Kai Havertz has admitted that he has been surprised at playing striker for Chelsea over the last season.
The German was speaking to The Athletic after a season where he began to find his feet as a Blue, especially since the turn of the year.
He notched up 14 goals in all competitions, whilst doubling his Premier League tally playing in a more advanced position.
He also scored in back-to-back rounds of the Champions League knockout stages, as he began to become the man to rely on for Chelsea in big moments.
Havertz told The Athletic that this has been his goal, as he looks to be seen among the world’s best in his role.
Havertz surprised at striker role
He said: “I’ve played a lot of positions over the years but last season, I played a lot as a No 9 and it’s a position I like very much. If I look back four years ago, I could never have imagined playing there.
“It’s still good that I am flexible and can play different positions up front, but I am there to score goals and make assists, and as a No 9, you have to do that and link up with players.
“I always go into matches telling myself that I want to score or make an assist. As a striker, you have to do that. Of course, it’s not possible in every game. There are only a small amount of players that can really do that, and even they struggle sometimes, so I go into every match trying to score and help the team.”
The season is set to be a big one for the German, with him the only clear option to play striker next year, following Armando Broja’s likely departure.
Despite his increase in contributions last year, Thomas Tuchel will be hopeful for more, with a regular goalscorer the key in catching Manchester City and Liverpool this campaign.