Pat Nevin could not wait to see Thomas Tuchel properly partner up Mason Mount and Kai Havertz, writing in his weekly Chelsea column.
To the anguish of Chelsea fans, Havertz and Mount have rarely been deployed next to one another.
Only 12 times have they been part of the same starting line-up this season.
More often than not, Havertz has been forced to watch Mount marvel from the side-lines or on Chelsea’s treatment table.
However, the roles were reversed on Monday night.
Tuchel took the brave decision to drop Mount against Everton and instead offer Havertz a rare run out.
This bold move certainly paid off. The German midfielder shone like never before in a Chelsea kit and was instrumental to their 2-0 victory.
Mount did come off the bench and for a moment, he and Havertz were side by side.
This gave a glimpse into the Blues bright future and one that seriously excited Nevin.
The former Chelsea winger began by praising Havertz’s recent performance, saying: “He looked like a different player, probably because to some degree, he is a different player.
“The confidence was there, the power that you need at the top level in England was there, though I reckon there is still plenty more to come in that department
“It was all the other stuff – the pace with the ball at his feet, the ability and willingness to win it back high up the field.
“The thought of him and Mason Mount together harrying opponents in that area is frightening.”
Frank Lampard and Tuchel’s struggles to play the pair on the same pitch hasn’t come down to their individual quality.
It occurs because they like to operate in the same position.
Both of the Blue’s talented stars showcase their best work in between midfield in an attack, in those pockets of space that are almost undefendable.
In Tuchel’s new system, only two can fulfill those roles, with Mount pretty much nailing down his spot already.
However, Chelsea’s coach has seemingly found a way to use Havertz and Mount in the same XI.
By deploying the former as a false nine, as he did versus Everton, it allows the duo to combine without getting in each other’s way.
The Chelsea Chronicle View
I think Tuchel could be onto something very special here.
We could be witnessing a Lampard/ Didier Drogba-like relationship if Mount and Havertz are allowed to blossom in unison.