Former Chelsea defender Mario Melchiot has criticized Jadon Sancho for failing to make an impact in recent Premier League matches, calling the winger “too quiet” in crucial games against West Ham and Manchester City.
Sancho, who joined Chelsea on a season-long loan from Manchester United, started brightly at Stamford Bridge with three assists in his first three league outings. However, his influence has waned, providing just one assist in his last nine appearances.
His underwhelming performances saw him subbed off after just 52 minutes in Chelsea’s 2-1 victory over West Ham, while he struggled again in their 3-1 loss to City.
Speaking as a pundit for ESPN, Melchiot expressed his disappointment in Sancho’s recent displays. “He’s gone a little bit too quiet,” Melchiot remarked. “Against City, it was too quiet for me, especially for a winger with his talent.
He has the pace and skill to trouble defenders, but instead, he seems comfortable just handling the ball. I don’t want that—I want him to take players on and make life difficult for defenders. Right now, he’s not doing that, and I have to ask, what’s going on?”
Despite the criticism, Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has defended Sancho’s performances, claiming the 24-year-old has exceeded expectations. “For me, he’s doing very well,” Maresca said last month. “I knew Jadon from before, but in terms of consistency, he has surprised me.”
With pressure mounting, Sancho will need to rediscover his early form to prove his doubters wrong and make a lasting impact at Chelsea.