Chelsea Pressured to Pursue Darwin as Desailly Draws Bergkamp Parallel
Chelsea has been encouraged to explore the possibility of signing Darwin, as a notable figure from Stamford Bridge expresses that the forward could thrive in the right setting. Marcel Desailly believes the former Liverpool striker possesses the qualities needed to excel in the Premier League once again, likening his early challenges to those faced by Dennis Bergkamp before his successful transformation at Arsenal.
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Darwin’s path has seldom been smooth. After winning the Premier League with Liverpool in the 2024-25 season, he later transferred to Al Hilal following a tenure that saw him net 40 goals in 143 appearances for the Reds. Despite the accolades and moments of brilliance, consistency remained elusive. Now, with increasing chatter about a return to European football, Chelsea is prominently featured in the discussion.
Darwin’s Liverpool Performance and Potential Reset
During his time at Liverpool, Darwin’s statistics tell part of the tale. The £64 million recruit from Benfica brought speed, unpredictability, and a knack for finding space. However, his confidence often appeared fragile; missed opportunities drew intensified scrutiny, and a loss of rhythm impacted his overall performance.
Desailly believes this narrative obscures Darwin’s true talent. He stated in an interview with FootItalia: “I would recommend Nunez to Chelsea. He’s a very skilled and intelligent player; he just requires the right environment to showcase his abilities. Liverpool recognized his potential, which was evident in his statistics.
Photo: IMAGO
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“However, starting on a poor note can drastically affect confidence, and the perception from those around you shifts. It’s similar to Dennis Bergkamp’s experience at Inter Milan, where nothing worked out for him, or Roberto Carlos in his early days, when he was misfiring. Nunez faced a similar fate at Liverpool, but the quality remains. He’s now at Al-Hilal, where he’s scored around six goals in 16 matches, which isn’t bad at all.”
For Chelsea, the key would be to unlock that potential consistency and help transform fleeting moments into sustained performance.
Cole Palmer’s Influence on Chelsea’s Attack
A potential return to the Premier League could bring along creative players who are adept at acting on instinct. Desailly underscored the significance of timing and trust in team dynamics.
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“It’s great to see him eager to return to European football—this suggests that financial incentives are not everything. A club like Chelsea, or the new Manchester United, would be perfect for him. He needs to be among established, confident players who know they will be regular starters and will pass him the ball immediately when he makes a run. Those small details are crucial; he needs that immediate connection to maintain his confidence,” Desailly explained.
“We saw something similar with Frank Lampard. He was a fantastic player, but sometimes he’d hesitate to play the ball first-time to the striker. This could disrupt the striker’s rhythm. Nunez needs that instant delivery. He is a quality talent with plenty of time to grow.”
Cole Palmer could play a vital role in fostering that connection, even as discussions around his own future intensify. Desailly remarked: “Chelsea should qualify for the Champions League. However, even if they don’t, the fanbase appreciates the bigger picture now. It’s more about the club than any individual player. Chelsea has the potential to thrive without Palmer. He’s on a long contract, so if he decides to leave, there’s a chance to reinvest significant funds into players that align with the manager’s vision.
“I believe he’s doing everything he can to elevate Chelsea into the top four. But if his heart says he should depart—well, I once had to choose between Monaco and Marseille, and I followed my heart to arrive at Marseille as a fan. Players move on in modern football, but the club’s legacy is paramount in the hearts of fans.”
The bottom line for Chelsea is clear: Darwin remains a forward with great potential. In the right environment, with restored confidence, his narrative could take on an entirely new chapter.