Kai Havertz is a player that should be at the forefront of Frank Lampard’s mind when selecting the Chelsea team to face Real Madrid this evening.
In our view, Kai Havertz needs to be back in the starting XI tonight, provided he’s fit enough.
Frank Lampard, who’s lost his opening three games as Chelsea’s caretaker manager, continues his tough start later with a huge European night at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues are losing 2-0 on aggregate during the Champions League quarter-final tie against Madrid, but they’ve got 90 minutes in front of their fans on Tuesday night to try reach the semis.
It’s going to take something special from our out-of-form side to eliminate Madrid.
Havertz, who was missing from the weekend’s 2-1 Premier League defeat against Brighton through injury, is back with the group ahead of the Madrid tie.
Chelsea confirmed on their official website the 23-year-old is with the squad in training after his “minor knee problem”.
Surprisingly, Havertz was named on the bench last week when Chelsea were beaten 2-0 in the first leg against Madrid.
The German forward has been one of the rare nailed-on starters this season for the Blues, who have rotated the team regardless of which manager has been in the dugout.
He’s come in for criticism from supporters this season, justifiably so at times, but he’s still the side’s best goal threat. His return of nine goals in 40 Chelsea appearances this campaign makes him the top scorer.
On a night when Chelsea need to score at least twice, Lampard simply has to pick Havertz.
Havertz can hurt Real Madrid
Whether it’s a false-nine or a two-man attack, Havertz can ask questions of the Madrid defence that they didn’t have last week.
We feel their defence got off fairly lightly last week when playing against Raheem Sterling and Joao Felix, so we’d love to see the Germany international putting himself about and being busy.
We understand the question marks from supporters regarding the future of Havertz, who can be very frustrating when it comes to the end product and overall impact.
However, the left-footed attacker is an individual who likes to rise to the biggest stage.
His performance in the final third of the pitch could be so influential in Chelsea trying to get on the front foot and making it uncomfortable for the visiting Madrid side.
Let’s hope the Blues team don’t die wondering and attempt to get at Madrid!