballack said: "Timo started off pretty well. Of course, if you aren't scoring as a striker, then it is hard on the self-confidence.

"I believe that it is very hard for him overall, as he was used to playing differently at Leipzig. He had a lot more space in front of him.

"Chelsea is the kind of team that has a lot of ball possession, wanting to dominate the opponent. Maybe even more so with [Thomas] Tuchel. Maybe he has to work on his playing style a little bit or try to get himself into better positions.

"As a striker you are depending on your fellow players to find you and if the [goal drought] breaks, then he will be able to find his old form.

"He used to have good phases with the national team, using his physical presence and power to break down on the wing. 'So when the [drought] breaks, then things will go better again."

Despite largely struggling for goals in the Premier League, Werner has netted three times in six Champions League matches this term, as well as further strikes in the FA Cup and EFL Cup.