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Ballack reveals the reason behind Werner’s Chelsea struggles

Timo Werner, Chelsea
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The Blues striker has scored just one goal in his last 18 appearances across all competitions in west London.

Former Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack believes a difference in playing styles is the cause behind Timo Werner’s struggles.

The 24-year-old has struggled to replicate his RB Leipzig form since his €53m summer arrival. Despite a promising start, he has scored only one goal in his last 18 outings and appears to be short of confidence.

But Ballack believes that Leipzig manager Julian Nagelsmann’s style of football played to Werner’s strengths, which is something he hasn’t enjoyed at Chelsea.

“Timo started off pretty well. Of course, if you aren’t scoring as a striker, then it is hard on the self-confidence,” Ballack told The World Game.

“I believe that it is very hard for him overall, as he was used to playing differently at Leipzig.

“He had a lot more space in front of him. Chelsea is the kind of team that has a lot of ball possession, wanting to dominate the opponent. Maybe even more so with [the new manager Thomas] Tuchel.”

Ballack added: “Maybe he has to work on his playing style a little bit or try to get himself into better positions.

“As a striker you are depending on your fellow players to find you and if the [goal drought] breaks, then he will be able to find his old form.

“He used to have good phases with the national team, using his physical presence and power to break down on the wing.

“So when the [drought] breaks, then things will go better again.”

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