Should Chelsea Go for a New Striker?

Chelsea currently have three options for the striker position - Timo Werner, Tammy Abraham, and Olivier Giroud. Of these three, it seems likely that Giroud will stay for the remainder of the season but will leave the club in the summer.

This means that next season Chelsea might have an opening for a new striker should they decide to go for one. That's a question that Frank Lampard is probably pondering on as well.

So should Chelsea buy a new striker and keep the existing two or should someone join Giroud at the exit door? Let's discuss the options the Chelsea boss has.

Timo is Not Good Enough on the Flanks

It has been evident that Lampard tried to accommodate both Werner and one of Giroud and Abraham in most Chelsea games. However, for that to happen, Lampard opted to play Timo on the left flank.

And while in some games that proved to be a smart move, in most matches Timo was unconvincing on the flank. He was unable to beat his man and was often just running aimlessly until he lost the ball.

This is not a surprise as Werner's natural position is as a centre-forward and not a winger. He is at his most effective when leading the line and when close to goal.

This means that Frank is making a mistake by playing the German on the wing as he is taking away the attacking threat he brings. By doing this, Lampard loses the threat Timo poses and then plays him in a position better suited for someone else - Hudson-Odoi, for instance.

Tammy Abraham Might Have to Go

So, Timo has to start as a centre-forward. But what happens then with Tammy Abraham. The England international won't be happy with the role of a backup striker so he will probably try to compete with the German for that one attacking berth.

However, that can be quite a gamble. There will be a World Cup in 2022, and there is a big chance Abraham won't get picked for England if he loses his Chelsea starting spot.

We don't know if Abraham is a gambling man, but if he is, he should try his luck at an online casino site instead of the training ground. Playing at an online casino will help him get that thrill gambling brings without putting his World Cup spot in jeopardy. If he decides to stay and fight for his place, on the other hand, he might have to settle for a place on Chelsea's bench and watch the Qatar World Cup on his TV at home. That's hardly ideal.

Don't Buy Anyone and Rotate Werner and Abraham

The last option might be the most sensible one. It is obvious that Werner and Abraham are two players with different attacking qualities.

As his former coach Nagelsmann once said Werner is not really suited playing against defences that sit deep. Werner needs a bit of a head start to hit his top gear when attacking, and for that, you need teams that defend high up the pitch.

Unfortunately, most teams that Chelsea play against in the EPL defend deep. In these situations, it is often useless to start Werner as the lone forward as his contribution will be minimal.

In games such as these, Lampard can opt for the stronger Abraham, especially as he is improving when it comes to playing with his back to goal. That's crucial when facing teams that defend with ten men behind the ball and is something that Werner doesn't have in his inventory.

All in all, it might be best if Chelsea don't go for a new striker next season and rotate Werner and Abraham in games. It would also suit all parties involved.