One of the biggest issues at Chelsea currently is the lack of balance in the squad, whether it's not having enough risk-takers in the attacking line, not having enough runners to stretch the pitch or not having enough defensive stability in the middle of the park.
This was highlighted recently when Chelsea took on Brighton in the FA Cup, starting with a front line of Christopher Nkunku up front, Pedro Neto on the right, Jadon Sancho on the left and Cole Palmer in the ten.
Nkunku
Chelsea only took seven shots in the game, failing to exploit the space Brighton gave them and looking rather toothless. It was clear they had too many players wanting to receive the ball into feet, rather than making sacrificial runs in behind and stretching the pitch for their teammates.
Enzo Maresca could do with a few more options in this squad of different profiles, in order to bring the best out of the talent he already has, by combining players with each other that complement their styles of play, rather than hinder them.
The profile of striker that Chelsea need
With the profile of winger that Chelsea currently have at the club, a lot of their play results in 1v1 scenarios where crosses can be put into the box. However, due to the lack of presence the Blues currently have in the penalty area, they often don't threaten, with the opposition easily dealing with these types of balls into the area.
Players like Neto and Sancho, especially when playing together as a wing pairing, do not offer anywhere near enough goal threat to attack the box themselves, provide output with goals and help the team in that way.
Jadon-Sancho-Enzo-Maresca-Chelsea-Cucurella
But, what they can do, is find brilliant crossing angles, to provide high xG chances for the centre-forward.
Chelsea have been linked with plenty of varying profiles to Nicolas Jackson, to offer Maresca another route of breaking these lower block defences, one of which was Evan Ferguson, who ended up joining West Ham on loan in January.
Evan-Ferguson-West-Ham
Whilst the 20-year-old has suffered with some injuries in the past few years, his profile of being much more of an old school forward, wanting to stay in and around the box and put himself in situations to score, attacking crosses and causing chaos, is exactly what the Blues have been missing for a while now.
You have to go back a few years to remember that sort of player at Stamford Bridge...
Chelsea's answer to Evan Ferguson
Perhaps the last time Chelsea experienced an old-fashioned striker like this at their club, was Olivier Giroud, who made 119 appearances for the Blues, scoring 39 goals, providing 14 assists and totalling 5,700 minutes played.
When comparing the two forward's metrics here, you can see the similar attributes they offer, looking to do the majority of their work around the box.
Giroud (2020/21) vs Ferguson (2022/23)
Stats (per 90 mins)
Goals
Assists
xG
Progressive Carries
Progressive Passes
Shots Total
Goals/Shot
Key Passes
Shot-Creating Actions
Aerial Duels Won
Stats taken from FBref
They are happy to have fewer touches and have less involvement in the game, subsequently registering a low number of progressive carries. That doesn't stop them from being clinical in their final action, providing goals for the team and doing their job.
"He's a targetman, maybe the best in the world. I think so. When he gets the ball, he can hold it and we can go with him. For us, he's a player to play with. When Alvaro [Morata] was playing it is completely different, he's a different player with different qualities, and it's good to have two good strikers in the team." - Eden Hazard on Giroud in 2018.
Giroud was described as the "ideal team player" by France international teammate, Antoine Griezmann, before playing his final home international match for his country in 2024 and he certainly proved that at Chelsea.
As it happens, after a stint in Milan where he was described as a "monster" by the Italian media, the 38-year-old is now playing his final years in the MLS in the United States, having joined LAFC on a free transfer in 2024.
olivier-giroud-chelsea-europa-league-trophy
Ultimately, whilst the likes of Giroud and Ferguson may not be the most star-studded names, they know their role in the team and will aid players around them even if it means they don't get all the glory, which again, is something Chelsea seems to be missing in abundance right now.
Tomori-Chelsea-where-are-they-now Related
[Chelsea must regret letting go of one of the "world's best" players for £0](https://www.footballfancast.com/chelsea-must-regret-letting-go-of-rudiger-on-a-free-transfer/ "Chelsea must regret letting go of one of the "world's best" players for £0")
This player has become one of the best in Europe after leaving Chelsea behind.