Kai Havertz Germany form sends message to Thomas Tuchel
Kai Havertz is known for his prolific goalscoring skills, and even though that has not been well replicated to his new Club Chelsea, during his time at Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen, the Germany International was something else.
Havertz was on target on Sunday as Germany trounced Armenia 4-1 in an away fixture to the World Cup 2022 qualification match.
With Kai Havertz falling under deep pressure to perform after his highly publicized summer transfer last year to Stamford Bridge, his fine form with the national team send a message to Thomas Tuchel who in October criticized his star’s performance saying he needed to work more on his performance if he wants to be picked in the lineup.
The 22-year old scored in the 15th minute with a clever run across the face of the goal to latch on the end of a cross and poke home for his side.
Germany stunned Armenia 4-1; Photo Credit – News WWC
Havertz had missed some training sessions with the national side ahead of the match against minnows Armenia.
But coach Hansi Flick opted to start Havertz as the furthest man forward for the Germans and his confidence was rewarded with the player’s seventh international goal.
It’s a reminder to Tuchel of what Havertz can do with the bags of talent he undoubtedly has at his feet and the manager will likely be encouraged with what he saw.
Havertz hasn’t always impressed during his short Chelsea career with the highlight of his time at Stamford Bridge unquestionably being his Champions League final winning goal.
Speaking in October, Tuchel explained why he thought Havertz was still coming up short in a Chelsea shirt.
“That’s a fact he’s not at the level of last season,” Tuchel said.
Thomas Tuchel in October challenged Kai Havertz to practice more and maintain a good attitude for him to convince a starting eleven in his squad.
“He does everything to reach his level again and we will do everything to help him. He is an important player for our squad and it will be like this at the moment.
“He had many games to start with, he started strong in the season. He was very strong in pre-season.
“The story has not changed, but he lacks, as simple as that, the statistics of decisive things, of goals and assists and he needs to fight his way back into the team.
Germany players celebrate after scoring; Photo Credit – DW
In football, switching from one country to another can hinder players performance, that’s due to a new country’s environment and style of play too, many players who have switched from German clubs to the English Premier League have struggled to regain their form, such include Timo Werner and Jadon Sancho of Man United who both are trying out themselves to have a form that they had in RB Leipzig and Borrusia Dortmund respectively.
Havertz joined Chelsea from Bayer Leverkusen in September 2020. There he scored 46 times in 150 appearances but crucially, also provided 31 assists.
This season he has made ten appearances in the Premier League, scoring twice and assisting just once.
With Romelu Lukaku yet to live up to his big billing on his return to the club, Havertz will know it’s time to step up and consul his place in the starting eleven. all is not lost for the young and big talent.
