Joe Cole and Peter Crouch have raised doubts about Chelsea’s recruitment process.

In a recent interview, former Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole expressed his belief that the club should reconsider their policy of focusing on young players, especially in light of their inconsistent season. Speaking ahead of the West London derby against Fulham at Stamford Bridge, Cole suggested that adding a few more experienced professionals to the squad could help improve their performance.

Recruitment was highlighted as a key factor by Cole, emphasizing the importance of making the right signings to enhance the squad. He praised the quality of Cole Palmer and suggested building the next generation of Chelsea around him.

However, Cole also noted that the club’s owners have a preference for buying young players under the age of 24 or 25. He argued that this rigid approach may not always be effective, citing examples like Harry Kane and Cristiano Ronaldo, who were not available due to age or other factors.

Cole urged Chelsea to be smarter with their recruitment, suggesting they consider bidding for players like Ivan Toney, who has proven goal-scoring ability. He emphasized the need for a balance between young talent and experienced players, stating that the team is currently lacking in the latter. Cole also emphasized the importance of giving manager Mauricio Pochettino the freedom to choose the players he wants to bring in.

Meanwhile, former striker Peter Crouch expressed his surprise at Chelsea’s transfer strategy, particularly their failure to secure a proven striker despite their significant financial resources. Crouch questioned why the club had not made a big signing in that position, considering the available options. He expressed frustration that Chelsea are still discussing future spending despite already investing heavily.

For fans looking to watch the upcoming Chelsea vs Fulham match, it will be broadcast live on TNT Sports 1 and TNT Sports Ultimate. Coverage will begin at 11:00 on Saturday, January 13, with kick-off at 12:30. TNT Sports is available on major TV platforms, and viewers can subscribe through various providers such as discovery+, BT, EE, Sky, and Virgin Media. To find local establishments showing TNT Sports, fans can use the Pub Finder tool.