Chelsea forward relishes playing in new role in Graham Potter’s 3-4-3

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Chelsea forward Kai Havertz said he enjoyed playing in a deeper position in Graham Potter’s 3-4-3 formation in the last few games.

On paper, the 23-year-old played as number nine with Joao Felix, and either Raheem Sterling or Mykhailo Mudryk playing wide behind him in the last three games.

But Sterling and later Mudryk actually operated further forward than Havertz on the pitch.

This makes sense since both Sterling and Mudryk have the pace to make runs in behind defenders, while Havertz and Felix are familiar with the number 10 role.

This means Havertz gets more involved in the build-up phase, which allows him to make use of his qualities since he is naturally a midfielder.

“I like this position, it is quite a free role and I’m allowed to come deeper,” the Germany international told Chelsea’s official website.

“Having said that, I also like to play as a number nine so having those options is good.

“Whatever the manager wants me to do for the team, I’m happy.

“With the system we are playing at the moment, it’s very fluid.

“It means I can be free, especially offensively, and I can find spaces to play from.”

There are always two sides to every coin, however.

While the likes of Havertz, Felix, and Mason Mount — who thrive in these number 10 roles — would welcome the formation change, it could spell bad news for the natural wingers in the team.

Raheem Sterling is perhaps an exception since he used to play as a false nine at Manchester City and when Thomas Tuchel was in charge, although he already admitted he prefers to play as a winger.

But for Hakim Ziyech, Christian Pulisic, Mykhailo Mudryk, and Noni Madueke, the formation change could prove challenging.

First of all, the aforementioned mentioned attacking midfielders have the edge in terms of competition for attacking spots.

Secondly, the two wing-backs occupy the flanks which might hinder their game on the pitch.

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