Lampard shares which Chelsea player looked much stronger in training this week

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Frank Lampard has seen a physical enhancement from Kai Havertz in Chelsea training, which he hopes will aid his technical performances.

He mentioned the German international’s improvement after his sides 4-0 FA Cup victory over Morecambe, a tie in which he started, scored and assisted, the first time he has managed this particular combination for Chelsea

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Havertz has suffered for form and health since signing from Bayer Leverkusen in the summer, having contracted COVID19 last November and subsequently forced to miss three fixtures through isolation.

Although he is yet to set the Premier League alight, Lampard has witnessed a flame grow inside the 21-year-old, with another degree to his capability sizzling in the stove.

“I think the level, I can’t call that because there are endless levels Kai can go up, because of the potential of the player and he’s young,” said the Chelsea boss.

“He had Covid and suffered a bit and has come back. Today I saw and again in the week in training I saw him fitter and stronger.”

Havertz certainly demonstrated his new found strength, leaping above a Morecambe defender to head home Chelsea’s fourth of the afternoon.

A lot was expected of the £71m (BBC Sport) midfielder after swapping Leverkusen for London, but has failed to fully deliver as he adapts to his new surroundings.

Against Morecambe, Havertz completed a full-90 minutes for only the fifth time this season. Although he recognised his recent development, Lampard was cautious not to mount pressure on the young man’s shoulders once again.

“There are levels for Kai to go up, but again we have to remain patient,” he said. “He’s come here with a huge amount of talent, but has to get accustomed to the league, and we as a club must support him in that, now and for the future.

“It’s a small step in the big picture, but a good step.”

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I think what Lampard has done, taking Havertz out of the firing line, has really benefited both the player and the club. It has allowed him to concentrate on his physicality, which is often one of the main culturally differences between England and other European leagues.

If he can combine these new health benefits with his ability on the ball, we could soon be seeing the Havertz we were anticipating.