Ex-Chelsea defender Ashley Cole backs Timo Werner.

Cole backs Timo Werner [Getty]

Ex-England defender Ashley Cole says Chelsea forward Werner is "underrated" and doesn't get praise for his effort.

Ashley Cole has backed Germany international Timo Werner, saying the Chelsea striker is "underrated".

Werner, who signed for the west London club last summer for a reported fee of £53million, has come under immense scrutiny in recent months having missed several goalscoring opportunities.

However, former Chelsea left-back Cole believes Werner (25), who has hit the net three times since mid-November, contributes a lot more to his team and he doesn't get the praise for that.

"I really think he's underrated. Yes, he's missed some big chances and opportunities," Cole told Sky Sports before the match.

"As a coach, as a manager, you always look to say 'is he in the right spots, is he in the right positions to strike and convert them?'

"But I think the way [Thomas] Tuchel sets up and the way he wants them to play through the lines, combined with the diagonal passes, he's pivotal in that role, running into the space and running into areas where Mason [Mount] can pick the ball up."

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