Mario Melchiot has stressed the importance of Chelsea forward Kai Havertz to his side right now.
Havertz, who’s enjoying an extended run in the starting line-up, is really starting to come into his own at Stamford Bridge.
The 22-year-old attacker is in a purple patch of form during the last few games, recapturing the kind of levels he consistently showed at ex-club Bayer Leverkusen.
He’s scored four goals in his last three Premier League matches. Also, he netted during the Champions League two-legged tie against Lille, which the Blues ended up winning to set up a quarter-final against Real Madrid.
His best performances are coming in the centre-forward role, which has meant teammate Romelu Lukaku has had to put up with minutes off the bench lately.
Ex-Chelsea defender Melchiot has given a glowing review on Germany international Havertz:
“Kai Havertz is the one that makes the team tick at the moment. I think Tuchel is picking him because he’s looking at the overall picture,” Melchiot told ESPN.
“He’s always trying to face the opponents’ goal because that is where his strength is. Coming from Germany he was always a player that was built on intelligence and seeing where his opportunities were.”
Chelsea vs Boro selection
With Chelsea preparing to face Championship side Middlesbrough Saturday evening in the FA Cup quarter-finals, Blues manager Thomas Tuchel will be mulling over his team selection.
For certain, Belgian striker Lukaku could really do with a start.
Havertz’s confidence will be at an all-time high right now and his impact in the final third it’s pivotal.
However, it could be worth him dropping down to the bench on the weekend down to the sheer amount of football he’s played lately.
A huge benefit to Havertz is that he’s capable of impacting games in any attacking position, but the club’s supporters are loving watching him thrive as a striker.
Click here for The Chelsea Chronicle’s predicted starting line-up to face Boro.
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