Former Chelsea striker Carlton Cole believes Tammy Abraham is capable of wiping clear the number nine curse at the club.
Abraham has been in inspired form so far this season, scoring 11 goals in the Premier League, and helping the Blues into the top four at this moment in time.
The forward is continuing his impressive form from last season, having been named in the PFA Team of the Year after scoring 26 times in 41 appearances on loan at Aston Villa, helping the club return to the Premier League in the process.
And after being handed his first team opportunity at Chelsea by Frank Lampard during the summer, the England international has gone from strength to strength, with Cole impressed from what he has witnessed from the 22-year-old.
“It’s high pressure, I’m not going to lie to you. When you’re playing for a team like Chelsea some players grasp pressure different to others," Cole told 888sport.
“Some players are comfortable being the main man and doing a great job for the team. They know their role. Some just don’t fit the bill.
“There was big pressure on Fernando Torres when he came to Chelsea and in fairness he kept on going. There hasn’t been an out-and-out number nine since.
“There was Diego Costa who I thought was unreal and was a massive asset to Chelsea at the time. In different circumstances he could have been one of the all-time greats.
“But as a number nine there hasn’t been the right man to take the club forward and hopefully if Tammy Abraham can continue doing what he’s doing and progressing he can definitely get that number nine curse wiped off.”
Read the full 888sport interview with Carlton Cole here.
Abraham returned to action for Chelsea last night, with the striker scoring the first goal as the Blues defeated Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge.
His performance was praised by Lampard and his team-mates alike, with Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta hailing the impact he has had on the team.
Chelsea return to action against Everton at Goodison Park on Saturday.
