Chelsea ‘not Premier League title contenders’, explains Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink
Chelsea are “not contenders” to win the Premier League, according to former Blues striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink.
The Dutchman, who scored 87 goals in 177 games with the Blues, believes Frank Lampard’s side will fall short because they “leak too many goals”.
Southampton hit three on Saturday to cost Chelsea two more points in a 3-3 draw and despite mouthwatering options going forward, Hasselbaink believes the Blues must address their defence before challenging for the title.
“No, Chelsea are not contenders [for the title],” Hasselbaink said on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football.
"They are leaking too many goals. It is a breath of fresh air to see them going forward with the likes of Mason Mount and [Timo] Werner.
"But the defence is a worry, if they cannot improve the centre-backs and goalkeeper it is a concern.
“Alisson wins Liverpool points, but that doesn't happen with Kepa. Chelsea need to improve in that area.”
Despite defensive issues, Hasselbaink remains encouraged by Werner’s impact in attack after his first goals in the Premier League on Saturday.
“He is the real deal,” Hasselbaink claimed. “He is very sharp, he turns the centre-back quickly, and there is only one thing in his mind.
“He is not somebody who likes to play with back to goal, he likes to see it and make the run on the shoulder of the centre-backs.
“I like him when he plays through the middle, he does drift to the left, and then comes back to the middle, he is a top striker.
“His runs are limited if he plays on the left as he can only cut back in, he is more restricted and he likes to be free and make runs off the shoulder.
“I didn't like to play with my back to goal, I couldn't do it. For me what I have seen of him, he is the real deal, he doesn't care how they go in.”
