The former Blues defender says the German international, who missed it, must be given a role set in Frank Lampard’s plans at Stamford Bridge
Timo Werner is not “ice cold” in front of goal and should make another “seven or eight” efforts for his name this season, says Scott Minto, and the German would have presented Chelsea with a tactical dilemma.
The Blues were considered to have staged the coup when they brought the prolific frontman to Stamford Bridge over the summer.
Despite not boasting of previous life experience in the Premier League, Werner was advised by many to hit the ground running in England.
His qualities were used by Lampard, with a dizzying rhythm and predatory instincts that allow the versatile 24-year-old to play on the Chelsea front line.
Werner scored eight goals in early November, offering an immediate return on £ 47.5 million ($ 65 million), but has since played 11 games without finding a target.
Minto believes that a fixed role must be found for the German frontman, while he strives to establish himself and find a spark, but he remains convinced that the value will be found in signing with big money.
Former Chelsea defender said Astro Stadium Werner’s: “He’s a player. It’s a defender’s nightmare.
“If he plays on the left side, Frank Lampard has a decision to make. If they play with him on the left and have a big man in front of him, then you have to accept that he will come in and try to make contact with [Olivier] Giroud or [Tammy] Abraham and defensively, that will leave you open – as we saw against Arsenal.
“Or, you put him in front – you play the last defender, you try to bring everyone a little short, to make the compact opposing defense for a ball over it or to slide for its rhythm.
“As for his completion, he is another who should have, and this is his fault, another seven or eight goals for his name this season.
“He went, either by a good move or by doing himself, in some fantastic positions, one on one with the goalkeepers, and he simply wasn’t that ice-cold striker you have to be in front of the goal. But I have no doubt he will be fine.
“I have a problem with him tactically, in terms of playing on the left and defending as a team, so Frank is willing to sacrifice himself with that protection by having him on the left and coming in or are you going to stick him in front?
“I have no doubt he will be an important player for Chelsea in the coming years.”
Chelsea, who have won just four points in their last five Premier League games, will return to action on Sunday, when they open 2021, with a home test date against Manchester City’s other hopes for the title.