2:51
Jimmy Carragher thinks Frank Lampard has a dilemma on his hands to figure out how best to fit Kai Havertz into his squad in order to get the best out of his new signature.
It was an eventful start to life in England for Chelsea’s Kay Havertz.
The German international has joined from Bayer Leverkusen for 75.8 million pounds (85 million euros) after signing a five-year contract earlier this month, but the next international break resulted in limited training time before the English Premier League bowed.
The 21-year-old has spent his entire football career at Leverkusen, contributing 36 goals and 25 assists in just 118 matches in the Bundesliga since his debut in October 2016.
Havertz had a tough start at home against Liverpool last Sunday, losing the ball seven times, failing to score a shot or an opportunity created within 45 minutes. He was replaced by Fikayo Tomori in the first half as Frank Lampard was forced to change after sacking Andreas Christensen.
Havertz also withdrew from the Brighton match after playing on the right flank with a 4-2-3-1 formation. Despite the obvious tactical reasons for his recent switch, his best position is under debate after proving ineffective as a “false nine” against champions.
But against Barnsley on Wednesday in the Carabao Cup third-round match, his response was assured, pulling off the mark with a hat-trick in a landslide 6–0 win.
Talking about Havertz’s post-match performance, Lampard said, “He did really well. It’s a perfect match for Kai tonight because he came here without any training, and I had to throw him because we had injuries in the attack. The regions. Tonight was a great progress for Kai. for him ,
“I was pleased with Kai and everything at night I wanted him from him. He showed some cool things, and he was free behind Tammy and there were great groups.”
He added: “It was a great exercise for him, another game to see how we want to work off the ball, but also we have the freedom in the ball and combinations with Tammy. [Abraham]. It’s a great first night for him. “
Kara: What is Havertz?
1:58 The most prominent events of the third round of the Carabao Cup, where Chelsea faced Barnsley
Speaking right after Chelsea’s defeat to Liverpool, Sky Sports’ Jimmy Carragher said:
“I saw Chelsea last season as a 4-3-3 team, and now and then Frank threw three in the defense in the big matches. He beat Jose Mourinho twice and beat Guardiola here.”
“He went to 4-2-3-1 in Brighton with Havertz on the right. Today, he played with him in a fake nine. Obviously a good player, there’s no doubt about that. But I’m already thinking, ‘Where does Havertz play? Even after only two games.
“He’ll play like Frank paid so much for him, but where does he fit into 4-3-3? He almost looks like the number 10 and we don’t see much in football these days. Either he gets to be a part of the front three in a wide position or he has to be Part of a triple midfield and being the attacking player from midfield.
“Certainly where he played [against Liverpool]I don’t think it suits Chelsea. Maybe that was right for him after he played for Leverkusen in the False Nine, but it will be difficult to decide where Chelsea will play with all of these players. “
Redknapp: Havertz takes time
2:58 Dominant Liverpool beat Chelsea by ten men
Responding to Carragher’s comments, Sky Sports’s Jimmy Redknapp said:
“It’s a matter of time. He’s a young man who just came to the country. He trained with the club for five days and was miles away from him when he was thrown in the match against Brighton. He played half the match today and I don’t think that suits him as a striker.”
“You have to give the boy time. It’s tough but tough enough for an English player to move to a new club in the Premier League, let alone a foreigner. We have to be very careful when judging a player and actually describing where he will play.”
“He’s a great player and he has a lot of talent. They should give her time. They have.” [Christian] Polysec and [Hakim] Ziyech to come as he is the number 10 who will face Mason Mountain.
“I think with the three midfielders out there today, they need a little more skill. N’Gole Kane was the most advanced and looking to get things done but that’s not his job. I see Kante as the kind of player who will break it up and get it.” For players who can do this mission.
“Surely we can’t really question him because he was here for two minutes?”
Cole: Some guys might have to go
Will Chelsea have to make way for Havertz by selling Jorginho?
Former Chelsea defender Ashley Cole told Sky Sports:
“He was in England training for a short time and we really expect him to be like the player he was at Leverkusen. For me, it is impossible for him to really deliver that level of performance.
“It takes time to adapt and adapt to a new team, with a new philosophy and new players. But it will come well. I agree that it will be difficult to absorb them all once Polisic becomes fit.
“Is he going to have to lay off some of the players? Maybe, he’ll have to transfer Kante, Kovacic and Jorginho. Will he have to convert some of them to play his main stars? No 10, someone has to go.”
2:56 Chelsea coach Frank Lampard said there were still plenty of positives to be used in the match despite his 2-0 home defeat to Liverpool in the Premier League.
“In his post-match interview, Lampard mentioned how with new players coming in, it’s a process. New players will have time to have fun. Kai Havertz only trained for four or five days.”
“Once in, and if Ben Chilwell and Thiago Silva join the team, I am very confident that in two or three weeks, that team will work with confidence and faith. I am sure they will be fine.
“I will always support Chelsea, and I think Kurt Zuma and Reese James are playing very well today. Frank needs time …. Look at Klopp. It took him a few years to bring his philosophy into his team, and now they’ve won awards.”
“We have to continue this journey and this process, and hopefully eventually we will see silvers.”
How to follow the West Bromwich Albion match against Chelsea
Watch the West Brom and Chelsea match from 5 pm on Saturday live on Sky Sports
The West Brom match against Chelsea will be broadcast live Sky Sports Premier League From 5 pm on Saturday; Starting off at 5.30 pm. Sky Sports Customers can watch the in-game clips on the Live Match Blog at Sky Sports Website and application. Highlights will also be posted at Sky Sports Digital platforms and Sky Sports Football YouTube channel shortly after the final whistle.
