Kai Havertz was delighted to score his first professional hat-trick as Chelsea thrashed Barnsley and he was impressed by the performance of fellow attacker Tammy Abraham.
The pair linked up well as Havertz banged in three goals in the Carabao Cup third round tie, with Abraham also getting himself on the scoresheet.
Ross Barkley, who was assisted by Havertz, and Olivier Giroud – who was assisted by Chelsea debutant Ben Chilwell – also grabbed a goal in what was a comfortable night for Frank Lampard’s side but it was Havertz who really stole the show.
However, the Germany international was keen to shift some of the praise onto England striker Abraham, who smartly dummied the ball to allow Havertz to score his first goal in a Chelsea shirt.
‘I’m very happy to score my first hat-trick here at Chelsea,’ said Havertz.
‘I’m very happy about the win and happy about my three goals and hope we continue like that.’
Focusing on Abraham’s role in his performance, Havertz added: ‘I think he’s a very, very good striker and I think our partnership on the pitch was very good.
‘It was our first game together but I like him very much as a striker. For me as a No. 10 it’s very good to play with him.’
Lampard was impressed with how Havertz and Abraham linked up.
‘We had to play him because we have had a few injuries and tonight was as great exercise and another game for him to see how we work off the ball, to be part of that.
‘The combinations he had with Tammy, the way he grew into the game and had confidence and the three goals. It was a great night for Kai and the first of many for him.’
Havertz’s compatriot Antonio Rudiger sent his congratulations to his Chelsea team-mate.
‘Congrats on your first hat-trick bro,’ the centre-back posted on Twitter.
