Pat Nevin was full of praise of Kai Havertz who ‘battered’ Real Madrid defence and covered the most distance on the pitch for Chelsea in the 2-0 Champions League semi-final second leg win.
Thomas Tuchel gave the 21-year-old the nod to keep his place in the team after a brilliant performance at the weekend, and Havertz certainly did not disappoint.
He failed to score despite several big chances that he had, but his composure in front of goal led to Timo Werner’s opening goal.
It was not only Havertz’s performance in the final third that impressed Nevin, but also his surprisingly incredible work rate.
“The way he arrived tonight, he was battering Real Madrid defence,” the Blues legend told Chelsea’s post-match Match Day Live about Havertz’s performance.
“He was treating them with disdain at variety of points.
“I’m going to tell you something shocking. The second most kilometres covered tonight was actually N’Golo Kante.
“Can you believe it? Havertz covered more. Extraordinary, with his elegant runs.
“When you’re watching, you’re seeing it, he was doing the front line, doing the whole job.”
Chronicle view
The Germany international was certainly quite busy, having contested 20 duels in the game, more than any other player on the pitch.
He was also quite unfortunate to see hit the woodwork twice, although thankfully, Werner was there to convert one of them.
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