Kai Havertz insists ‘you always have to be ready’ after substitute scores during Chelsea’s 4-0 win over Malmo following injuries to Romelu Lukaku and Timo Werner… as Peter Crouch backs ‘real player’ to step up
Kai Havertz says he was always in the mindset to make a difference for Chelsea after impressing as an early substitute during their 4-0 Champions League Group H win over Malmo on Wednesday night.
Havertz was called into action after 23 minutes when first-choice striker Romelu Lukaku had to be withdrawn due to an ankle injury.
Despite not starting the match, the German impressed at Stamford Bridge – scoring the Blues’ third just after half-time.
Kai Havertz impressed off the bench during Chelsea’s Champions League clash against Malmo
Havertz scored the Blues’ third in 4-0 win with this composed chip finish at Stamford Bridge
Havertz made it 3-0 with a composed chip finish – an effort he described as a ‘nice feeling’.
‘It was a good goal, Callum [Hudson-Odoi] did a good assist, the ball was very far but I tried to get it, I knew the goalkeeper would go down so the only chance I had was to try to dip it.
‘I came from the bench, you always have to be ready, it is always tough to come in but I tried to do my best in the second half to score a goal, so it is a nice feeling.
‘For us it is a very good result, to score four in our stadium is always good, it gives us confidence, we have to keep on going, recover well and be fresh on Saturday.’
As well as Lukaku, fellow forward Timo Werner was also forced off due to injury and Havertz hopes neither are too seriously hurt.
‘Timo said they have to do an MRI tomorrow, they are top level strikers and I hope it’s not too bad for them.’
Thomas Tuchel (left) has attacking issues after injuries to Romelu Lukaku and Timo Werner
Lukaku is consoled by Tuchel after limping off halfway through the first half against Malmo
Lukaku’s Chelsea strike partner Timo Werner also had to depart shortly before half-time
Reflecting on Havertz’s display, Sportsmail columnist Peter Crouch believes the 22-year-old is capable of showing his true qualities if given regular game-time.
‘Havertz is a real player, he just needs a consistent run in the team and he might get that now if Werner and Lukaku are out,’ he told BT Sport.
Paul Scholes added that the forward is capable of chipping in with 10-15 goals for Thomas Tuchel’s side.
‘I think he’s a 10-15 goals a season man Havertz,’ he said. ‘Will he get more than that? I’m not sure, but he definitely needs to chip in.’
Sportsmail’s Peter Crouch hailed Havertz’s display post-match calling him a ‘real player’