Kai Havertz has hinted that he would be willing to replace Romelu Lukaku as Chelsea ’s striker, explaining the role is ‘good for him’.
The German popped up with a crucial goal, again, for the Blues on Tuesday night when he netted the opener in the eighth minute of his side’s 2-0 victory over Lille in the Champions League Round of 16.
Christian Pulisic then ensured that Thomas Tuchel’s side headed into the second leg of the tie with a healthy advantage with a goal in the 63rd minute.
Chelsea looked a much improved united compared to some of their recent displays, with some pointing out that the absence of Lukaku may have been a key reason for that.
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After the victory, Havertz spoke of how he enjoyed playing as a no.9, he explained: "It is good for me (playing advanced forward). We have a lot of good strikers so it is also good to have a change and not make it easy for the opposition. Today it worked good and I enjoy every forward position.
"We did not play our best football, we could not get the aggressiveness of the last few weeks but we won 2-0 and that is the most important thing. Sunday is another competition and we have to focus on that now.
"It is crazy, we have a lot of chances to win another trophy on Sunday, it will be a tough game. We will put all our strength together and hope we win this game."
After scoring in the Club World Cup final and the Champions League final last season, Havertz is developing a knack for stepping up when it really matters.
However, his two goals in 17 Premier League appearances have raised questions over how influential he can be on a weekly basis.
The former Bayer Leverkusen star continued: “We knew that it was a difficult game, they played good football and the first half was very difficult for us. Now it is half-time and the next game we have to win as well.
"I always give my best also in the Premier League, sometimes you have more luck, sometimes you don't and I help where I can.”
The absence of Lukaku from the starting line-up may have been a welcome surprise for some Blues fans given how much the Belgium international has struggled in recent weeks and resting him could be just what is needed.
Tuchel insisted that the former Inter Milan was only left out of the team due to fatigue – having played 10 consecutive matches – though taking him out of the limelight was also considered necessary.
Chelsea take on Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday, and there is every chance that Lukaku could return to the team for the crucial match.
Tuchel said: “Every game is different. The focus today was on intensity and a high-speed game. It was about hard work against the ball, off the ball and have intensive teamwork. Romelu struggled in the last few games a little bit to deliver that. That's what I meant when I felt him a bit tired both mentally and physically.
"Yes, for the team the decision doesn't need to be made today but can be in the next four days. He [Lukaku] has every chance to play."
