Jamie Redknapp tipped his hat to Kai Havertz following the young man’s contribution towards Chelsea reaching the Champions League final.
Speaking on the Pitch to Post podcast, Redknapp wanted to give a special mention to Havertz for his role in the semi-final victory over Real Madrid on Wednesday.
“Havertz was one player who really impressed me yesterday,” said the former Liverpool man.
“You can see a young player with tremendous quality. He glides round the pitch.
“It’s effortless for him and the qualities he possesses. He is an exceptional talent. He travels so well with the ball.”
Havertz having a ball
Havertz shone under the Stamford Bridge lights in his untraditional centre-forward role.
The 21-year-old majorly played his part in tearing down Madrid’s ageing side, with fresh exuberance of a kid enjoying his football again.
Only the crossbar denied him from topping off a fine evening that was crammed full of class, control, and composure.
It was the type of performance Chelsea fans have been itching to witness following his £71m (BBC Sport) move from Bayer Leverkusen last September.
Their wishes were answered mid-week and will hope he can repeat this trick on Saturday.
A trip to Manchester City awaits the Blues tomorrow, an early dress rehearsal for their European final bout to be contested in 22 days’ time.
Kai or Kevin
Redknapp felt that Havertz had a touch of City’s main man in his playing style.
“It’s a little bit like, and I’m not comparing yet, but (Kevin) De Bruyne has the unbelievable pace when he dribbles with the ball,” said the Sky Sports pundit.
“Havertz has got the same thing, he is very quick with the ball.”
Any comparisons to De Bruyne should be taken as a compliment, but also cautiously, as they are big boots to fill.
Chelsea can’t afford to make the same mistake with the Havertz as they did with the Belgian, who left the Blues in 2014 to become one of the game’s greatest modern midfielders.
Whilst Thomas Tuchel remains in charge, there is no reason why Havertz shouldn’t be aiming to reach the heights of his predecessor.
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