In a moment of immense skill at RB Salzburg last night, Kai Havertz showed everything he can be and why so much is expected of him.
A perfect touch, turn and left-footed shot from the edge of the area that went in off the underside of the bar sent Chelsea into the knockout stage of the Champions League.
The goal secured top spot for the Blues in Group E with a game to spare, after AC Milan beat Dinamo Zagreb 4-0 in the other match in the section.
For many Chelsea fans, though, what could be more significant is if their £71million signing from Bayer Leverkusen can finally start to realise his potential.
Signed in 2020, Havertz was supposed to be a central cog in the Chelsea team for years to come. He joined the same summer as Timo Werner, who has since been labelled a flop after his return to RB Leipzig in August.
In reality, Werner and Havertz had a similar record, scoring exactly the same number of goals — 23 — before Werner went back to the Bundesliga.
The main difference between the two is the importance of their goals.
Havertz hit the winner in the Champions League Final in 2021 against Manchester City and followed that up by scoring a crucial late penalty in the Club World Cup Final in February.
He has already written his name into Chelsea history. However, the goodwill is starting to wear off.
Just three goals in 15 appearances in all competitions this season is not enough for a player who almost always plays as a central striker. With his contract running until 2025, Chelsea could opt to cash in on what is left of his value next summer.
Havertz’s display in the Red Bull Arena perfectly summed up his Chelsea career so far, missing a host of chances before scoring in the 64th minute.
Yet, his work rate is always good and even sometimes is to the detriment of him getting into goalscoring positions.
Thankfully, the 23-year-old stepped up when his team needed him last night to avoid another night of criticism following subdued displays at Aston Villa and Brentford.
“His quality is there, he’s an incredibly talented player,” Chelsea head coach Graham Potter said after the match. “He’s been nearly there and, obviously, scoring a goal like that is bound to help.
"Now that is just brilliant!"
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) October 25, 2022
Kai Havertz casually yet spectacularly whips the ball into the top corner to put Chelsea 2-1 up... 🙌#UCL pic.twitter.com/QlTsP1HhH8
“I wouldn’t be able to score a goal like that to be fair, I can only imagine! It’s a fantastic strike and an indication of the quality he has. So, I am really pleased for him.”
Chelsea supporters sing “Kai Havertz is the best on earth” and that is the level of love they feel for the German after his winner in Porto secured the Champions League trophy.
In reality, though, for all his potential, he is a long way from that and has work to do to keep that love alive.
