Timo Werner’s return to the English Premier League has sparked a lot of questions. His first appearance in the EPL at Chelsea started promisingly. But Soon he failed to meet the desired expectations of a Chelsea forward. Despite winning a lot of trophies for them, he couldn’t excel much in the role given to him. After playing 89 games for Chelsea, Timo Werner only scored 23 goals 21 assist as their main striker. After 2 two seasons at the club, he was sold back to RB Leipzig. He was loaned to Tottenham Hotspur after a year and half at RB Leipzig. This time in a different position.
Timo Werner’s role Evolution
In the early points of his career at RB Leipzig, Timo Werner was regarded as an exciting striker. He had the capabilities of running past his marker to slot in the goal. His speed, and quick decision making was a strong point for him. Defenders struggled to adapt to his movement, allowing him to run in behind defenders. At the end he’s already face to face with the goal, with the keeper at his mercy. His timely runs helped him break offside traps, dismantle defensive highlines, and incapacitate teams on high counters. Timo Werner delivered an average of 20 goals and 10 assists in his first 4 years at RB Leipzig. Chelsea saw that potential and bought him.
At Chelsea it was a different ball game. Although he still had his explosiveness and intelligence, his calmness in front of goal vanished. He was always through on goal with his runs, but he suddenly lacked the finishing. This caused heavy criticism by the fans.
Timo Werner struggled to manage 12 goals in his first season after 52 games. His second season was 11. He was sold back to RB Leipzig the following season. On getting back he still couldn’t find that goal scoring form. He managed 16 goals in 40 games. Now his loan to spurs has come with a change of role. A left Winger!
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His New Role
Despite his low goal contribution at Chelsea, his in game performance was exceptional. His runs and dazzling speed always opens up the opponent’s defense. He was also a good presser, when off the ball. Tottenham Hotspur coach, Ange Postecoglu, saw these as qualities of a winger or a supporting striker.
When Timo Werner arrived at Tottenham Hotspur, the coach gave him the role of a Left winger. This allowed him to worry less about scoring but more about creating chances. It’s either an assist or an involvement in a goal build up. It was a perfectly fitted role for him especially with his explosiveness and direct attacking play.
Teams in the EPL have been generally known to have strong aggressive defense. A lot is always demanded by the strikers to get the Job done. Now that responsibility is off Timo Werner’s neck. A different role is here for him to thrive.
More Responsibilities Ahead
Tottenham Hotspur has been spiked with a lot of injury crises. This had hampered their title challenge, allowing them to fight for the top 4. The loaning of Timo Werner, was an addition aimed at boosting the squad. His presence will be crucial in determining whether they’ll make the top 4 or not.