An analysis of in form striker Tammy Abraham and whether Chelsea should cut short his loan spell short this January.
Alvaro Morata and Olivier Giroud have failed to titillate the Stamford Bridge patrons this season. The former may expose the odd gap in an opponent’s back line and there are few better at holding up the play than Giroud, but both have proved far too one-dimensional for Maurizio Sarri’s system.
A well-rounded, multifaceted striker will be top of the Italian’s wish list in January. If Sarri does identify such a player, then he would likely command an astronomical fee, especially during the less favored mid-season window. However, The Blues may already have a home-grown youngster that fits the profile.
The virtues of Tammy Abraham
Tammy Abraham banged in 23 Championship goals for Bristol City during the 2016/17 campaign. He scooped the club’s Player of the Season award and earned a shot in the Premier League in the colors of Swansea City.
Abraham experienced mixed fortunes in Wales. In fleeting glimpses fans saw the youngster’s qualities as he registered eight goals in 39 appearances.
This season Tammy has returned to England’s second tier and has been in scintillating form under the tutelage of Dean Smith and John Terry at Aston Villa. Abraham has netted 14 times thus far for the Villans, including four in a single game against Nottingham Forest.
The youngster’s impressive scoring feats are down to natural goal getter instincts and uncanny innovation in or around the six yard box. At 6-foot-3 Abraham would also be a prime target for Sarri’s buccaneering full backs.
The long limbed striker boasts deceptive pace and agility. He can play off the last man and looks impressively nimble when linking up play.
Whether it’s through the center or through drifting out wide the striker runs all day. The 21-year-old would certainly add dynamism to Chelsea’s front line and fans would love to see another homegrown star dovetailing with the likes of Callum Hudson-Odoi.
Should Chelsea recall Abraham?
Pessimists will draw some obvious red flags. Cutting short a successful loan spell could prove detrimental to his development if it is just to warm the bench at Chelsea.
But if Sarri does bring Abraham back, then the young lion would have every chance of regular football. The manager has clearly lost faith in his current underperforming strikers. Eden Hazard has enjoyed success deployed as a false nine but shifting the coveted Belgian from his favored position on the wing is a dangerous game.
Sarri has repeatedly stated Chelsea is not challenging for the title this season, lending even more reason to risk blooding the youngster.
The footballing philosopher is known to get the very best out of players and with a bit of work on the training ground and in the gym, now could be an opportune moment for Abraham to cement his place as Chelsea’s front man for many years to come.