Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink believes Chelsea can forget about the Premier League title with their dodgy defence.
The Blues twice threw away a lead in Saturday’s 3-3 Premier League draw with Southampton and questions continue to be asked about whether they can mount a serious title challenge with their leaky back line.
The west London club have shipped 63 goals in boss Lampard’s 43 matches at the Stamford Bridge helm – the worst return of any Chelsea manager.
And Hasselbaink is adamant they cannot be considered as contenders for the Premier League crown due to their frailties at the back.
“No, Chelsea are not contenders [for the title],” Hasselbaink told Sky Sports.
“They are leaking too many goals. It is a breath of fresh air to see them going forward with the likes of Mason Mount and [Timo] Werner.
AFP or llicensors AFP or Licensors
“But the defence is a worry, if they cannot improve the centre-backs and goalkeeper it is a concern. Alisson wins Liverpool points, but that doesn’t happen with Kepa. Chelsea need to improve in that area.”
Despite dropping two points at Stamford Bridge, summer arrival Werner showcased his goal-scoring pedigree by netting his first two Premier League goals since his £52m move from RB Leipzig.
And Hasselbaink is convinced Chelsea now have a front-man they can rely on for many years to come.
“He is the real deal,” Hasselbaink added.
Getty Images - Getty
“He is very sharp, he turns the centre-back quickly, and there is only one thing in his mind. He is not somebody who likes to play with back to goal, he likes to see it and make the run on the shoulder of the centre-backs.
“I like him when he plays through the middle, he does drift to the left, and then comes back to the middle, he is a top striker.
“His runs are limited if he plays on the left as he can only cut back in, he is more restricted and he likes to be free and make runs off the shoulder.
“I didn’t like to play with my back to goal, I couldn’t do it. For me what I have seen of him, he is the real deal, he doesn’t care how they go in.”
from Football - news, transfers, fixtures, scores, pictures https://ift.tt/31qBTRL
via IFTTT
No Comment