Don Hutchison has urged Frank Lampard to stop overcomplicating things for Kai Havertz in his first season at Chelsea and play the midfielder in his favourite position instead.
With just one goal and one assist from 10 appearances in the Premier League so far, Havertz is yet to fully justify the hype.
His two-week absence after testing positive for Covid-19 certainly had an impact.
However, Hutchison believes playing in different roles has also been a major stumbling block for Havertz.
“The best place for him [Havertz] will always be No.10,” the former Liverpool and Everton player told ESPN FC.
“I’ve seen him play many times — he can play as false nine, he can play off the right or the left.
“[But] Especially in his first season, you wouldn’t want to overcomplicate things for him.
“You play him as a No.10 and play players like [N’Golo] Kante or [Mateo] Kovacic who have got more legs in midfield.”
Frank Lampard insisted that Havertz is already familiar with the right winger role from his time at Leverkusen, but Hutchison may have a good point.
Since joining Chelsea, Havertz has played as a No.10, a centre forward, on the right and more recently as a No.8, which may have been tough for a player who is still adapting to a new team.
“He [Havertz] is a fine young player,” Hutchinson added.
“I would guarantee next season and the seasons beyond will be his best years – [but] you’ve got to give the kid a little bit of time.”
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