Andy Townsend sends blunt Chelsea FC message to 27-year-old midfielder
The Chelsea FC legend wants to see Danny Drinkwater get a sustained run in the Blues team
Danny Drinkwater should be knocking on Antonio Conte’s door demanding a Chelsea FC spot, according to Andy Townsend.
The England international moved to Chelsea FC in a £35m deal from Leicester City in the summer transfer window.
Drinkwater was added to Conte’s squad after the Blues made the surprise decision to sell Nemanja Matic to their title rivals Manchester United.
However, his fellow summer signing Tiemoue Bakayoko has commanded a first-team spot ahead of Drinkwater despite his inconsistent displays.
The 27-year-old has started just three Premier League games, although he has made seven substitute appearances in the top flight.
Drinkwater was a late substitute in Chelsea FC’s 1-1 draw with Barcelona in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 clash on Tuesday night.
Former Chelsea FC defender Townsend believes Drinkwater is within his right to ask for a first-team place in the Blues team.
“Drinkwater has the right to knock on Conte’s door and say he is the man to go alongside Fabregas and Kante and he will make sure Chelsea deny Messi and co quiet at the Nou Camp,” Townsend told BBC Radio 5 Live.
Drinkwater has made three appearances in the Champions League this term, racking up 41 minutes as a substitute under Conte.
The Blues are looking to win their first Champions League crown since 2012 when Chelsea FC beat Bayern Munich on penalties.
