Thierry Henry has compared Kai Havertz to former Manchester United striker Robin van Persie in the way he can play with his back to goal.
Havertz was one of the standout performers as Chelsea beat Borussia Dortmund 2-0 on Tuesday to book their place in the quarter-finals of the Champions League. The German's hold up play initiated the move that saw Raheem Sterling score the opener before himself scoring a penalty at the second time of asking.
Seemingly lacking both the pace and physical presence to lead a line, the German's ability to bring others into play is similar to that of Van Persie during his time at Old Trafford. The Dutchman bagged an impressive 58 goals in 105 appearances for United but was much loved for his work outside the 18-yard box.
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And Henry, who spent three-and-a-half seasons at Arsenal with Van Persie over two separate spells, sees some of the former Reds frontman in Havertz.
"I thought he was good on the first goal, you can see (he) held the ball ever so well," the Arsenal legend told CBS Sports. "He reminds me sometimes, a little, of Robin back to goal the way he can hold the ball. Robin van Persie was very good with his left foot, the touch was always immaculate and he tried to bring people along.
"This is why out of the guys that used to be wingers or No.10 he plays as a nine because with his back to goal he can hold the ball well. Now he needs to make sure he can transform that into more goals because you can play off him."
Van Persie became a favourite among the Old Trafford faithful during his three seasons between 2012 and 2015, taking the Golden Boot at the Premier League's top scorer with 26 goals during a title-winning 2012/2012 campaign - his first at United.
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