Kai Havertz gave Chelsea fans – and Manchester United supporters alike – something to enjoy during Germany versus England which proves that he’s passed Thomas Tuchel’s test...CONTINUE READING THE FULL ARTICLE>>>
Kai Havertz sent fans into pandemonium on social media after after the Chelsea forward left Harry Maguire in his wake during Germany versus England. Following the Three Lions’ 1-0 loss, Gareth Southgate’s side have now suffered back-to-back defeats in the UEFA Nations League and sit afoot of League A Group 3.
It looked as if Die Mannschaft opened the scoring inside the first half when Jonas Hofmann found himself in-behind the England backline and slotted his effort beyond Jordan Pickford. Though, the 22-year-old was quickly ruled offside.
But, in the build-up to Hofmann’s breakthrough, Havertz collided with Maguire, leaving the Manchester United defender in a heap on centre-circle. The collision unlock the door to Hofmann’s run; the England centre-half tried grappling this opposition but the Chelsea forward shrugged him off.
Chelsea supporters, among United fans too, flooded to Twitter to revel in Maguire’s misfortune and laud Havertz for his gamesmanship.
Havertz’s act of physicality was another that has arisen since Thomas Tuchel replaced Frank Lampard at the helm of Stamford Bridge. Under the Chelsea boss’ stewardship, the youngster has grown into the number role and embraced a new dimension to his game.
“We can see a lot of intensity and physicality in his game,” Tuchel said, last month of Havertz. “He has already stepped up from the beginning of this season in training and when he plays.
“He’s tougher to play, more physical and is more involved. He relies more on his strengths, which is his body and runs without the ball, and he’s more focused on this.
“I think he’s in the process of being even more reliable and more consistent. Of course, he’s an offensive player with the ability to score and we want more goals so, in this part of the game, he can improve by being more clinical and more precise.
“He can use his technique a bit better in shooting, so there are aspects of the game where there is still space to develop because he’s also still young, but he’s now stepped up twice in big matches and crucial moments, which can only be good for his development.”