The general assumption of Chelsea supporters may be that the new £50 million signing Timo Werner will get the starting number nine role when the 2020-21 season begins with the Blues travelling to Brighton for their opening match. However, Olivier Giroud, who performed very well last campaign, doesn’t look to be giving his place easily to the newcomer.
Talking to French football programme Telefoot about the German’s arrival, Giroud said that his qualities are distinct enough from Werner and that gives him a chance of getting football action at Stamford Bridge.
“I haven’t spoken to Lampard,” he said. “One thing is certain: the competition [in the squad] will pull us all to the top. A great club should have different options in each position.
“We want to be in the race for the title and I’m here. I finished the season well and I proved to the manager that he can count on me.
“Werner is not the same profile as me, I hope to have some playing time.”
With Tammy Abraham also on their books, Frank Lampard now will have three proven strikers to choose from. Having started the previous campaign as the supporting player to Abraham, Olivier caught the attention of everyone towards the end of the season, with the 33-year-old smashing seven goals in 11 appearances post-lockdown.
As the season advanced, Abraham was assigned to the bench with more regularity, with 2020 only seeing three goals from him. However, he will be eager to get his previous form back that initially made him a top contender for the Golden Boot, and try to earn a place in England’s squad for the next European Championships.
Werner was spectacular for RB Leipzig last campaign, netting 34 goals in 45 appearances. He made 159 total appearances in all competitions for the Bundesliga side, scoring 95 goals and creating 40 assists. Considering all this, it is no surprise to anyone that he is favourite to start for Chelsea next season.
