Craig Burley feels Chelsea forward Kai Havertz is not a striking alternative for Germany at the World Cup.
Speaking on ESPN, Burley disregarded Havertz as a starter or back-up striker for Hansi Flick’s side.
Flick deployed the 23-year-old through the middle for his country’s opening game in Qatar against Japan.
Although Germany showered their opponent’s goal with 26 shots, none of them arrived from the boot of the front man.
Kai Havertz’s World Cup woes
Japan eventually managed to force the second major shock of the tournament thanks to two quick-fire goals in the second-half.
Die Mannschaft were simply not clinical enough and rued the fact they failed to convert at least two of their numerous chances.
Plenty of the blame for Germany’s disappointment was directed towards Havertz, who was given the task of leading the line on the night.
Due to his lack of goal threat, Flick decided to drop Chelsea’s number 29 for the subsequent group fixture against Spain.
This tactic to not play Havertz at all eventually paid off, as substitute striker Niclas Fullkrug came off the bench to cancel out Alvaro Morata’s earlier effort.
Havertz out of favour for Fullkrug
Fullkrug, who wears nine on the back of his shirt for his nation, has now given Flick real reason to start him in just that position.
He is arguably the only traditional centre-forward in the squad, and could provide the platform for his side to secure victory over Costa Rica.
Not many would complain if Fullkrug began ahead of Havertz for the crucial upcoming fixture.
“Whilst they haven’t got too many other options (up front), and I don’t think Havertz is an option and clearly Hansi Flick doesn’t either, although he played him in the first game,” said the former Chelsea midfielder.
“I think he’s (Fullkrug) a better foil for (Jamal) Musiala and (Leroy) Sane in behind. Just a big guy up there who, I’m not doing him a disservice, is going to throw himself around.”
Where does Havertz go at the World Cup now?
Havertz and Fullkrug are entirely different players, but the latter’s specific skill set probably makes him a better fit at the moment for Germany.
All of the intricate players featuring behind the focal point of the attack can work with and off a larger presence.
It also allows Flick’s men to drop balls into the box, aware of the threat their teammate can provide.
If Fullrug delivers the goods again, Havertz might have to kiss goodbye to his World Cup dream.
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