Tag: Kai Havertz

  • ‘Havertz’s talent is unquestionable’ – Joe Cole

    ‘Havertz’s talent is unquestionable’ – Joe Cole

    Kai Havertz’s “talent is unquestionable”, according to ex-Chelsea star Joe Cole, who thinks the £70 million ($97m) midfielder has been subjected to a lot of unfair criticism at the start of his Stamford Bridge career.

    Havertz became the second most expensive signing in Chelsea’s history behind Kepa Arrizabalaga when he joined the club from Bayer Leverkusen on a five-year contract at the start of September.

    The Blues saw off competition from the likes of Bayern Munich and Real Madrid to bring in a man who has enjoyed a meteoric rise to prominence over the last couple of seasons, and he was handed his debut by Frank Lampard in a Premier League opener against Brighton.

    Unfortunately, the 21-year-old struggled to make an impact during the 3-1 victory, which marked the beginning of difficult settling in period which has extended through to the start of the festive season.

    Havertz has contributed four goals and four assists to Chelsea’s cause in his first 15 games in all competitions, but questions have been asked over his physicality and fitness levels as he has largely failed to live up to his hefty price tag.

    The Germany international did, however, put in arguably his best performance for the Blues to date during a 1-1 draw at home to Krasnodar in the Champions League on Tuesday night, and Cole is confident he will soon begin to deliver the goods on a more consistent basis.

    “No, it’s not been fair (the criticism) because when you do go into a different culture, with different team-mates, different style of play and different training, it can be tough,” the former Chelsea winger told BT Sport of Havertz’s potential.

    “But the talent is unquestionable. He’s widely regarded as one of the best young players in Europe.

    “He’s had his injury difficulties, he had the [corona]virus that set him back, but my feeling is that the cream will always rise to the top and he’s a top, top player.

    “We’ve seen it in flashes and as the season moves on, that will get more and more consistent.

    “I think he’s struggled a little bit with how well Werner has settled in. Two German lads coming in, obviously it helps, but he’s (Werner) settled in.

    “They’ve come from different clubs, different environments and different demands in training, so Werner has settled in quicker, but Havertz will be a big player, I’m convinced of that. As the season goes on, he will impact games.”

    Havertz admits that his early performances in a Chelsea shirt have fallen short of his usual high standards, but the ex-Leverkusen playmaker is happy with how he is developing under Lampard’s stewardship.

    “I am feeling very good,” he told reporters after the Krasnodar clash. “The start (of the season) was not my best but I am very thankful to be here and I give every day my best to try to help the team.

    “And of course, I know that Frank Lampard is a big manager for me. I can learn from him. He is helping me day-by-day and I am very thankful for that.”

  • Havertz Tests Positive For Coronavirus

    Havertz Tests Positive For Coronavirus

    Chelsea German midfielder Kai Havertz has tested positive for coronavirus and is self-isolating.

    Chelsea boss Frank Lampard confirmed Havertz’s positive test ahead of their Champions League match against Rennes on Wednesday evening.

    “It’s significant because he’s tested positive for Covid in the testing going into this game,” Lampard told BT Sport .

    “So he’s come away from the squad, he’s in isolation as the doctor’s orders are and we move on. He isolates for that period and we’re wishing him well at home.

    “Everybody has been tested as a whole squad since and we have negative tests, so it’s hopefully a case of we’re taking, everyone is negative and we move on in the short term.”

    READ ALSO: Sergio Ramos and Real Madrid finally ‘open talks over a new contract’

    Havertz’s positive test comes just hours before England goes into a four-week lockdown, during which elite sport has been given the green light to continue.

    The 21-year-old Germany international joined Chelsea from Bayer Leverkusen in September and has started in all of the club’s Premier League and Champions League fixtures so far this season.

    Chelsea didn’t confirm exactly when Havertz entered isolation, but he would appear set to miss Saturday’s Premier League clash with Sheffield United.

    His participation in Germany’s upcoming fixtures could also be in doubt, with Joachim Low’s side hosting the Czech Republic in a friendly in a week’s time, before Nations League matches against Ukraine and Spain.

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  • EPL: Havertz reveals his best position

    EPL: Havertz reveals his best position

    Chelsea star, Kai Havertz, has admitted he prefers to play from the No.10 position.

    Havertz also said that he is happy to play anywhere as long as he is selected by the Blues manager, Frank Lampard.

    The 21-year-old stated this ahead of Chelsea’s Premier League clash with Liverpool on Sunday.

    Havertz, who made his debut for Chelsea last weekend in their 3-1 victory against Brighton, was quoted by Metro UK as saying: “I played I think every offensive position at Leverkusen.

    “I played as a right-winger, as a No.10, as a No.6, No.8 and sometimes as a striker as well.

    “But for more, it is very important to have that flexibility on the pitch and to be creative, that is something I like.

     “I think I can play in many positions. Of course, for me, my best position is as a No.10, but of course, I can play on the right side or as a striker as well.

    “To be honest, I am happy to stay on the pitch. I think I am flexible.”