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With Chelsea in the market for a striker, Patrik Schick could be one the Champions League winners should look to target this summer.
They have been linked with a host of other big strikers, including Erling Haaland, Harry Kane, Romelu Lukaku and Robert Lewandowski. But there has been little progress in that regard. But Schick could be a more achievable target for Chelsea as they seek to bolster their attack this summer.
Patrik Schick could be a perfect match for Chelsea
Patrik Schick made a grand entrance at Euro 2020, scoring the goal of the tournament against Scotland in the Czech Republic's first group match.
He was the joint top-scorer in the tournament, scoring five goals and helping the Czechs reach the quarter-finals. He proved to be a serious threat in the opponent's penalty area and was one of the top strikers in the tournament.
With Chelsea in dire need of a striker to lead the line, Patrik Schick could prove to be an intriguing option for the Blues. On that note, here are five reasons why Chelsea should target the Czech Republic marksman this summer:
#5 Patrik Schick would be a cheaper alternative to Erling Haaland and Romelu Lukaku
Chelsea have been targeting both Erling Haaland and Romelu Lukaku throughout this summer.
Haaland, who is currently at Borussia Dortmund, has been Chelsea's number one transfer target in the transfer window. Chelsea want to get him now, as a release clause of €75 million in his contract is set to be triggered in the summer of 2022, which would attract a host of other top clubs for his signature.
However, Dortmund's asking price of £150 million, and no pressure from the player to leave this summer has made it difficult for Chelsea to progress in their pursuit of Haaland.
Meanwhile, Chelsea were ready to make a stunning bid of £110 million for Romelu Lukaku, and were ready to pay him an impressive £8.5 million per season in wages. However, the 28-year-old politely declined the offer, and is unwilling to cut short his spell with the Nerazzurri.
In comparison to Lukaku or Haaland, Patrik Schick would be a much cheaper alternative for Chelsea. Although he is not as prolific as the duo, Schick is still pretty much capable of leading the line for any big club.
Schick's performances at the Euros have attracted interest from many clubs, and with an asking price of just €40 million, Chelsea could do well to snap him up instead of pursuing other expensive options.
#4 Patrik Schick is a multi-dimensional player
While Patrik Schick generally plays in a no. 9 role, he can also play in out wide and has the experience of playing there, when he partnered Edin Dzeko upfront at AS Roma. His pace allows him to go past defenders in wider areas, while his physical presence also benefits him, allowing him to attack the back post during set-pieces.
Chelsea do not have a strong forward who can hold the ball upfront, after Olivier Giroud's departure. So Patrik Schick could address that issue. Apart from running behind defenders, Schick can control the ball in attack and create space for midfielders and wing-backs to run in behind.
His versatility could prove to be a great addition for Thomas Tuchel's side. as it would provide them with considerable depth in the striking department.
#3 Patrik Schick is confident in attack
Patrik Schick has looked confident in front of goal and could bring that confidence to Chelsea.
His goal from the halfway line against Scotland at the Euros further emphasises the confidence Schick has in his abilities. He netted five goals in the tournament, becoming the joint-top scorer and helping his team reach the quarter-finals.
Timo Werner's lack of confidence in front of goal at Chelsea was pretty evident last season. While he started the campaign brilliantly, a few missed chances saw the German looking short of confidence, sometimes even passing to his teammates when he had the chance to score a goal.
Schick would provide the much-needed confidence that has been lacking in the Chelsea frontline. He is responsible and is vocal as well. His presence up front could boost other players around him too.
#2 Patrik Schick could be the spark to ignite Timo Werner
Another reason Chelsea should sign Patrik Schick is his chemistry and link-up play with Timo Werner.
Timo Werner and Patrik Schick formed a formidable striking partnership at RB Leipzig during the 2019-20 season, with the duo combining for 38 Bundesliga goals.
Werner's knack for finding space behind opposition defenders combined with Schick's physical play and passing ability was crucial in Leipzig finishing third in the league and reaching the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League that season.
There's no guarantee that a reunion with Patrik Schick will revitalise Werner, but his connection with the Czech striker was clear to see. If Chelsea do sign Schick and Werner can rediscover his chemistry with the Czech striker, the Blues could be a force to be reckoned with next season.
#1 Patrik Schick has the tactical acumen to fit in Tuchel's system
Patrik Schick has the tactical nous and versatility to fit into Thomas Tuchel's system at Chelsea.
Tuchel has generally implemented a 3-4-3 or 3-5-2 formation at Chelsea. Schick is capable of playing in both of them. In a 3-4-3, Schick could be used as a target man up front with the likes of Timo Werner and Mason Mount playing behind him. He can hold the ball in attack due to his physique, while Mount and Werner run behind him.
In a 3-5-2 system, Schick could play alongside Werner or Havertz upfront, where his speed and passing ability could help his teammates get behind defenders or send one of them through on goal.
At 6' 2", Schick would also provide aerial prowess for the Blues, as the wing-backs will have a target man in the middle, something they did not have with Havertz or Werner.
A versatile striker like Patrik Schick is what Thomas Tuchel requires in his side now. So if Chelsea manage to sign him, he could elevate the Blues' attack by several notches next season.
