Barcelona Showing Interest In Recruiting This Chelsea Attacker: What Will He Add To Xavi’s Side? | OneFootball

In a recent report, ESPN stated that Barcelona are showing interest in recruiting Chelsea attacker Timo Werner. It has been mentioned that the Catalan giants have identified the German international along with his Chelsea teammate, Hakim Ziyech as the alternatives to Manchester City’s Raheem Sterling this January.

Werner’s Up And Down Season At West London

Werner has found game time hard to come by at Stamford Bridge this season but has still managed to put in a few eye-catching performances as a key member of Thomas Tuchel’s frontline. The German sensation has found the back of the net on three occasions and grabbed one assist in 11 matches for the Blues during this campaign across all fronts.

The 25-year-old has struggled to find consistency as he has been a sporadic presence in Tuchel’s first team. Werner is only averaging 1.6 shots, 0.3 key passes and 0.6 dribbles per game in the Premier League. He has also been a bit untidy when interchanging possession with his teammates in the opponent’s half based on his pass completion rate of 75.3% in the English top tier (stats via whoscored).

BRENTFORD, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 16: Timo Werner of Chelsea is challenged by Mathias Jensen and Christian Norgaard of Brentford during the Premier League match between Brentford and Chelsea at Brentford Community Stadium on October 16, 2021 in Brentford, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)

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What Will Werner Add To Barcelona Boss Xavi’s Team?

Werner is a quick and agile forward who can make some good runs with the ball in behind the opposition backline. He has been a streaky goal-getter in Premier League football. When the German talent is playing with confidence on the field, he can be a real goal threat in the final third.

However, Werner has often struggled to get a regular string of games under Tuchel’s stewardship. Thus, it makes sense for the player to seek a move elsewhere so that he can regain his confidence and find some consistency at the highest level.

A top club like Barcelona would be an attractive destination for most players despite their recent financial struggles. We can expect Werner to add a lot of pace and goals to Barca‘s attack if Xavi can lure him to the Nou Camp when the transfer window commences at the start of January. He could also serve as an upgrade over Ousmane Dembele who has been far too injury-prone during his spell with the Catalans.