Thomas Tuchel has admitted that the pace Timo Werner has within his armoury was the sole reason why he opted to recall him to the starting line-up for tonight's clash with Liverpool at Anfield.
Werner was recalled to the starting line-up as one of three changes Tuchel elected to make following Sunday's goalless draw with Manchester United, with both Reece James and Jorginho also returning to the side.
Frenchman Olivier Giroud was preferred to Werner on Sunday with many interpreting that as a hint that he would lead the line at Anfield this evening.
And it is fair to say that those who made that prediction were bang on the money, with the German, who was closely linked with a move to Liverpool before joining Chelsea from RB Leipzig last summer, having returned to spearhead the attack, with both Hakim Ziyech and Mason Mount just behind him.
For Tuchel, recalling Werner was a simple decision, with his pace seen as the key attribute that could make the difference against the reigning Premier League title holders.
"Speed, speed, speed. Speed against a high line is clear," Tuchel told Sky Sports. "We expect that we need it at this level, and Timo has the speed, this is why he’s in.
"When the game becomes maybe more deeper or we need more crosses or set-pieces then it’s more for Oli [Olivier Giroud], but we start with Timo today.”
Werner has struggled for form in his maiden season in England, scoring just ten goals in all competitions.
Despite that, though, he has shown signs of improvement under Tuchel in recent weeks, scoring one goal and claiming three assists in his last five league appearances.
Tonight's clash, though, has seen Werner return to a more central role. Recently, he has played just behind either Tammy Abraham or Giroud in the 'left ten' position.
