Do Chelsea have the Strikers to fit Tuchel’s philosophy?

Brief summary of Tuchel’s favoured Striker-profile.

  In Attack

When you think about a Tuchel striker, the most common term that comes up, is “false 9”. Whereas, traditionally, a false 9 drops into no.10 areas, to create a midfield overload which aids build up, Tuchel’s false 9 is different. That is, instead of moving vertically (up-down), Tuchel’s ST moves horizontally, from side-to-side across his front 3. This is as, there is no need for his ST to become a part of the midfield overload, as the winger, who acts as a 10, is usually the tip of that diamond.

As a result, Tuchel’s ST must be able to attack from both flanks, as well as centrally, both on and off the ball. What I mean is that, Tuchel’s ST, must have the striking instinct to make those runs in behind, across the final 3rd, acting as the “free-man” in such areas. From there, Tuchel’s ST must have the on-the ball ability to both take on defenders, and complete movements by creating/finishing chances.

In Press

As magnified above, Tuchel’s ST must have the mobility to cover ground, both centrally and out wide in attack. This same demand, goes for Tuchel’s ST in defense. That is, in press, Tuchel’s team applies a high press using a midfield 3 and an attacking 2. Here, the ST is usually a part of the attacking 2, being required to press the opposition’s back line, both from central and wide areas.

This 3 and 2, creates a central overload, which lures the opposition to build play out wide, where Tuchel’s team then transition to a wide overload, using a 3-1-3-3. This overload, allows TT’s team to win the ball in wide midfield, and spark counters/transitions, to a striking duo which includes the striker. All in all, Tuchel’s striker must have the physical and technical ability to operate across the front 3, in both attack and defence.

Do our current Strikers meet such profile?

Timo Werner

When it comes to horizontal movement, I believe Timo Werner fits the bill. That is, physically, he can do what is needed tactically/positionally from Tuchel, both in attack and press. The problem lies however, within Timo’s technical ability. In tight spaces, Timo’s first touch, together with his 1v1 ability against teams who sit back, is not good enough in both wide and central areas. That is, he is not able to impact the game from a build-up capacity, which is vital in this philosophy.

On the other hand, Timo’s off the ball movement, to apply that “final run” in-behind, I believe, is the best in the world. Instinctually, Timo’s positioning to run in behind, is one of the best, both against high and low lines. That said, I would be open to having Timo get one more season at Chelsea. When it comes to his poor showing from a technical and finishing point of view, I am not sure if it’s from a confidence POV or not. It is not by mistake that someone scores so much goals in their career, and not suddenly they become a bad player. For this reason, I will be open for Timo staying one more season at Chelsea.

Kai Havertz

When I think about a Tuchel ST, I believe Kai Havertz is tactically/positionally perfect for it. His ability to glide horizontally across the front 3, and be the “free man” in the final 3rd is top notch, and is one of the reasons why I like him in this position. That being said, just like Timo, he is not perfect technically. In wide positions, I believe that Kai lacks the ability to consistently take-on and beat defenders, which often results is us back-passing/side-ways passing when the ball arrives in such areas.

Furthermore, as Kai is not a natural striker, his movement in behind is not as natural and instinctual like a Timo Werner, and his finishing is not where it needs to be, to be a no.9 for a top club like Chelsea. That being said, just like Timo, I believe Kai can improve in these aspects, and become the striker Tuchel needs, however, as seen in past articles, I see Kai as more of a no.10 than a striker for the long term.

In conclusion

In conclusion, I believe both Timo Werner and Kai Havertz can do a job tactically of what Tuchel needs from his ST, in his philosophy, however, both players still need to improve in certain aspects to be perfect for that position.