Chelsea's Jadon Sancho 'as good as anyone' when he is fit and playing well, as Joe Cole looks back on Ballon d'Or claim

React to this story

Much of the focus was on Jadon Sancho heading into Chelsea's UEFA Conference League clash with Heidenheim. The winger made his first start in over a month and looked lively, proving a constant threat and providing both goals for the visitors on another productive night in Europe. TNT Sports pundits Joe Cole and Peter Crouch were effusive in their praise for Sancho.

'As good as anyone' - Sancho Chelsea return hailed by Cole and Crouch

Video credit: TNT Sports

Chelsea winger Jadon Sancho is "as good as anyone" when he touches the heights he can do, said TNT Sports pundit Peter Crouch after the winger created both goals in his side's UEFA Conference League win over Heidenheim.

The England international made his first start since October in Germany after a spell on the sidelines, and he impressed as the Blues recorded a 2-0 win.

His ball across the box was met and converted by Christopher Nkunku for Chelsea's opening goal at Voith-Arena, before a cut-back to Mykhailo Mudryk was fired home to seal victory.

Europa League

This player has reached three different European finals in each of the last three seasons

08/05/2026 at 00:15

And both Crouch and Joe Cole reiterated their belief in Sancho's quality, despite a stop-start season since his summer move from Manchester United.

"He was involved in a lot. He's got such quick feet, creativity. When he's confident, he's as good as anyone and seems to always pick the right pass," Crouch said on TNT Sports.

"He's getting up to speed, but when he's fit and playing well, this is what he can do."

'He really wanted this' - Nkunku's opens scoring for Chelsea at Heidenheim

Video credit: TNT Sports

Cole, meanwhile, added: "Sancho was fantastic again."

The TNT Sports experts had given their verdict on Sancho prior to kick-off in Heidenheim, backing the 24-year-old to rediscover his best form.

"He has to perform. I was really, really happy when he signed for Chelsea – he was a Chelsea fan as a kid," Cole said.

"It didn't quite work for him at Manchester United and when he came in [at Chelsea] there were some great signs.

"He's had a little illness and he's missed a few weeks. He's a talented player, and he's going to be a big player for Chelsea.

"I remember watching him at Dortmund and thinking this kid could be a Ballon d'Or winner, but his career sort of stalled. But I love him, love watching him and he's such a talent.

'This is quality' - Mudryk finishes off 'picture book move' to seal Chelsea victory

Video credit: TNT Sports

"He needs to feel loved. The way Enzo [Maresca] plays, he's equally good off the left or the right and through the middle, so he can play [Noni] Madueke's role, he can do everything. He just needs to put it all together."

Echoing Cole's sentiment, Crouch said: "He started really well, looked like a completely different player than at United. But then he's had the injury, and fitness-wise he's not been up to speed.

Highlights: Nkunku and Mudryk help Chelsea overcome Heidenheim

Video credit: TNT Sports

"Out of this team today he's the one that, if he performs, has got an opportunity to start on the weekend. He's that good, the manager thinks highly of him, it's just proving his fitness over a sustained period.

"The amount of ability he has – he was probably the best player on the park in the Champions League final. He's played at the top, top level and he's proved he can do it. He just needs to get that consistency."

Stream the Premier League, UEFA Champions League and more on TNT Sports and discovery+

Transfers

Arsenal eye Camavinga swoop, Rashford's Barcelona future unclear - Paper Round

09/04/2026 at 09:04

Premier League

What next for Carrick, Rashford and Sancho?

26/03/2026 at 09:02

Related Matches

1. FC Heidenheim

Chelsea