Frank Lampard has urged patience with Kai Havertz as Chelsea’s club-record signing continues to adapt to the demands of the Premier League.
Havertz signed for the west London side in a record-breaking £72m transfer from Bayer Leverkusen during the summer but has so far underwhelmed during his opening months in English football, scoring just once in 10 Premier League appearances.
The Germany international produced an ineffective display during the 1-0 defeat to Everton on Saturday before being substituted at Goodison Park, though Lampard is confident the 21-year-old will soon show his talent and has urged patience with the youngster as he continues to adapt.
“In the modern day there will be a criticism of every player at every club who loses a game or something didn’t go right, a pass went astray,” Lampard told a press conference after Saturday’s game. “We certainly should be patient with Kai Havertz from a Chelsea end.
“He’s a top quality talent, has come into this league and is playing on the right-wing. He can play in any position across the front and the right-wing countless times before he signed for Chelsea. He can play in midfield also.
“That’s not an issue. He can do that. But we do have to be patient. Not just him, but any young player with the speed of the Premier League. I’ve got no problems with Kai.
“I said that last week and if people want to criticise him, jump straight down – just wait and give a young player time, whether it be a week, a month, six months or a year. I know the player he’s going to be.”
Chelsea’s defeat at Everton saw the Blues drop down to fifth in the Premier League, with Lampard’s side currently three points adrift of league leaders Tottenham ahead of tomorrow evening’s trip to Wolves.
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