At the edge of the box with space to turn, there might have been a natural instinct to play a safe pass into the feet of his peers, shifting responsibility rather than taking a risk: but this was not going through the mind of Kai Havertz in Salzburg.
Within seconds he had measured the ball and swiped it with his left foot, wickedly curling and bending towards the top corner before smacking the top of the bar and rippling the net. A stranded Philipp Kohn was unable to repel this effort and it would prove to be the goal to clinch Chelsea's place in the Champions League knockout stage.
Havertz had grasped the game within a flash, he had turned it on its head and dragged his team back from a slightly precarious position at 1-1 where a frantic affair could have swung either way. This is why Chelsea spent over a year chasing his signature in 2019 and 2020. It was for match-winning moments of genius and decisive input others could not provide
READ MORE: Why Thiago Silva yelled at Marc Cucurella as Chelsea are handed important Arsenal advantage
“His quality is there; he’s an incredibly talented player," a pleased Graham Potter noted after. "He’s been nearly there and obviously, scoring a goal like that is bound to help. 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’m really pleased for him.”
This was the first evening when Havertz showed signs of kicking into gear under Potter, he positioned himself into good areas and could have scored earlier in the evening with a header. Leaving a clear imprint on games is something the 23-year-old can be accused of not doing so far this season. Six days earlier at Brentford, he looked far from a figure capable of dragging his team over the line, it was another forgettable display on a sadly growing list.
Back in the lineup after being an unused substitute against Manchester United, Havertz began in a striking pair with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang but eventually shifted wider, swapping with Raheem Sterling who began at left wingback. His heat map with 68 touches provides a pretty clear picture.
He will need to be versatile to survive under Potter, all Chelsea players will. This was proof of it, and that the obsession over some set position might not be the silver bullet some proclaim it to be with the forward.
Few doubt the talent within Havertz, and the capability he has to produce moments like this. The frustrating factor for Chelsea has been seeing him do it on the international stage with Germany more than he has in west London. The bending effort that earned disbelieving smiles from Mason Mount on the touchline was not too dissimilar to one he scored against England at Wembley last month.
Consistency remains the biggest challenge for Havertz and a firmer idea of what he is going to provide when the lights of the Champions League are not shining. His finish against Salzburg is unrealistic to expect on a frequent basis, but it did showcase signs of a player who has the capability to offer dazzling moments as talents like Eden Hazard once did at the club. Talents that distinctly and obviously make the key difference on big occasions.
For all you can critique Havertz, his Champions League final performance in 2021 showcased that ability, but those highs have frustratingly remained infrequent since. This was an outstanding moment of quality to savour, Potter will hope he can be the first Chelsea coach to inspire it more often.
READ MORE:
Glenn Hoddle tips Chelsea star for World Cup place as Graham Potter new undroppable emerges
Chelsea star Raheem Sterling sent Bukayo Saka and Erling Haaland instruction amid slow start
Graham Potter has £2m trick to secure Paul Winstanley amid Chelsea Leandro Trossard move
New Todd Boehly January plan revealed with surprise U-turn amid Christopher Nkunku transfer
Who is Laurence Stewart: Chelsea director search, working with Guardiola, World Cup experience
