Wayne Rooney and Alan Shearer have expressed doubts over Chelsea's transfer strategy following their 3-0 defeat to Everton. Analysing the match on Match of the Day, both pundits argued that the club lacks a top-class goalkeeper, defender, and striker to compete for major honours.
Shearer highlighted the absence of a top-quality goalkeeper and centre-half, despite significant spending under Todd Boehly. He said: 'They haven't got a top-class goalkeeper, and they haven't got a top-class centre half, despite the money that they've spent, and until they get that, they're not going to compete.'
Rooney singled out striker Joao Pedro, who has scored 18 goals this season, but remains unconvinced. 'I still think the forward as well. I know Joao Pedro's done well, but if you want to go and challenge for the big trophies, then you need that centre-forward who's going to inspire you,' he said.
The pundits also questioned Chelsea's model of buying young players on long contracts. Shearer said: 'They think that's the right way, to buy young and maybe to sell on in years to come and to give them a long contract. I'm not so sure.' Rooney added that the approach makes it 'very, very difficult' to win trophies.
Chelsea currently sit sixth in the Premier League, three points behind fourth-placed Aston Villa. Their next match is an FA Cup quarter-final against Port Vale on 16 March.
