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Chelsea currently sit on top of the Premier League after a blistering start to the season that has seen them secure 25 points from 10 games. The Blues have faced Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester City and Liverpool, losing just once during that time.
Manager Thomas Tuchel has managed to put his very large squad to good use, but some players have failed to consistently impress when called upon.
Some Chelsea players have struggled despite strong start from the team
Here is a list of some of Chelsea's stars who have failed to live up to their potential on a regular basis at the club. Despite receiving numerous chances to prove themselves to the manager, these players have failed to make a great impression consistently.
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Without further delay, let's delve straight into it:
#5 Timo Werner
Known during his time in the Bundesliga for his blistering pace and excellent finishing, Timo Werner has only shown glimpses of what he can do since moving to Chelsea. Werner joined Chelsea for a reported fee of £54 million from RB Leipzig in the summer of 2020.
The striker has hardly reached the heights he hit during his time at Leipzig and has struggled for goals and confidence since his arrival in west London.
While he has failed to deliver in front of goal, Werner continues to work hard with his movement and pressing for Chelsea. As such, the 25-year-old is only fifth on this list. Despite concerns surrounding his form, Werner managed 12 goals and registered 15 assists in all competitions during his debut season where he also won the Champions League with the club.
However, the Germany international has scored just twice in 10 appearances so far this season. If Werner is to have a successful career at Stamford Bridge, he must stop blowing hot and cold too often.
#4 Marcos Alonso
Spanish left-sided defender Marcos Alonso has distinguished himself as one of the best left-wing backs in Europe with his dazzling displays on his day. The problem with Alonso is that his days are usually few and far between.
The former Bolton Wanderers man started the 2021-22 season in supreme fashion and even scored a brilliant free-kick against Crystal Palace on the opening day of the season. His early-season form saw him keep Ben Chilwell on the bench and also earned him a recall to the Spanish national team.
His form since then has dipped worryingly, as it did with alarming regularity under previous managers at the club. His loss of form coincided with Chilwell returning to a purple patch.
As a result, Alonso has hardly had a look-in in recent fixtures for Chelsea. He also failed to impress when playing from the start against Malmo in the Champions League.
#3 Christian Pulisic
In Christian Pulisic, Chelsea have one of the most exciting and talented young wingers in the world. The 22-year-old moved to London from Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2019, having made his professional bow in the Bundesliga, aged 17.
The winger has impressed in his time on the pitch at Chelsea, reaching double figures for goals scored in his first season at the club. He subsequently earned the club's no.10 jersey after Willian's exit in 2020.
Fondly named Captain America by the club's fans, the winger has, however, failed to reach his full potential since completing his switch to Chelsea.
Pulisic has only managed to get on the pitch twice in the 2021-22 season, scoring on his first appearance on the opening day of the season against Crystal Palace. He has missed a huge chunk of Chelsea's games with injury, leading to frustration for him and the club's fans about his regular unavailability.
These recurring injuries have severely limited Pulisic's impact at Chelsea. The United States international will be hoping to regain his best form now that he is back in action.
#2 Hakim Ziyech
Hakim Ziyech was signed by Chelsea after a successful spell at Ajax that saw him play a key role in the club's dream run in the 2018-19 UEFA Champions League. The unheralded Ajax side reached the semi-finals before losing to Tottenham Hotspur in dramatic fashion.
Ziyech started his Chelsea career in the most unfortunate way as he picked up an injury in his first pre-season appearance since joining the club. Upon returning, he put together a string of brilliant performances before again succumbing to injury. Following his second injury, Ziyech struggled to reach the peak physical condition that is required to thrive in the English Premier League.
The 2021-22 campaign looked like a redemption season for the winger, who scored six goals in pre-season. His form ground to a halt when he injured his shoulder in the UEFA Super Cup against Villarreal, a game in which he scored. Since then, Ziyech has only managed one goal for Chelsea and delivered many below-par performances.
Considering his flashes of brilliance in patches last season, which involved goals against Manchester City in the FA Cup and Premier League, Ziyech undoubtedly has the ability. What is required now is for him to become a reliable figure who can rise to his best on a regular basis.
#1 Kai Havertz
Chelsea signed German wonderkind Kai Havertz from Bayer Leverkusen as part of a summer spending spree that saw Werner, Ziyech and a number of others join the club last summer.
Havertz signed for around £72 million, making him the club's most expensive player at the time. He struggled for form and fitness in his first season at the club after he contracted COVID-19. Havertz managed to end the season strongly under Thomas Tuchel and scored the winner in the Champions League final against Manchester City.
However, he has again struggled for Chelsea since the start of the 2021-22 season. The German scored against Liverpool at Anfield and against Southampton and Malmo in the Carabao Cup and Champions League respectively. But it is safe to say Chelsea expect much more from Havertz, especially during a time when both Romelu Lukaku and Werner remain injured.
It wouldn't be harsh to say Havertz has failed to live up to his price-tag. The first step towards the same will involve him delivering consistent performances week in, week out.
