Kai Havertz in action for Chelsea. (GETTY Images)
Speaking in an interview (h/t football.london) before the game against Manchester United on Sunday, Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel said Kai Havertz is a ‘unique player’ who is suited to playing as an auxiliary striker.
Havertz was one of the most exciting Bundesliga talents last season. An impressive season at Bayer Leverkusen prompted Chelsea to pay £71m for his transfer.
However, the 21-year-old has failed to recapture that form at Stamford Bridge. Havertz has just 1 goal in the league so far and has struggled for form.
His only appearance this month so far has come in a 3-minute cameo against Atletico Madrid in a 1-0 win this week. And discussing the German playmaker, Tuchel stated that his best position is probably as a false 9.
“He is a unique player… Today, I would say he’s in between a nine and a 10, something in between.”
Tuchel then listed out the strengths in Havertz’s game. Like his predecessor, Frank Lampard, Tuchel speaks highly of the German international and expects him to come good at Chelsea.
“He’s very comfortable in the box, he’s very comfortable in high positions, he’s very good in offensive headers, he has good timing to arrive in the box, good finishing, good composure in the box, around the box, and very comfortable in high positions so between nine and 10.”
Havertz has played in a number of positions at Chelsea this season. Frank Lampard used Havertz mostly in midfield, as an attacking, or a central midfielder.
And Tuchel’s comments now indicate that we may get to see Havertz play in a little more advanced role through the middle. Chelsea’s next task is a Premier League game against Manchester United.
While Havertz is unlikely to feature in that game, he would be hoping his side gets all 3 points to make life easy for themselves in the race for the top 4 this season.
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