How full-strength Chelsea would line up with Kai Havertz in preferred role
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Kai Havertz is a man under fire after his start to life at Chelsea
The £72million German finds himself being questioned after disappointing in his first two games for the Blues, having moved from Bayer Leverkusen for the mammoth fee.
After spending four years developing in the Bundesliga, the 21-year-old joined Frank Lampard’s men with great expectations this summer.
But after the loss to Liverpool on Sunday, former Blues player Craig Burley said: “I’m sure the lad is testing his fitness and finding his feet and surroundings.
“But he found himself on the field in a more central role with Werner at times playing off the left and Mason Mount on the right, but again he was underwhelming.
(Image: GETTY)
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Frank Lampard’s team have made wavs by signing Kai Havertz, Timo Werner, Ben Chilwell, Hakim Ziyech, Malang Sarr and Thiago Silva.
And they don’t seem keen on slowing down yet. one player who continues to be linked with the Blues is West Ham and England midfielder Declan Rice.
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“Not questioning his talent, but for the first two games he’s certainly a player that when Pulisic and Ziyech are fit, he’s going to be the one coming under threat because of his first two performances.”
So, will he be under threat?
Havertz is just one big money arrival this summer amid a £200m spending spree at Stamford Bridge which has also seen Hakim Ziyech, Timo Werner, Thiago Silva and Ben Chilwell all arrive – plus already loaned-out defender Malang Sarr.
Not all of Frank Lampard’s signing are available at present, with Chilwell, Silva and Ziyech all currently absent.
And they are also joined by Christian Pulisic, who scored 11 goals and made 10 assists in his debut campaign before picking up a hamstring injury in the FA Cup final.
In the opening two matches, Havertz has been asked to play on the right wing, and as a false nine in attack. The former is somewhat alien to him, while he did fill the latter role with aplomb for Leverkusen last term – just not against Liverpool, as on Sunday.
When Lampard has a fully fit squad to choose from, expect to see Havertz dropped back into a No.10 role with Werner in attack.
That attacking role is where he is best, linking play and making late runs into opposing penalty areas; Pulisic and Ziyech are increasingly likely to be first choice on either flank.
(Image: Getty Images)
While Silva and Chilwell would bolster a defensive line also including Kurt Zouma and Reece James.
Chelsea are also close to a deal for a £25m deal for Rennes goalkeeper Edouard Mendy as they consider options after Kepa Arrizabalaga’s disaster against Liverpool.
Mendy, 28, could expect to slot straight into Lampard’s starting XI, amid Kepa’s struggles.
Should Havertz be Chelsea’s automatic No.10? Have your say here.
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