Kai Havertz has received his fair share of criticism in recent months but the German international has stepped up in key moments for Chelsea over the last 10 days. After Raheem Sterling's aggregate leveller in the Champions League last-16 clash with Borussia Dortmund, Havertz scored the decisive goal to take Chelsea through and he played a crucial role in the Blues' Premier League victory over Leicester.
Prior to the month of March beginning, Chelsea had scored just three goals in 2023 winning just one game from 11. While the results were poor, the glaring issue was goal-scoring, with four clean sheets kept since the turn of the year.
As the man deployed in the number nine role, despite clearly not being a natural striker, Havertz took the brunt of the criticism. From 35 appearances this season, Havertz has scored eight goals, with two of those strikes coming in the past five days.
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A retaken penalty in dramatic circumstances saw Havertz praised by former Premier League midfielder Owen Hargreaves for a "brilliant" display.
"He showed real courage and composure," said Hargreaves on BT Sport. "He was brilliant today. He delivers. He showed real composure in big moments. "This is a huge moment for Chelsea, it could turn everything around for them."
The 23-year-old was again at the forefront of goal scoring action for Chelsea in the 3-1 win against Leicester. After Ben Chilwell's opener was cancelled out by Patson Daka, Havertz produced a delightful lob from an Enzo Fernandez pass to restore the lead for Graham Potter's side.
Mateo Kovacic sealed a third consecutive win with a fine volley late into the game and Hargreaves was once again complimentary of Havertz.
“They’ve turned it around a little bit. Goalscoring has been a big issue for them,” the former England international told Premier League Productions (via Optus Sport).
“Three goals [against Leicester]… Kai Havertz was the best player again [on Saturday] and he was [also] the best player in midweek against Borussia Dortmund.
“I know he [Graham Potter] doesn’t have a centre-forward but Havertz has done a pretty good job of filling in.”
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