Alan Shearer doesn’t think Chelsea have brought in enough quality to mount a serious title challenge this season.
Back in October, Chelsea had just beaten Barcelona and Arsenal in back-to-back games, and there was talk about them joining the Premier League title race.
But a couple of months later, it looks like even finishing second might be out of reach for Enzo Maresca’s side.
Their recent loss to Aston Villa has left them trailing by 13 points, and there’s little sign they can make up that difference over the rest of the season.
Shearer doesn’t see it happening, and his comments won’t go down well at Cobham.
Alan Shearer still sees Chelsea as a few signings away from contending
After losing to Aston Villa, Chelsea’s title hopes took a real hit. Villa, now sitting third, are increasingly seen as the more likely challenger.
Shearer has backed Maresca in this situation, noting that the club simply hasn’t done enough in the transfer market.
Speaking on The Rest Is Football, Shearer explained why he feels Chelsea are still short of what’s needed to compete for the title.
When asked what would put them back in the mix, he said: “For me, I think they’re a top quality centre-half away and a brilliant centre-forward away. So, I think they’re two players away from me.”
Chelsea added two strikers over the summer, but Shearer isn’t sure either is ready to lead a title charge just yet.
He added: “I think I’m not saying that Pedro and Delap can’t do it, but I think to get to that elite level and challenge for the Premier League, then I would say they’d probably need a top-class centre-forward.”
“I think at the moment they can beat any team on their day, but it’s just that consistency and that might bring that. I mean there are not many Haalands around though — that’s for sure,” he said.
A world-class striker is what every club wants right now. Pedro may eventually hit those heights one day but he’s not your typical number nine. Delap is still working back from injury and hasn’t had much time to show what he can really do – he’s still very young too.
Recruitment gaps leave Chelsea short in key areas
Chelsea’s recruitment strategy has come under fire again, and this time it feels justified. For the money spent, glaring issues remain unaddressed.
Levi Colwill’s injury hasn’t helped matters, but the lack of depth behind him speaks to a wider problem. There simply isn’t enough quality cover in that position.
The forward situation highlights another issue. Despite their financial power, Chelsea continue to focus solely on young talent. While that approach has brought success in some areas, there are moments when experience is needed over potential.
Bringing in an established goalscorer – someone already proven at the top level – could make a huge difference to how this team operates. A player ready to deliver now, not one who might be ready a few seasons down the line.
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