Why the arrival of Lukaku will revive Werner Close the panel Open the panel Plume Le Figaro App -icon - 512px V1 1 - Style/Logotypes/Le Figaro/Apps/jeux<

Freshly landed at Chelsea in exchange for 115 million euros, Romelu Lukaku is now a superstar in the Chelsea workforce. An arrival supposed to solve the offensive deficiencies of the European champion. Since despite its recurring territorial domination and its often outrageous possession of the ball, in 19 Premier League games Thomas Tuchel's team has managed to score at least two goals only 10 times. A balance sheet which contrasts with the impression of domination left by the Blues of the German technician.

To justify this lack of efficiency, the target of supporters and observers was all found. Who else but Timo Werner, who cost Chelsea 53 million euros, to take on the role of scapegoat? And it must be said that the German striker gave food to his detractors. Always generous in effort but too often awkward in front of goal, Werner fell short of his usual standards. Author of only 12 small goals in all competitions, the German's season should not however be reduced to his statistics. Even if we can point out that he still delivered 15 assists, only 2 less than Bruno Fernandes and Harry Kane but also 1 more than Leo Messi.

Lukaku on his arrival at Chelsea: 'It's the chance of a lifetime'

Clumsy in front of goal, useful in the game

Many have criticized Werner for his inability to score when the goal seemed ready. Despite everything, Thomas Tuchel never stopped believing in him and aligning him in his starting lineup. However, with Giroud and Abraham, both leaving for Serie A this summer, it was not the competition that was missing in the attacking position with the Blues. But Werner offers possibilities that Abraham and Giroud do not offer or little. While Thomas Tuchel advocates a polished possession game as well as a large occupation of the width of the pitch, Werner's speed and verticality offer a significant variation in Chelsea's game. A speed that also opens up spaces thanks to its incessant racing.

This ability to suck up defenses has proven itself on many occasions, including in the most important moments, since in the Champions League final won against Manchester City, it was Timo Werner's call that allowed Kai Havertz to find himself alone in front of goal. A facet of Chelsea's game that has irreparably impacted his performance in front of goal, since beyond his clumsiness, he abandoned his goalscoring costume in favor of that of decoy. However, the Blues will probably not be able to afford to have so little margin in front of goal the following season when the other Premier League teams will have had time to analyze and adapt to their game. so that's where Lukaku's recruitment comes in.

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— TP Mon Mar 18 06:17:08 +0000 2019

The best of Timo Werner at Chelsea

Compatible Lukaku

We are not going to lie to each other, if Chelsea paid 115 million euros for the striker of Inter Milan it is not only to revive Timo Werner. With Lukaku, the Blues have secured the services of one of the most complete attackers on the planet. Keeping his back to the game, taking deep, one-touch play and a killer in front of goal, Lukaku knows how to do it all and, by his own admission, considers himself “more complete” than before. "I have tried to master all the facets necessary for a striker and I want to constantly improve myself on the smallest details while also improving my strengths [...] Whether the coach wants me to play in pivot or he wants if I take the spaces in the back, I can do it,” the 28-year-old told the Chelsea website.

If this recruitment is beneficial for Werner, it is because Thomas Tuchel will now be able to put his two attackers in the best possible position. Indeed, where Lukaku and Werner performed best was when paired with another top striker. In addition, both find a profile similar to their former teammate on the front of the attack. Werner resembles Martinez, who paired with the Belgian at Inter Milan, and Lukaku is a bit closer to the style of Poulsen, with whom the 25-year-old German shone at Leipzig.

A fact that Werner himself did not fail to point out at the microphone of Sky Sports: “He is a world-class striker who would benefit any team. I certainly think at Leipzig that it always helped me to have a big striker on my side. [...] I think it's always good because I'm not the biggest and when you play alone in front you always have the attention of one or two defenders. It's a good new weapon to have in our game because you know if you play a long ball he'll keep it. And then the fast players around him can trigger - I think that's good for any team."

An opinion which is also shared by Thomas Tuchel still during an interview for Sky Sports. “I think Romelu's arrival will help Timo a lot. […] He takes responsibility, can take the pressure off the shoulders of Timo, Kai Havertz and Christian Pulisic so that we have more variations. [...] We can play with two attackers or a line of three. The arrival of Lukaku is good news for Timo”, underlines the German technician. If we cannot yet know what this association will give, on paper, this duo will do everything to break any Premier League defense. An association that we could see at work on Sunday against Arsenal.

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