As Chelsea prepare to face reigning league Champions Manchester City at the weekend, we caught up with former England star John Barnes to discuss Chelsea’s thin hopes of qualifying for the Champions League, the partnership of Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez as well as the potential of Ivan Toney solving the clubs number nine issues.
In this article:
- Chelsea squad is underachieving
- Chelsea need a goalscorer to help out Caicedo and Fernandez
- Barnes makes Ivan Toney claim
Chelsea Squad Is Underachieving
Chelsea are currently 10th in the Premier League having ran out as 3-1 winners of Crystal Palace on Monday evening. The Blues find themselves 13 points off from Aston Villa in fourth and will need a miraculous run of wins to close the gap before the season ends. Next up is the daunting task of a visit to The Etihad to take on Manchester City. Barnes shares his surprise at the struggles of Chelsea this season claiming they have a squad that is good enough to be in the top four.
“If and when Chelsea turn up they’re fantastic but they lack consistency. One week they can beat Aston Villa away from home and then go and lose 4-1 to Liverpool.
“If they could be consistent, with the players they have, they could be a good team. There’s so much inconsistency from the ownership to management to the squad and the positions they play players in.
“If Pochettino is given time and the belief of the club he will get it right because the players they have are very, very good.
“They should absolutely be a top four team with the players that they have are very, very good.”
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Chelsea Need A Goalscorer To Help Out Caicedo And Fernandez
When you look at the qualities of Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez you would imagine the pair fitting together seamlessly. Caicedo has shown his worth during his time at Brighton with his high octane, all action approach combined with a good technical base that made him a mainstay in the Premier League. Meanwhile, Fernandez has been revered and highly sought after following a superb World Cup where he displayed his wonderful ability with the ball at his feet.
Yet, both have somewhat flattered to deceive and only shown a glimmer of their capabilities. Barnes claims the expectations on both are due to the high fees paid that would normally be spent on attackers such as Mohamed Salah.
“Caicedo and Fernandez aren’t at Chelsea to be world superstars like Ronaldo, Salah or Messi. They are holding midfielders. Enforcers in the midfield and if Cheslea had a better centre forward they would be doing better.
“They knock the ball about well and create chances but they look toothless in the final third. They need a goalscorer. Sterling and Palmer are good players but they need someone to put the ball in the back of the net.
“Long term Caicedo and Fernandez will be great for Chelsea.”
Ivan Toney Is The Perfect Striker For Chelsea
Ivan Toney continues to be linked with a move away from Brentford following his return from suspension. Reports suggest Arsenal are in the lead to sign Toney who has shown his worth since gaining promotion with Brentford from the Championship. Yet Barnes claims Toney would be a perfect signing for another London club in need of a prolific centre forward.
“Look at the way Chelsea play he could be a great signing.
“Brentford have made it clear he’s going to go in the summer and Chelsea would be a great move for him.
“He’s from London. Chelsea are just around the corner and he’s a penalty box striker.
“He’ll be a striker that can look after the ball around the likes of Palmer and Sterling whilst being clinical in the penalty area which is what they need.”
