Garnacho could receive a significant “gift” from Chelsea

Alejandro Garnacho is going through a difficult time at Chelsea. Yet, as the wave of criticism intensifies, a former Chelsea star has voiced his opinion on the Argentine striker.

Joining Chelsea from Manchester United for around £40 million during the summer transfer window, Garnacho was expected to bring dynamism to the wing. Despite some impressive moments in the Carabao Cup, his performance in the Premier League has been inconsistent. Statistics show Garnacho has scored only 1 goal and provided 3 assists in 16 appearances, figures that fall short of expectations.

The peak of disappointment came in the match against West Ham, where he was substituted just after the first half due to a lackluster performance. According to Opta data, Garnacho lost possession 12 times after only 36 touches, equating to a 33.33% turnover rate. However, looking more broadly, his average turnover rate in the Premier League is 27.96%, which is not too bad compared to the general standard.

Joe Cole believes Garnacho’s problem isn’t purely about skill. “He can become anything he wants. The sky is the limit,” Cole commented. According to him, Garnacho is a modern winger, not a traditional wide player. What he needs is to improve his positioning, off-ball focus, and especially maturity in behavior.

Recently, Garnacho has been involved in some off-field controversies, particularly around his departure from Manchester United. However, since moving to Chelsea, he has been more restrained on social media. Still, Cole emphasizes that a young player like Garnacho requires clear boundaries both on and off the pitch.

Technically, Garnacho has 17 dribbles ending in shots or chances created, ranking 29th in the entire league. Within Chelsea, only Pedro Neto and Estevao have better stats. This shows he still brings certain value whenever given a starting opportunity.

According to Joe Cole, the solution for Garnacho is to simplify his style of play. “If I worked with him, I would set very strict boundaries, both on and off the field. Agree with him, work alongside him, and constantly remind him how talented he is. As long as he respects those limits and keeps developing himself.”- Joe Cole said in the media.

At such a young age, Alejandro Garnacho’s future path remains wide open. The issue is not whether he has talent, but how he will develop. Perhaps a mentor like Joe Cole is exactly what Chelsea needs to “awaken” this raw gem.