FOOTBALL
Posted on February 16, 2026 9:00 pm | Updated on February 16, 2026 7:14 pm
The latest outing of Chelsea at the MKM Stadium against Hull City had everything. The game had goals, missed chances, nervous moments and plenty of talking points. But, after the FA Cup clash, much of the focus landed on Alejandro Garnacho. Alan Shearer did not hold back as he pointed out a flaw that is quietly becoming a serious concern for the young winger.
Alan Shearer Calls Out Chelsea Winger Alejandro Garnacho
**Chelsea**‘s first half went from end to end against Hull City in the FA CUP fixture. The home team threatened with intent, while Chelsea showed flashes of sharp movement. But, the Premier League side lacked the bite on the wings.
Later on, Pedro Neto found the net to settle nerves. Meanwhile, Mamadou Sarr handled his debut with calm authority after returning from Strasbourg. But, not everyone had a good game.
Liam Delap struggled badly against one of his old clubs. He looked slow in possession and wasted two clear openings. But, he still created few chances for his teammates. Still, the loudest reaction from the crowd was reserved for Alejandro Garnacho.
During a dangerous cross into the box, Garnacho went down under minimal contact. The referee waved play on, and the home support responded with loud jeers.
While doing match commentary, Alan Shearer delivered a blunt and direct analysis on the Argentina international.
“I’d love to be wrong, but I think if he shows more desire and strength, he gets on the end of that, rather than looking for a penalty, which it wasn’t.”
Those words summed up what many Chelsea fans have been thinking. Garnacho has pace and flair. He can drive at defenders and change a game in seconds. But, moments like this create doubt about his hunger in key situations.
Winger’s Costly Habit
This is not about one incident, it is about a pattern. Garnacho has developed a habit of going to ground too easily. In a league as physical as English football, that approach rarely earns sympathy. Instead, it brings in criticism from pundits and frustration from fans.
At the MKM Stadium, the jeering grew louder each time he lost balance under little pressure. Football fans forgive mistakes, but they do not forgive what they see as a lack of fight. For a player still building his name at Chelsea, reputation is everything.
He has the tools to rise above the rest. He stretches defenses and forces full backs to retreat as well. The winger creates chances and space for teammates. But, if defenders sense he is searching for contact instead of pushing through it, they will exploit that weakness. It becomes easier to knock him off. It also reduces his impact in tight games too.
Shearer’s criticism was not personal, it seems practical. As a striker who thrived on physical duels, he understands what it takes inside the box. Effort and intent decide games, so falling early rarely does help.
Chelsea Need Desire, Not Frustration
Chelsea are in a phase where every performance is judged closely. That said, young players are expected to grow quickly. There is little patience for habits that cost momentum of the team. Garnacho’s behaviour is beginning to overshadow his talent at the moment.
The club cannot afford this moments in big games. When crosses come in, attackers must attack the ball with conviction. Fans want to see hunger from their players.
If Garnacho adjusts this part of his game, the story changes pretty fast. Instead of being mocked for diving, he could be praised for bravery. Instead of boos, everyone would be backing him. The solution is simple, he just needs to stay on his feet.
Shearer highlighted a problem that is common at Chelsea right now. Talent is there, but consistency and toughness are missing at key times. Garnacho still has time on his side. His next few performances will shape how Stamford Bridge sees him.
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