What a turn of fortunes for Chelsea and Kai Havertz it has been. The German is looking in his best shape since joining the Blues in 2020. Moreover, Havertz’s brilliant displays this month have led to his nomination for the Premier League’s player of the month award. It could be a huge thing if the in-form Chelsea man wins the award. Havertz would then become the first player since Eden Hazard in 2018 to win the monthly award for Chelsea.
However, not only the award nomination, but Havertz is also proving to be the one who can finally fill the void left by Eden Hazard at the club. Hazard joined Real Madrid in a mammoth £103 million deal in 2019. One year later the Blues heavily invested in strengthening their attack which saw them spend a whopping £200 million. Havertz was their record signing that summer, arriving for a massive £72 million fee.
Gary Neville’s claims of Kai Havertz being the next Eden Hazard at Chelsea
Manchester United legend Gary Neville quickly hailed Havertz as the successor to Eden Hazard. While speaking on Sky Sports, Neville said,
“I actually think Havertz has gone up a level. I think he’s in third gear, and he’ll go to fourth gear, then to fifth gear and be an absolutely great player.”
He further added,
“When he really fills out into his body, he will get big and stronger. He’s already a great runner with the ball. I think when he gets more confidence, more belief, in two years’ time, I think we could be seeing someone who’s absolutely there. Look what Chelsea did with Eden Hazard – I think that’s what Kai Havertz will do.”
While his initial performances may have forced Neville to give second thoughts to his prediction, now it seems Havertz is proving the claim right. Romelu Lukaku‘s miserable form left Chelsea boss Tuchel with no option to drop the club’s record signing. Moreover, Tuchel then played Havertz in the number-9 role which is reaping benefits.
Since Thomas Tuchel‘s appointment in 2021, Havertz has blossomed under the German manager. Tuchel’s faith in Havertz despite his poor form has finally repaid as the former Leverkusen man has come full circle at Chelsea. The 22-year-old also scored the winner in Tuchel’s maiden Champions League final with Chelsea to lift the trophy for the Blues. Neither of them has looked back since.
Kai Havertz, like Eden Hazard, is now fiercely leading Chelsea’s attack. The Blues’ last four premier league games saw Havertz score 4 goals and assist 1. The German looks finally ready to step into Hazard’s shoes, which worked wonders week-in week-out. Kai Havertz has never been so crucial for Chelsea as he his this term. Lukaku’s poor output and Havertz’s excellent run of scoring have now put more responsibility on the German’s shoulders. But bear no doubts, Kai Havertz is showing no signs of slowing down under Thomas Tuchel for Chelsea.
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