‘He was our strongest player’: Tuchel names Chelsea’s best performer in Saturday’s defeat to Brentford

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Thomas Tuchel picked Kai Havertz as Chelsea’s best performer from the defeat at home to Brentford last weekend.

As quoted by Goal, Tuchel highlighted his compatriot’s positive contribution towards what was otherwise a very disappointing day for the European champions.

Even Havertz, a player in great scoring form, couldn’t prevent the Blues from suffering a heavy defeat at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

Thomas Frank’s spirited side stung their hosts three times in the space of ten minutes after the break, having gone behind thanks to a long-range Antonio Rudiger effort.

Former Tottenham Hotspur man Christian Eriksen grabbed Brentford’s second of the afternoon and played a pivotal part in punishing his long-term London adversary.

Chelsea were simply stunned by the nature of their opponent’s press and intensity, looking a little leggy after the international break.

Tuchel talks up Havertz

Havertz played both games for Germany but still got the nod to start up front ahead of Romelu Lukaku, who remained at Cobham during the pause in domestic football.

The young attacker had a goal ruled out for handball by VAR and missed a handful of good chances to keep Chelsea in the game against Brentford.

However, Tuchel opted to praise his fellow countryman rather than pick up on the mistakes.

“I felt he was our strongest player,” said the manager on Havertz’s display.

“I think he worked like an animal today and was very dangerous. I am very happy with his performance in particular.”

Clearly still in the coach’s good books, Havertz is expected to lead the line once again when Chelsea welcome Real Madrid to Stamford Bridge in the Champions League on Wednesday.

The 22-year-old enjoyed an excellent evening the last time the Spaniards travelled to South West London, so will be looking for a repeat exhibition.

In last season’s semi-final, he ran the Madrid defence ragged and came close to etching his name onto the score sheet.

Same again from you please, Kai.

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