Germany head coach Hansi Flick believes Chelsea attacking midfielder Kai Havertz must focus on improving his game if he is to continue playing regularly for his club.

The 22-year-old has had a rather poor start to the season, with just one goal coming against Liverpool in the 1-1 draw back in August. Asked to explain the midfielder’s struggles, Flick simply stated that the fierce competition for places at Stamford Bridge should focus the German international’s mind on developing as a footballer:

“Chelsea has a team where it is not easy to play. Kai Havertz is experiencing that right now. They have a top line-up and enormous quality. In your career, you always have to go through these valleys. For me, it’s about everyone being able to say when they look back, ‘I did a lot of things right’.”

Blues boss Thomas Tuchel has already expressed his disappointment that Havertz hasn’t kicked on from last season, following the incredible high of scoring the winner in the Champions League final.

Perhaps the reality check from both Tuchel and Flick will get Havertz back in the groove. He is not expected to start for his country against Romania this evening but he will want to impress if he does come off the bench.