LIVERPOOL legend Steve Nicol has criticised Kai Havertz for “disappearing” in Chelsea and Germany games this season.
Frank Lampard’s new £70million man has got off to a flying start at Stamford Bridge following his summer move from Bayer Leverkusen.
Kai Havertz has been criticised by Liverpool legend Steve Nicol for ‘disappearing in games’ after his two assists for GermanyCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Havertz, 21, already has three goals and an assist in just five games for Chelsea despite mainly being played out of position in an injury-hit forward line.
He also registered two assists for Germany in Wednesday’s 3-3 draw with Turkey.
But Liverpool icon Nicol is yet to be convinced.
He said to ESPN: “It’s weird. Some of the things he did [against Turkey] were really delicate and simple and well executed.
“But then he disappeared for long periods so he kind of played the way he does for Chelsea.
“He’s kind of nowhere and then he will have a lovely touch or a nice pass with the perfect weight.
“He will do something that keeps you interested.
“Officially he has two assists but he was in and out of the game and that’s not what you would expect from a guy who has cost so much money.”
Havertz already has three goals and one assist in just five games for new club ChelseaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Meanwhile, Chelsea hero Pat Nevin believes Havertz will forge a deadly Blues partnership with fellow German and new arrival Timo Werner.
Nevin told the club’s official website: “We are still waiting for the expected explosion of goals from the newer players.
“Obviously Havertz, Werner and Ben Chilwell are each already off the mark, but it still feels like Timo and Kai are just bubbling under ready to explode onto the scene.
“For once I think the Chelsea staff might be absolutely delighted to see many of these players leave on international duty, but why?
“I reckon the likes of Kai and Timo both need as many games as possible to get themselves not only up to their own levels of mid-season match fitness, but higher still to the level expected week in and week out in the Premier League.
“Unless they are injured on international duty, they will all come back in better condition than when they left, especially if they can get a full game or two under their belts for their own countries.”
Nicol clearly wants to see more from HavertzCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Olivier Giroud scores screamer as he becomes France’s SECOND highest scorer ever on 100th cap
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
