Paul Robinson Questions Garnacho’s Chelsea Move, Says Winger ‘Not Good Enough’ to Start

Former Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Paul Robinson has cast doubt over the quality of Alejandro Garnacho, insisting the winger is not yet good enough to command a regular starting role at Chelsea.

Robinson also admitted he was surprised when Garnacho made the switch from Manchester United to Stamford Bridge last year, especially given his creative contributions during his final season at Old Trafford.

Since joining Chelsea under manager Liam Rosenior, the Argentina international has struggled to live up to expectations, registering just one Premier League goal so far this season.

Speaking to Stadium Astro, Robinson said: “He’s not good enough to be a regular starter for Chelsea and Manchester United might have done some good business.

“Looking back at the season he left United, I was surprised they let him go. If you look at his stats, he was actually their most creative player.”

Opinion: Too Soon to Judge—or Signs of a Bigger Problem?

Robinson’s criticism may sound harsh, but it reflects a broader issue young players often face after big transfers—expectation versus reality.

Garnacho’s move to Chelsea came with pressure to deliver immediately, but development is rarely linear. A dip in form, especially in a new environment, doesn’t automatically mean a player lacks quality. In fact, his creativity at Manchester United suggests there’s still a high ceiling.

However, football at the top level is unforgiving. Clubs like Chelsea demand instant impact, and patience is often limited. If Garnacho fails to adapt quickly, narratives like Robinson’s will only grow louder.

The real question isn’t whether Garnacho is good enough—it’s whether Chelsea are giving him the right structure and time to prove it. Because without that, even the most promising talents can look ordinary.