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Chelsea’s transition to Maurizio Sarri’s style of play has been surprisingly swift, and the Blues are looking to extend their nigh-on perfect start to the campaign with a second consecutive victory against Liverpool on Saturday. Despite the positive signs that have characterised Chelsea’s form, one troublesome aspect continues to worry the Blues.

Alvaro Morata’s form has failed to ignite this season, despite his impressive strike against Arsenal, which has rekindled the debate regarding his aptness to lead the attack for Chelsea. Much to the dismay of Chelsea supporters, the Spaniard, and former club record signing, is impersonating a fellow countryman who failed to fulfil his potential at the club.

Comparing Alvaro Morata to Fernando Torres is entirely warranted, and the 25-year-old’s demeanour is eerily similar to that of Chelsea’s former number nine. Both players are exceedingly talented, but both seemingly struggle with their confidence. Against PAOK, West Ham, and Liverpool, Morata found himself in promising situations, some were of his own making, but he was unable to convert any of his chances.

The Spaniard’s rapid decline last season was extensively covered. Upon his arrival, the former Real Madrid striker took the league by storm, which included a memorable hat-trick away at Stoke City. He netted seven goals during his first eight games for the club, but he only managed eight more in the subsequent 40 games.

Similarly, his record isn’t particularly commendable this season, either, having only scored one goal in eight games. During his comparatively brief career as a Chelsea player, Morata has amassed an unwanted catalogue of missed simple chances. Although, it seems that his inability to convert opportunities has regressed even further this season.

Despite his woes last season, he still succeeded to total a respectable return of 15 goals in all competitions, most of which were scored with his head. If Morata was granted time to finish a chance, such as a 1v1 opportunity with a goalkeeper, he would tend to overcomplicate his decision and fail to capitalise. That said, when an instinctive finish was required, such as headed opportunities, he was far more proficient in his conversion.

And while this season remains in its infancy, the early signs indicate that Morata might not emulate the tally that he achieved last season. Naturally, his performances have been tremendously disappointing to supporters and the club alike, who have respectively invested emotionally and financially in the forward.

Moreover, it’s surprising that Maurizio Sarri’s presence has failed to evoke greater ruthlessness in Morata’s play. Despite being at the club for a limited time, Pedro and Hazard are demonstrating the impact that Sarri has had on their finishing in the final third.

At Napoli, the Italian was renowned for developing his strikers and creative talents, as was exemplified by Gonzalo Higuain’s career-best season where he netted 38 goals in all competitions. He has already publicly urged Hazard to increase his attacking output, and the Belgian has responded duly on the pitch. Collectively, these points raise a pertinent question, is Morata’s mentality his biggest hindrance?

For any player, it’s difficult to immerse oneself with a new environment, a foreign league, and a reasonably alien climate. Added to those factors, a few injury concerns and a bereavement complicated the process of adapting to life at Chelsea. But, his on-field mien gives no hope of improvement. He seems deflated, and utterly frustrated at every missed opportunity.

As Sarri has stated, a couple of goals would be of immeasurable benefit to Morata’s confidence and mentality. The talent is there for all to admire; it’s just a matter of regaining self-belief and overcoming his mental woes. His Chelsea future may depend on it.

What are your thoughts? Let us know!

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