Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel says that Kai Havertz is still impressing him, even if he is getting “unlucky” in games right now.
Havertz, who earns £150,000-a-week, has been a regular starter in recent matches because of injury problems at Stamford Bridge.
The 22-year-old forward has been starting centrally in the club’s last five fixtures, scoring two goals in return. However, several goalscoring chances that he’s wasted are a concern.
Blues manager Tuchel praised Havertz’s performance on Tuesday night in the 1-0 away win against Malmo in the Champions League group stages.
The German attacker got into some great areas and worked his socks off, but failed to score in two decent one-on-one goalscoring scenarios.
“He has had some good matches with the ball and off it as well, bringing huge effort when we have the ball. I like what he is playing at the moment, I can see and feel how hard he fights for the teams and what effort he puts in,” Tuchel said.
“He is a bit unlucky at the moment. He won a penalty at Newcastle, today had two chances to score. But the last games I am very happy with his performances and the effort.”
Tuchel comments should boost Chelsea man Havertz
For Havertz, he must be able to feel the pressure from the club’s fanbase demanding he increases his goal output. Also, BBC pundit Rob Green criticised him during the Malmo win for a lack of ruthlessness around the box.
Yesterday’s comments from Tuchel should be a relief for him, though, because at least he’s doing enough to impress him.
He would be in a totally different place right now if he had converted one or two more chances in the past fortnight.
He should get another chance at home to Burnley this Saturday in the Premier League. However, he will be looking over his shoulder at the imminent return of injured teammates.
17 different scorers!
Chelsea have now had 17 different players within their squad score at least one goal this season.
It’s been a real group effort from Tuchel’s men up to now, with Ziyech the latest to join the scoring club against Malmo.
You’d suspect the Blues will need at least a couple of players to hit double figures to win silverware this season, though.
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