Thomas Tuchel has thrown down the gauntlet to Chelsea player Kai Havertz by urging him to start showing more of his potential in games.
Havertz, 22, looks like he’ll be playing an important role in tomorrow’s Premier League fixture at home to Norwich City. This seems a fair assumption after Tuchel confirmed attacking duo Romelu Lukaku and Timo Werner are both absent through injuries this Saturday.
Therefore, it looks like German forward Havertz may be needed at the top end of the pitch.
The left-footer can play various attacking roles where he tries to express himself on the ball, but he looks the most natural replacement at striker for the weekend.
Tuchel has explained why he’s a huge admirer of Havertz and loves his ability. However, he’s asking for more from him in his performances:
“He is so talented and so dangerous, he has so much potential that he needs to show it. He got the minutes he deserved [against Brentford and Malmo] and it is only one thing to make it to the team and that is performance,” Tuchel said.
The 22-year-old is adored by the Chelsea fanbase after scoring the winner in a Champions League final, something which is part of his Blues legacy.
It feels like the jury is still out, though, for plenty of neutrals.
A home match against bottom of the league Norwich tomorrow seems the perfect fixture on paper for Havertz to pick up some momentum. It helps he scored in midweek during the 4-0 Champions League victory against Malmo.
Can he cover Lukaku loss?
Of course, Havertz doesn’t possess the same kind of physical presence as teammate Lukaku in a number nine position.
He does have pace, movement and a real composure in front of goal. Joe Cole recently praised the deceptive speed he possesses.
Havertz can score a lot of goals if he gets himself in the right positions, albeit he’s not the natural finisher like Lukaku.
