Chelsea team celebrate in a group huddle after Conference League game.
Chelsea team celebrate in a group huddle after Conference League game.

“Mystifying to me” – Tim Howards details what confuses him about Chelsea

Former Premier League goalkeeper Tim Howard believes Chelsea aren’t nailed on for a top four finish, but their squad has such a high ceiling.

The Blues have made a good start to the season under Enzo Maresca and currently sit fourth after the first ten games, just a point off third.

Chelsea have certainly taken people by surprise with their start, although Sunday’s draw against Manchester United at Old Trafford was a big missed opportunity.

Howard a big fan of Chelsea squad

After two years of no Champions League football the main aim for the club this season is to get back into Europe’s elite club competition.

However, that’s easier said than done and the race for the top four it as competitive as it’s ever been, with the Blues competing with the likes of Aston Villa, Tottenham and Newcastle.

A lot has been made of the talent in Chelsea’s expensively assembled young squad and Maresca believes the Blues have one of the best squads in the Premier League. 

Chelsea in a team huddle ahead of EFL Cup game. (Photo by Ed Sykes/Getty Images)
Chelsea have so much talent in their squad. (Photo by Ed Sykes/Getty Images)

Talent wise it’s hard to argue, but there’s certainly a lack of experience and leadership which could hurt the Blues, and Maresca recently bemoaned the fact there were no proper leaders at the club. 

Former goalkeeper Howard has had his say on the race for the top four and admitted the ceiling for Chelsea’s squad is so high.

“Villa seem like the most consistent of that group,” he told NBC Sports Soccer as cited on X.com.

“But the Chelsea thing is mystifying to me, because it is a young bunch of kids, and like, you think about the ceiling, like, if this goes really well for these young kids, WOW, there’s a bunch of stars there.

“It’s not like they’re nailed. I think, Oh, we know the performances. There might be some dips, but the high is so high for Chelsea.”

It’s hard to disagree and consistency will play a big role in whether the Blues finish in the top four, but most of the ingredients are there it’s now about putting it all together.

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