Chelsea’s record signing Kai Havertz has undoubtedly struggled in his first two Premier League games. He was subbed at half-time in the 2-0 defeat to Liverpool at the weekend as manager Frank Lampard looked to shuffle the pack after his side went down to ten men.
Despite the exceptional circumstances, it hasn’t stopped some supporters and pundits from being critical of what they have seen of the German international. It has led to a fierce debate on Twitter on whether people are judging the player too soon:
With all the hype you had…. Just fine shouldn’t be acceptable…. But again if I talk am been offensive
— Alex Daniels254 (@AlexDaniels254) September 21, 2020
He was actually playing good football before he was subbed off yesterday..
I don’t see anything wrong with him, he’s only gonna get better..— Ola Kayode (@theoladave_kay) September 21, 2020
I actually thought Havertz played well in the first half. He was growing into the game and looked a threat. Sucked that he got taken off… Hopefully he can get some minutes midweek.
— Alex Georgiou (@Alexdrummindude) September 21, 2020
Lamps should stop playing him in wing but midfield.
Personally, I don’t fancy him as a good addition. Too fragile for EPL.— Ólórungbòn?⚽️ (@MK_Oluwole) September 21, 2020
He had a good half against liverpool, he won a few headers against VVD and had a few nice link ups with Timo and the midfield, I honestly don’t understand the people gunning for him.
— Origins (@OriginssUK) September 21, 2020
He looked so good yesterday when he linked up with the midfield. Hope to see him in the no 10 position when we have a full squad
— ?? (@Abz_IE) September 21, 2020
I still believe in this guy
— chiukwujioke (@chiukwujioke) September 21, 2020
Kai will take the longest to settle in but it’ll be worth it, around a month or two we will see him play at his natural position
— Crackati (@Crackati) September 21, 2020
Has soon as he gets acclaimated to the English football and starts playing as CAM we will see the true Kai Havertz.
— ILOVEGUSTAVO (@suneyd_jerry) September 21, 2020
Havertz needs to be given time to settle into his new surroundings. Not only is he playing for a new team in a new league, he barely had a preseason before he was put in at the deep end.
I think it is fair to say that Lampard has opted to play the German despite not being 100% fit due to the injuries sustained by the likes of Christian Pulisic and Hakim Ziyech. We will hopefully see the best of the 21-year-old when he is up to speed.
