Following a dazzling 2014 World Cup in a super sub role for the German national team, the 2014-2015 season looked to be a promising one for Chelsea’s André Schürrle. The 24-year-old attacking midfielder shone for Die Mannschaft on route to its World Cup triumph, chipping in with three goals and an all-important 113th minute assist to Mario Götze to clinch the final against Argentina in extra time.
His meteoric ascension over the summer continued at the outset of the Premier League season, with Schürrle notching a pair of early goals; one a beautifully orchestrated score in the opener at Burnley and another on a lightning quick counter attack at the Etihad in a 1-1 draw with Manchester City.
Things took a sudden downturn for Schürrle in October, when he battled what Germany described as a “persistent infection” throughout the month. The affliction hampered his ability to train both with Chelsea and the national team, so it came as no surprise that Schürrle’s form took an immediate dip upon his return to action.
But what has come as a surprise is the slow, steady disappearance of Schürrle from Jose Mourinho’s side in the months since. Entering the 2014-15 campaign, Schürrle found himself in a competition with Willian for a spot in the first XI in what was a newly revamped side at Stamford Bridge. With upgrades in midfield (Cesc Fàbregas) and at striker (Diego Costa) ready to be deployed – and with Eden Hazard and Oscar being locks in the offensive midfield – it seemed the only position on the pitch still up for grabs was on the right wing.
Schürrle seemed to be edging out front in the race with Willian at the start of the season, getting three starting nods in the first four fixtures. Since the start of Schürrle’s struggles, though, his Brazilian counterpart has taken full command and secured his rating as Mourinho’s first choice on the right side.
Mourinho intimated as much following a particularly frustrating outing from Schürrle and fellow reserve winger Mohamed Salah against Shrewsbury in a League Cup tie on Oct. 28. The Special One, known for his pragmatic nature, wouldn’t have much to contemplate when choosing his line-up ahead of Chelsea’s next match against Queens Park Rangers after the struggle against Shrewsbury.
“I love the problem of choices,” Mourinho said, “and it is easy for me to choose my team for Saturday.” Willian was slotted back into the starting role. The German has done his best to claw his way back into Jose’s good graces since, but in his limited minutes on the pitch following his recovery, his dribbling quality has suffered and he has looked confused at times, perhaps stemming from the fact that he’s trying to force the issue in an effort to impress. Schürrle’s propensity to pull the trigger from long range has yielded little success and has proven to be a hindrance to the rhythm of a potent Chelsea attack, only accelerating his tailspin into the reserve ranks.
Since the 5th Novemeber, Schürrle has failed to appear at all in three games and has been subbed on after the 70th minute in five others. While Schürrle’s goal-scoring numbers (five in all competitions) still better those of Willian (three in all comps), the Brazilian seems to be a better fit for the side at the moment with his enthusiasm, relentless work rate and impeccable assistance in defence giving the Blues a boost. Willian’s passing has been superior as well, as his three assists on the season are three more than Schürrle has managed.
Irrespective of the statistics, the state of matters has not changed much in the mind of Mourinho. Following a 3-0 League Cup win over Watford on Jan. 4, in which Willian relieved Schürrle at the break and helped propel Chelsea to a three-goal performance in the second half, the manager again emphasized his trust in the Brazilian. “Willian always gives us a performance,” Mourinho said.
Schürrle did manage to find the back of the net at the tail end of Chelsea’s most recent Premier League tie on Jan. 17 against Swansea, although his predatory finish drew annoyance from some as it came at the detriment of Oscar’s pursuit of a hat trick – further proof that André can’t seem to catch any kind of a break at the moment.
Adding to the murkiness of his future with the team are swirling rumours of a transfer back to the Bundesliga for the German, as Schürrle’s name has been linked in the news recently with Wolfsburg by the Daily Mail. The outlet later mentioned possible interest from Real Sociedad. All of the rumours involving the Chelsea midfield are currently centered on the possible addition of Juan Cuadrado from Fiorentina before the close of the January transfer window.
Like Schürrle, Cuadrado was tremendous in the World Cup for his native Colombia. But much has changed since then, and many now believe that Cuadrado would be an upgrade in the midfield and that Chelsea could sell Schürrle in an effort to fund the move.
Amidst the transfer talk (which could continue to evolve now with reports that Salah is heading to Roma) and a sustained run of poor form, Schürrle and the club will hope that the late goal at Swansea and positive thinking will be enough to reinvigorate the young midfielder following his flashes of brilliance in Brazil.
With the Blues sitting top of the Premier League, things are not dire in West London despite Schürrle’s fade from relevance. For a club challenging for silverware on four fronts, having a player the caliber of Schürrle to provide reliable depth could be pivotal as the season wears on and squad rotation becomes even more important.
