Former Man Utd captain Gary Neville did not hold back on Alejandro Garnacho after another worrying display.
Alejandro Garnacho Still Settling In At Chelsea
Chelsea paid £40 million to bring Alejandro Garnacho across from Manchester United late in the window. It felt like smart business at the time. He is young, explosive, and proven in flashes. The expectation was that Stamford Bridge would unlock another level. However, six months later, that promise feels distant.
Against West Ham in the Premier League fixture, more than half of the visitors’ attacks came down his flank. Former team-mate Aaron Wan-Bissaka sensed vulnerability and dominated the duel. Garnacho was brushed aside in the build-up to the opener. In addition, the second goal also came on from his side. It became a clear pattern rather than a one-off mistake.
Even more concerning was his decision-making. He gave away possession 12 times in just 45 minutes. That number jumps out, especially when he rarely attempted anything ambitious. There were no fearless runs, no sharp cuts inside, no spark. He just had sideways passes and simple touches.
For a wide player, confidence is everything. When it fades, so does the threat. Due to that, defenders grow bolder. The teammates also hesitate to pass you the ball. With that, the crowd grows restless as well. Chelsea fans were already divided about his arrival, and displays like this only fuel the doubt.
To be substituted before the break while your side trails by two goals is tough to take. Though, Chelsea mounted a comeback later, but Garnacho was watching from the bench. That image summed up his current reality.
Gary Neville on Garnacho's performance against West Ham:
🗣️ “He’s not confident. He keeps passing it and doing that. When you see him at his best, he goes directly at the full-back, but that’s not what we’re seeing in this first 20 minutes.
His first touch is back all the time,… pic.twitter.com/NAUJlZJuvj
— Vince™ (@Blue_Footy) January 31, 2026
Gary Neville Calls Out Garnacho’s Confidence Crisis
During co-commentary on Sky Sports, Gary Neville analyzed Garnacho’s first-half showing against West Ham. He went straight to the core of the issue.
Neville said: “He’s not confident. He keeps passing it and doing that. When you see him at his best, he goes directly at the full-back, but that’s not what we’re seeing in this first 20 minutes. His first touch is back all the time, and that’s a dream for a right-back. I’m in absolute dreamland, I’m going to be all over him like a rash.”
Those words hit hard because they seem to be true. The winger who once terrified defenders at Old Trafford now looks hesitant. Instead of driving at his marker, he is checking back. Instead of taking risks, he is playing it safe. That shift in body language tells its own story.
Neville later added: “I’m very surprised Liam Rosenior hasn’t acted. I know it’s harsh to substitute a player in the first half, but they have been absolutely torn apart down this side.”
Minutes later, Garnacho was called off at half-time. It was a tough moment for a 21-year-old still trying to settle into a new club. But, the Premier League football does not wait for anyone. If you show weakness, opponents makes sure to make the most out of it. And West Ham did just that.
A Massive Test Of Character Ahead
This is now a key stretch for Garnacho. His talent has never been the issue. Everyone has seen what he can do at his best. He has direct running, sharp feet, fearless attitude. But right now, that version feels far away.
Moving clubs is never simple, especially from Manchester United to Chelsea. These are the two sides which are under constant spotlight. In addition, he came in with big transfer fee and high expectations. Given that, the pressure builds fast. Some players thrive in that heat, but others need time. The problem is there is no room for patience at the moment.
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