Alejandro Garnacho is back to playing in the Champions League for Chelsea, his new employers after a hectic summer that saw him leave Manchester United after slipping in the hierarchy under Ruben Amorim. However, how did the Argentine perform in his cameo off the bench against Bayern Munich?
On Wednesday, Vincent Kompany’s team was superior over the Blues. The Germans took the lead after Trevoh Chalobah’s poor own goal and Harry Kane’s penalty in the 27th minute. Cole Palmer responded two minutes later with a brilliantly directed goal.
Chelsea was unable to take anything away from the match despite the Englishman doing what he does best, and Kane was there to end the match in the 63rd minute. However, what was Garnacho’s performance? More significantly, has he caused manager Enzo Maresca to struggle with selection in front of their trip to Old Trafford?
See the highlights of Bayern’s 3-1 victory over Chelsea below:
Garnacho Makes Statement Ahead of Old Trafford Trip
Given how highly regarded he was by the supporters, it seemed unthinkable a few years ago that Garnacho, who United acquired for about £400,000 in 2020, would go on to fresh opportunities. That occasion occurred five years after his arrival, when he spent £40 million moving to Stamford Bridge this summer.
The Madrid-born talent, who has only played in Europe’s top table seven times, attempted to draw attention with his 22-minute cameo against Bayern, but he has yet to establish himself as the team’s left-wing seat due to their extensive number of possibilities.
Garnacho took the place of Pedro Neto, a right-winger by trade, in the 68th minute, and his performance might have indicated that he ought to start this weekend against his old employers. He is a far more natural left-winger than his Portuguese partner, as can be seen in the video below.
At least the youthful winger wasn’t trying to force a problem, even though many of his actions had him playing backwards to keep possession of the ball or failing to beat Bayern’s Sacha Boey. He completed two passes into the final third, took 19 touches, four of which were in the opposition box, and all 11/11 (100%) of his passes were accurate.
Garnacho, one of the Premier League’s top young players, is still adjusting to life following a high-profile summer transfer, but he might be the solution to Maresca’s left-wing problem this weekend versus United. He will be eager to prove a point, in addition to the fact that it is his natural stance.
Some supporters of Stamford Bridge also think it’s time for Maresca to start the 21-year-old Argentine on the left of their three-man attacking lineup. One supporter stated, “I don’t want to see Pedro Neto on the left anymore either, start Garnacho next game,” while another added that Garnacho must start on the left.
Garnacho can hold onto the ball and repeat 1v1 moves on the touchline as he enters. never stops running, is always open for a pass, has excellent cutbacks, and has the ability to shoot himself. It must begin at LW for Chelsea.
While a fourth fan commented: “Neto looks so awkward on the left in transitional attacks,” another fan said on X (previously Twitter): “I like this Garnacho performance though.” It would be better to play Garnacho. The last fan to comment on Garnacho said: “Every Chelsea fan has seen how much potential this guy has, it’s just a matter of time before he erupts.”
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