Analysis: What Can the "Most Expensive German Player in History" Add to Chelsea's Plans?

 

Despite the significant trust bestowed upon him by Chelsea's manager Frank Lampard, young talent Mason Mount, who stood out as one of Chelsea's key players in the past season, finds himself in competition for a position with one of the most prominent signings in the club's history, in the playmaking role no less. The golden opportunity that Mount was given wasn't his first under Lampard's guidance.

He had previously played on loan for Derby County in the EFL Championship during the 2018/2019 season, under Lampard's management. This experience established him as one of the closest players to Chelsea's legend status. However, it seems that Lampard now believes he needs a player of a different caliber to compete for major titles in the near future.

Chelsea is determined to secure the signing of the young German playmaker, Kai Havertz, from Bayer Leverkusen. German reports confirm Havertz's strong desire to make the move, but his current club's insistence on a fee of €100 million has stalled the transfer. Bayer Leverkusen's sporting director, Rudi Völler, described Havertz as the best player in the club's history. According to German newspaper "Bild," Chelsea submitted an official offer of €65 million last week, which was immediately rejected by Bayer Leverkusen. Chelsea is hoping to finalize the deal for around €80 million, potentially reaching a total of €100 million with additional bonuses. Regardless, Havertz is on the brink of making a historic record as the most expensive German player ever, surpassing Mesut Özil's €50 million move from Real Madrid to Arsenal.

Mason Mount contributed eight goals to Chelsea's cause, a respectable number for a young player in his debut season with the English capital club. However, in Lampard's attacking philosophy, there's a desire for a more clinical playmaker in front of the goal. This is a trait that Havertz possesses exceptionally well. He scored 18 goals across various competitions, including 12 in the Bundesliga last season, ranking 13th among the league's top scorers, outperforming many attacking players from German clubs.

In terms of playmaking, Havertz also excels. He provided nine assists compared to Mount's five in various competitions. Havertz created 19 chances for his teammates, whereas Mount managed nine chances for Chelsea players. At just 21 years old, Havertz's presence can offer Lampard greater flexibility in a season filled with various competitions. He's capable of playing as a right winger, an occasional striker, in addition to his primary roles as an attacking midfielder and a central midfielder. Meanwhile, Mount's roles are primarily confined to the last two positions.

Last season, Chelsea acquired Moroccan talent Hakim Ziyech from Ajax, who is expected to occupy the right-wing position. However, the departures of veterans Willian and Pedro Rodriguez have left the position in need of reinforcement. Havertz's presence can strategically bolster this position, while maintaining his core roles in the midfield. Havertz's ambidextrous skills are among his standout features, granting him a significant edge among playmakers globally. This stands in contrast to Mount, who primarily uses his right foot and often finds himself on the left side of the field. Lampard will likely utilize Havertz more effectively in this aspect, especially considering the presence of American left-winger Christian Pulisic, a standout star in Chelsea's recent lineup.

Having Havertz in Chelsea's lineup will provide Frank Lampard with greater tactical flexibility during matches. Havertz is adept at both attacking midfielder and central midfielder roles, making him an essential asset for Lampard's favored formations, whether playing in a 4-3-3 or a 4-2-3-1, where a central midfielder might be deployed in a more offensive capacity.

Havertz also demonstrates remarkable dribbling skills, completing 57 successful dribbles in the Bundesliga last season, while Mount, his English counterpart in Chelsea's playmaking, managed 40 successful dribbles in the Premier League. All German reports relying on sources close to Bayer Leverkusen suggest that Havertz's transfer to Chelsea is only a matter of time. This signing will cost Chelsea nearly €100 million, including the transfer fee and the player's five-year salary, marking Chelsea's anticipation of a long-term partnership with their new acquisition.

Chelsea's acquisition of German striker Timo Werner from RB Leipzig for €60 million already boosted their attack, complementing the planned transfers of Hakim Ziyech and Kai Havertz. However, the defensive line remains a challenge for Lampard and Chelsea's management following a disappointing defensive performance in the previous season.

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