Jamie Carragher hailed Chelsea’s Kai Havertz during his performance against Manchester City and noticed he suited playing in a different role last night.
The Blues continued their poor domestic run yesterday by losing 1-0 at Stamford Bridge against Man City, with Riyad Mahrez’s second-half goal the winning strike.
It means Graham Potter’s side stay 10th in the Premier League table.
Next, Chelsea travel to the Etihad Stadium to face Man City again this weekend, this time in the FA Cup third round.
Kai Havertz against Manchester City
Sky pundit Carragher, who was on co-commentary, singled out Havertz for big praise during his first-half display.
In particular, he felt the number 10 position looked a really good fit for him.
“I think Havertz has done really well in that position just behind the striker, helping the midfield. He’s caused Manchester City problems by getting that ball between the lines,” Carragher told Sky Sports’ Main Event channel (8:42pm, 5 December).
The debate around Havertz’s best position is one that’s likely to roll on. However, last night was a showcase of why many supporters want him in a No.10 role more regularly.
It doesn’t quite work out for him when he plays as the lone centre-forward, something he’s done post-World Cup. There was a lot to like about him in a creative pocket just behind a recognised striker, though.
His game can certainly improve when it comes to a final pass forward or his decision-making, but there’s definitely big talent within him that comes out at times.
He’s played numerous of different forward roles in his Chelsea career to date, but it was pleasing to see him back in a No.10 position in the first-half before things got a bit more scrambled in the second period.
Unfortunately, the amount of injuries within the squad could mean Potter relying on Havertz’s versatility in attack during games ahead.
Keep up to date with all the latest Chelsea news and opinion by following The Chelsea Chronicle’s Facebook and Twitter accounts.
Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox
