Arsene Wenger is expecting Chelsea forward Kai Havertz to thrive after battling through a difficult first season at Stamford Bridge.

The former Arsenal manager was shocked at how poorly the German international played at the beginning of his time with the Blues but he is now backing the player to kick on next campaign:

“I believe that Havertz was very disappointing at the start. I liked him and I was quite amazed how much trouble he had at the start to settle. He adjusted, adapted, he came back, he suffered, he spent his period on the bench and came back again. To me, he is a very promising player. I would bet on him for the future.”

You would hope that Havertz’s winning goal in the Champions League final against Manchester City will prove the catalyst in helping the 21-year-old settle and become a key first-team player.

On the face of it, four goals and five assists in 27 league appearances isn’t a great return, considering Chelsea paid £72m for the German.

However, performances such as in the game against Fulham back in early May, when Havertz scored twice, suggest he is gradually getting to grips with his role under manager Thomas Tuchel and we will hopefully see the best of him next season.