Ralph Hasenhuttl says Timo Werner is misused by Frank Lampard at Chelsea

Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl criticized Chelsea’s treatment of Timo Werner, saying Frank Lampard was wasting the talents of “one of Europe’s best strikers”.

The Germany international has failed to live up to the hype surrounding his £ 45million move to Stamford Bride this summer. After scoring 34 goals in 45 games for RB Leipzig last season, the 24-year-old has only scored four Premier League goals in 18 appearances for Chelsea.

Blues boss Lampard has been the subject of much criticism over his treatment of Werner – the leader starting consistently on the left side of a front three – and Hasenhuttl has no doubts that the change in position is to blame for the performances. disappointing Werner. .

“You really have to get him in his best position so that he can bring his strength to the pitch,” he said as reported by Goal. “For me he is one of the best strikers in Europe.

“I know Timo very well and have seen him in situations where he was not good. Most of the time when I saw this it’s because the game didn’t suit him. The team didn’t play in a way that they could do their best on the pitch, I think.

“He’s definitely a player where you have to adapt his game. If you do that, he will give you everything you need from a striker. But, therefore, he has certain qualities that you really need to focus on. “

Hasenhuttl has first-hand experience of the qualities Werner possesses after working for the German for two and a half years during his time in the Bundesliga with RB Leipzig,

The Saints boss believes the Chelsea man thrived under his leadership – and later that of Julien Nagelsmann – because they harnessed his strengths, which is key to making the most of Chelsea’s failures.

“The good thing for him, I think of Leipzig when I was there, is that we focused entirely on his qualities. Our quick transitions after winning the ball was perfect for our game. Also, when he was with Julian [Nagelsmann], he also scored a lot of goals.