MX23RW : Saturday, October 5 08:38:38| >> :120:5221:5221:

Frank Lampard talks up versatility of Chelsea signing Kai Havertz

Frank Lampard talks up versatility of Chelsea signing Kai Havertz
© Chelsea FC
The Germany star has joined the Blues for £70million from Bayer Leverkusen.

Frank Lampard has hailed Kai Havertz's versatility as a major boost to his revamped Chelsea squad.

Chelsea pulled off one of the transfer coups of the summer by recruiting highly-coveted Germany star Havertz for £70million from Bayer Leverkusen.

The 21-year-old has flourished as an attacking midfielder or forward, but also has the capabilities to slot into a deeper role.

One of boss Lampard's major challenges this term will be just how to fit all the new attacking talents into his Stamford Bridge line-up, but the 42-year-old sees no troubles with Havertz.

"Kai, with his qualities, is flexible to play in different positions; I haven't changed my view in a few days of seeing him so I think we can use his versatility," said Lampard.

"One of the pluses when I spoke to Kai is that he is very comfortable. He is not that 'I want to play in this position, this is all I want'.

"He is potentially very happy to help the team, he can give us quality in different areas so it is not one that we have to nail down."

Chelsea's summer spending has already passed the £200million mark but the Blues are not finished there, with Rennes goalkeeper Edouard Mendy expected to make the Stamford Bridge switch shortly.

The west Londoners will then turn their focus to striking a deal with West Ham to sign England star Declan Rice, a long-term target for Lampard and the Blues.

Striker Timo Werner should make his Premier League debut at Brighton having made the £53million move from RB Leipzig, with Havertz also in line to feature at the Amex Stadium.

Hakim Ziyech will miss out with knee trouble, while England left-back Ben Chilwell is still in the final stages of shaking off a heel complaint.

Christian Pulisic could have his first chance to don the number 10 shirt though, having recovered from a hamstring injury.

Captain Cesar Azpilicueta has overcome his own hamstring problem too, with both men back fit quicker than expected.

"I am very happy to have them both back," Lampard said of Pulisic and Azpilicueta.

"They both trained on Wednesday, their first day fully training with the team.

Chelsea's Cesar Azpilicueta (left) and Christian Pulisic have recovered from hamstring problems
Chelsea's Cesar Azpilicueta (left) and Christian Pulisic have recovered from hamstring problems (Nick Potts/PA)

"They are in contention for Monday. I have to be careful. I have a squad to pick from, but the way they are training and the attitude they have come back with looks like they are over those injuries.

"I will just have to make sure I manage them back in in their own ways."

ID:414176: cacheID:414176:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:6812:
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Jorginho in action for Chelsea on July 22, 2020
Read Next:
Chelsea to sell four players to fund Declan Rice bid?
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool65011221015
2Manchester CityMan City6420146814
3Arsenal6420125714
4Chelsea6411157813
5Aston Villa6411129313
6Fulham632185311
7Newcastle UnitedNewcastle632187111
8Tottenham HotspurSpurs6312125710
9Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton623110829
10Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest62316519
11Bournemouth622289-18
12Brentford6213810-27
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd621358-37
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham6123610-45
15Ipswich TownIpswich6042510-54
16Everton6114715-84
17Leicester CityLeicester6033812-43
18Crystal Palace603359-43
19Southampton6015312-91
20Wolverhampton WanderersWolves6015616-101


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!