New Chelsea signing Kai Havertz insists he is happy to play anywhere as long as he is selected by Frank Lampard, but admits he has a favourite position.
The Germany international’s versatility represented one of the key reasons Lampard wanted to recruit the former Bayer Leverkusen star who represents the headline purchase of a big-spending transfer window for last season’s beaten FA Cup finalists.
Havertz was immediately thrust into the starting line-up for Monday’s season opener at Brighton and although Chelsea began with an ultimately convincing 3-1 victory, the 21-year-old gave a subdued performance and admitted afterwards he was left exhausted following his firs taste of Premier League action.
Lampard deployed Havertz on the right flank against the Seagulls with Mason Mount occupying a more central role and Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Timo Werner stationed in more advanced position.
Speaking about his preferred role, Havertz sad: ‘I played I think every offensive position at Leverkusen. I played as a right winger, as a No.10, as a No.6, No.8 and sometimes as a striker as well.
‘But for more it’s very important to have that flexibility on the pitch and to be creative, that’s something I like. I think I can play many positions.
‘Of course, for me my best position is as a No.10, but of course I can play on the right side or as a striker as well. To be honest I’m happy to stay on the pitch. I think I’m flexible.’
‘I watched many games of him as a kid and I loved him as a player,’ Havertz added. ‘He was one of the biggest players in England of his time.
‘He likes the way I play as a midfielder, to go into the box trying to score goals and make assists. It helps a lot to have a manager who played for such a long time in the Premier League and in the national team.
‘He can give me tips and I think he will help me a lot to become a better football player so I’m very excited that he’s my manager now.’
