Chelsea forward Kai Havertz sends a strong message to his critics after RB Salzburg winner
Speaking to the media (h/t Evening Standard), Chelsea forward Kai Havertz had a strong message for his critics after the game against RB Salzburg in the Red Bull Arena.
The German international scored a stunning goal to win the game against the Austrian side in the Champions League. The importance of that victory was that it made the Blues qualify for the next round of the competition as group winners with a game in hand.
Havertz’s form has been sketchy at best this season. He has scored three goals in 15 appearances in all competitions and has missed some good opportunities to score in the meantime.
Talking about his form and keeping his options open regarding where he can play in the team, here’s the 23-year-old (h/t Evening Standard):
“After three years [at Chelsea], everyone should know by now what I can do, that I’m flexible up front and I can play a lot of different positions.
“Of course, sometimes it’s good to play in different positions and sometimes it’s bad, but in general I’m an offensive player. I like to be in the box. I like to score goals. I like to arrive in the box often and I don’t care if I’m there as a no9 or a no10. If I’m in the box, I’m there to score goals and that’s it.”
Not many can deny Havertz’s quality as a player, but his finishing can get better. For example, his exemplary goal against Salzburg was a small peek into what he can do as a player when given the ball in and around the opposition box.
The German international was key to Chelsea’s success in the 2021 Champions League triumph, scoring the winner in the final against Manchester City.
But, last season showed that he may not be an ideal option to play as a number nine all by himself. At his previous club Bayer Leverkusen, the 23-year-old did play most of his football as a number 10 or as an inside forward on the right.
Graham Potter is one of the best managers at identifying which positions suit a player to take the best out of him. Havertz would hope that the boss finds an ideal slot for him in the team, from where he can arrive in the box and also create chances for others in the final third.
More Chelsea News:
- Thiago Silva sends positive message to Chelsea teammates after win vs RB Salzburg
- Callum Hudson-Odoi wants to return to Chelsea after Bayer Leverkusen loan spell
- Chelsea are eager to start new contract talks with midfielder Mateo Kovacic
Unfortunately, playing at the top level comes with a gift of criticism if performances are not going in the right direction. The winner against Salzburg would certainly give Havertz so much confidence going forward in this season.