Many have doubted Kai Havertz over the years but Mauricio Pochettino could build Chelsea's dream starting-lineup by blocking his move to Real Madrid. The 24-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to the Santiago Bernabeu recently as Carlo Ancelotti looks to bolster his frontline.
According to Spanish outlet AS, Los Blancos will target Havertz if they cannot snatch Harry Kane from Tottenham. However, the report states that Real Madrid are set to be disappointmented, claiming that Pochettino sees the Germany international as an 'essential' member of his squad.
It's said that Chelsea are open to offers for Havertz, but the former Spurs boss will likely block his departure. While the former Bayer Leverkusen star has been subject to his fair share of criticism, he could thrive under Pochettino in a role.
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So, with that being said, football.london has taken a look at how the west Londoners could lineup if Pochettino stands his ground and keeps the £68.9million-rated technician...
Formation
Following his tenures at Espanyol, Southampton, Tottenham and Paris Saint-Germain, Pochettino is well known for his attack-minded approach. Over the years, he's usually preferred a 4-2-3-1 – or a 4-3-3 while attacking and a 4-4-2 when defending.
He likes to set up his sides to unlock numerical advantages with the help of progressive full-backs. At Spurs for example, Christian Eriksen and Dele Alli were often seen playing as inside-forwards, while Son Heung-Min stayed wide and Kyle Walker provided width on the right.
To simply put it, Havertz would be best placed to take up the Eriksen role with his playmaking qualities and Christopher Nkunku could play the Alli role. But, Chelsea would need to sign an orthodox striker - Victor Osimhen, maybe?
Goalkeeper
Kepa Arrizabalaga and Edouard Mendy have both proven that they're surplus to requirement at Stamford Bridge. While moves for the likes of David Raya may seem attractive deals, Keylor Navas for a discounted price would be ideal once Pochettino has a clearer idea of his project.
Defence
Ordinarily, Reece James would be joined by Ben Chilwell as his full-back partner. But, if Mykhailo Mudryk is given the freedom of the left hand side, Levi Colwill – or Benoit Badiashile would provide great balance behind him left-back.
At Arsenal, Ben White provides great cover for Bukayo Saka, who is freed from the shackles of as much defensive responsibility. Colwill or Badiashile could play a similar role, but on the left.
So, if Colwill is preferred alongside Wesley Fofana then Badiashile should take up White role – and vice versa. Of course, it's hard to overlook Ben Chilwell, and even Lewis Hall or Ian Maatsen, but the England international isn't as effective as a full-back as he is a wing-back.
Midfield
As aforementioned, Havertz would be most effective in the Eriksen-playmaker role while Christopher Nkunku takes up the Alli role, which is closer to the striker – almost a false nine or supporting striker at times. With Mudryk expected to be unleashed as an outlet on the left like Son once was, the right-wing role is up for grabs.
Noni Madueke has proven his worth and Raheem Sterling remains a strong candidate too, but Nkunku cannot be overlooked. If Chelsea cannot sign a world-class striker then the RB Leipzig star could lead the frontline, with either of the two Englishman filling in.
Enzo Fernandez will be hoping to finally step into the deep-lying eight role, with Declan Rice sitting slightly deeper as a six. In an ideal world, the West Ham star joins Chelsea but it seems that Manuel Ugarte is the more realistic option.
Attack
Again, in an ideal world, Pochettino tempts Harry Kane from Tottenham. But, with his legacy in north London on the line, a move to Chelsea seems unlikely. So, the Blues should prioritise a bid for Victor Osimhen from Napoli.
If the Argentinian cannot get his hands on the Nigerian, then he's left with two options. Give Romelu Lukaku a chance to redeem himself or gamble on the signing of Atalanta wonderkid Rasmus Højlund.
Ultimately, under no circumstance should Havertz continue to be played as a striker – whether that's as a false-nine or not. The German is most effective in a playmaking role where he's allowed to orchestrate attacks.
Yes, Havertz hasn't been anywhere near the standard expected. But, he's been misused for a couple years now and, at just 23, he's still got a tremendously bright future.
Lineup
Dream Chelsea starting XI next season if Pochettino keeps Havertz: Keylor Navas; Levi Colwill, Benoit Badiashile, Wesley Fofana, Reece James (C); Enzo Fernandez, Manuel Ugarte; Mykhailo Mudryk, Kai Havertz, Christopher Nkunku; Victor Osimhen.
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