With the Premier League season just starting to heat up, Chelsea have been dealt a heavy blow with the injury to striker Liam Delap. The club has acted quickly by recalling Marc Guiu from Sunderland, but the question remains: Is that enough?

While Guiu is promising, he is young and relatively untested at the highest level. If Chelsea want to stay competitive during Delap’s absence, they need to explore every tactical avenue. One such option could be converting Alejandro Garnacho into a temporary false nine or outright striker.

Here’s why it might work—and why now might be the perfect time to try.

Garnacho’s Talent is Undeniable

Alejandro Garnacho, a summer signing from Manchester United, has long been seen as one of the most electric young talents in English football. A natural winger, Garnacho is known for his acceleration, close control, and fearlessness on the ball. He thrives in one-on-one situations and has the flair to unlock tight defenses.

But Garnacho is more than just a wide threat. At Manchester United, there were flashes of his ability to operate centrally—making intelligent runs behind the defense, pressing high, and linking up well with attacking midfielders. At Chelsea, those attributes could be utilized in a more central role, especially given the team’s current striker shortage.

Why It Makes Tactical Sense

Dynamic Pressing & Movement:
Garnacho is aggressive off the ball and constantly looks to press. In Maresca’s high-possession, high-press system, he could act as a relentless presser, hounding defenders and initiating turnovers.

Space Creator:
His dribbling draws defenders toward him, which can open lanes for other attackers. Playing as a false nine or roaming striker, he could help create chaos in opposition lines.

Improved Finishing:
Over the last season, Garnacho’s finishing has improved significantly. He scored several high-quality goals from difficult angles for Manchester United and could replicate that centrally with better service.

Fluid Front Line:
Chelsea have players like Raheem Sterling, Joao Pedro, and Mykhaylo Mudryk who can interchange with Garnacho. This could allow for a fluid and unpredictable front three, difficult for opponents to mark.

Potential Risks

Of course, this experiment wouldn’t be without challenges.

Garnacho is not a traditional number 9. He lacks the physicality of Delap or even Jackson, which means he may struggle against more physical center-backs. His hold-up play, aerial ability, and positional instincts as a striker would need development.

Additionally, playing him out of position could stunt his growth in his preferred role as a winger if not managed properly. The club would need to ensure clear communication, tactical clarity, and support during the transition.

The Bigger Picture

But in every challenge lies opportunity. This situation offers Chelsea a chance to evolve their tactical identity. The modern game is increasingly favoring multi-functional forwards—players who can rotate positions, drop deep, and stretch defenses with intelligent runs.

If Garnacho succeeds, Chelsea would not only solve a short-term problem but also unlock a new dimension in their attack. It would signal tactical flexibility and trust in youth—two pillars Chelsea have increasingly embraced since the beginning of the 2020s.

Moreover, the experiment wouldn’t have to be long-term. Garnacho could lead the line in cup games, lower-stakes league matches, or even in a rotation alongside Guiu. This ensures the team remains competitive while minimizing risk.

With Liam Delap out and uncertainty swirling around Nicolas Jackson, Chelsea must be proactive and adaptive. Recalling Marc Guiu provides cover, but the club shouldn’t stop there.

Alejandro Garnacho has the tools, the temperament, and the tenacity to step up—not just as a winger, but as a central attacking force. With thoughtful tactical planning, Chelsea might just turn this injury crisis into a season-defining opportunity.

In the modern game, flexibility is power. It’s time Chelsea harnessed Garnacho’s full potential—central or wide—wherever the need is greatest.