Jamie Redknapp sends message to Chelsea fans about Alvaro Morata
The former Liverpool midfielder issues his backing for Chelsea striker Alvaro Morata
Jamie Redknapp has warned Chelsea that Alvaro Morata isn’t as physical as Diego Costa but is confident the summer signing won’t be fazed about replacing the controversial striker.
The Premier League champions signed Morata in a £58m deal from Real Madrid last month to bolster his attacking options ahead of a return to the Champions League.
The Spain international was drafted in to replace Costa after the 29-year-old was told that he is surplus to requirements at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea have been unable to offload the former Atletico Madrid striker before transfer deadline day.
Morata scored his second Premier League goal of his Chelsea career in a 2-0 win against Everton at Stamford Bridge on Sunday afternoon.
The 24-year-old opened his account with a consolation goal in a 3-2 victory over Burnley in their opening Premier League fixture of the 2017-18 season.
Former Liverpool midfielder Redknapp has been impressed with Morata’s start to his Chelsea career despite pointing out that the summer signing is very different to Costa.
“He may not be the most physically imposing of strikers but Alvaro Morata knows how to work the 18-yard box as well as anyone,” Redknapp told the Daily Mail.
“As he showed at Real Madrid and now against Burnley and Everton this season, he is also a superb header of the ball.
“Morata is nowhere near as physical as Diego Costa but his movement is excellent, nipping in behind defenders.
“As the stat below shows, he does not seem at all fazed by stepping into the wantaway striker’s shoes.”
Chelsea have also signed Manchester City goalkeeper Willy Caballero, AS Roma defender Antonio Rudiger and Monaco midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko in the summer transfer window.
The Blues won the title with two games to spare last term.
