'Turbo Timo' Werner backed to terrify Premier League defenses

Chris Sutton is expecting Premier League defenses to suffer heavily against Chelsea, with ‘Turbo Timo’ Werner leading the charge.

Werner is one of six high-profile signings to arrive at Stamford Bridge in the transfer window and made his Premier League debut in Monday’s 3-1 opening-day victory over Brighton alongside fellow new recruit Kai Havertz.

The German was the most impressive out of the duo, delivering a lively performance that troubled the Brighton defense. In fact, he won the penalty that led to Jorginho’s first-half opener in the game.

While some may look down on Werner not finding the back of the net, the 24-year-old’s start was promising to say the least. Therefore, Sutton is expecting great things to come this season.

“Werner was caught offside more than any other player in Europe’s elite leagues last season,” the ex-Blues striker wrote in a column for the Daily Mail.

Incredibly happy about our win and my Premier League debut! 💪🔵 @ChelseaFC pic.twitter.com/0ZsZ5RLnls

— Timo Werner (@TimoWerner) September 14, 2020

“He was flagged 43 times for RB Leipzig and on Monday night we saw him caught twice inside the opening seven minutes for Chelsea. But when he times it right, those runs behind are terrifying for defenders and goalkeepers.

“The 24-year-old was given the nickname ‘Turbo Timo’ earlier in his career for a very good reason — because he is rapid.

“When Brighton gave the ball away in the 21st minute and Jorginho played a pass through, it looked slightly ahead of Werner. But Chelsea’s new forward was onto it like a flash. He accelerated and made sure he got there before Mat Ryan, who brought him down for the penalty.

“Then, in first-half stoppage time, with few other options, Werner burst away from Adam Webster and forced Ryan into a save. Webster was left trailing his opponent by five yards but he won’t be the last Premier League defender to succumb to the attacker’s pace.

“A number of his 28 league goals for Leipzig in 2019-20 involved him running in behind. That is what Frank Lampard wants from him, too.

“I know what it’s like to go to Chelsea, with that pressure on you to score goals. You can get stick if it doesn’t go according to plan. Werner couldn’t get on the scoresheet on Monday night but he did make his mark. He showed how hard he is willing to work for this team.”