Alejandro Garnacho’s move to Chelsea was supposed to be a fresh start, a chance to shine at a club riding high in the Premier League. But the young winger’s lackluster performances have drawn sharp criticism, with former Watford striker Troy Deeney delivering a scathing assessment of Garnacho’s attitude during Chelsea’s recent victory over Fulham.
Despite Chelsea’s impressive second-half display, where they netted three goals to secure a commanding win, Garnacho’s contribution—or lack thereof—stole the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. Starting in place of injured stars Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez, and Cole Palmer, the former Manchester United man had a golden opportunity to prove his worth. Instead, he left pundits and fans alike frustrated with what Deeney described as a glaring sense of “entitlement.”
Speaking on talkSPORT, Deeney didn’t mince words: “Really disappointed in Garnacho today. Not sold on him anyway, as you know. I’m not an expert on body language, but his entitlement winds me up no end. The fact that he hasn’t sprinted yet once, and we’re 33 minutes into a game.” Deeney’s critique painted a picture of a player coasting through a match, failing to seize the moment at a club that’s currently “flying.”
Garnacho’s stats from the game only fueled the fire. In his rare start—his second of the season—he managed just one touch in Fulham’s penalty area and failed to create a single chance for his teammates. Deeney was particularly incensed by the winger’s apparent lack of effort, slamming his work rate: “He’s not running with any intensity. He’s not saying, ‘Do you know what? I’m in a fortunate position that I’ve left Man United at a poor moment and come to a Chelsea team that are flying.’”
The former striker didn’t stop there, pointing out Garnacho’s reluctance to chase down balls unless they were delivered perfectly. “Every time the ball comes out to him, he’s like, unless it’s perfect, he’s not gonna run,” Deeney fumed. “The sense of entitlement in the young man is frightening.”
Garnacho’s struggles at Chelsea have been evident since his arrival. While he did force an own goal in a Champions League clash against Benfica, he’s yet to find the back of the net for his new club. With competition for places fierce and Chelsea’s squad brimming with talent, Garnacho’s lack of intensity could see him relegated to the bench—or worse—if he doesn’t turn things around.
For a player who arrived with high expectations, Garnacho’s early days at Stamford Bridge have been anything but smooth. Deeney’s brutal takedown serves as a wake-up call: talent alone won’t cut it at a club like Chelsea. If Garnacho wants to silence his critics and cement his place in this star-studded squad, he’ll need to show more than just flashes of potential—he’ll need to run, fight, and prove he belongs.