Former Chelsea manager Frank Lampard has shared his thoughts on Kai Havertz's time at Stamford Bridge, revealing the challenges he faced in finding the German's best position.
Speaking on Amazon Prime, Lampard praised Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta for his faith in Havertz.
"I brought him to Chelsea a good few years ago now, he was a young player," Lampard said. "When he came to Chelsea it wasn't quite clear. He was a very talented player, his position wasn't quite clear."
Lampard commended Arteta's approach with Havertz at Arsenal:
"The faith that Mikel Arteta has shown in him in bringing him to the club and the faith that he's stuck with him... because I've got some Arsenal friends and when he first signed there were some question marks, like 'what is he like?'"
The former Chelsea boss added, "I said 'no trust me he's a talented boy, he will grow into the PL' and I think he's done that."
Havertz has recently commented on the prospect of winning the Champions League with Arsenal. Speaking ahead of their match against Paris Saint-Germain, he said:
"It's a nice feeling but it would be even nicer if I can do it with Arsenal and it would mean a lot more."
Frank Lampard has admitted he has one regret over Kai Havertz at Chelsea
Reuters/Amazon Prime
The German international, who scored the winning goal for Chelsea in the 2021 final, has found his form at Arsenal.
He has netted in all five home games this season, thriving in a centre-forward role under Arteta's guidance.
That includes the opening goal against Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday night in the Champions League.
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The forward brilliantly dashed into the box to latch onto a sublime cross from Leandro Trossard to nod past Gianluigi Donnarumma that saw the Emirates erupt.
Havertz's adaptation to Arsenal has been impressive. He has already scored 18 goals in just over one season, including four in eight matches this campaign.
His 99th-minute strike against Leicester City recently secured a crucial 4-2 win for the Gunners.
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UEFA Champions League success has evaded both Arsenal and PSG 🙅♂️
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Frank Lampard gives his verdict on both sides on the European stage #UCLonPrime pic.twitter.com/6Er1Mx74Ig
Reflecting on his journey, Havertz said: "It took some time for me personally to fit in fast but it took me two or three months to get used to everything, to get used to the system, the teammates, the coach."
Lampard's overall assessment of Havertz remains positive. He described the player as "a really relaxed lad, very easy going" but noted "there is a little streak beneath that where he wants to do well".
The former Chelsea boss acknowledged Havertz's determination, saying, "He will be frustrated because he is just a boy who wants to do well."
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Kai Havertz scored the opener for Arsenal against PSG
Reuters
With Havertz's continued growth at Arsenal, it seems Lampard's initial faith in the German's potential is being realised under Arteta's guidance.
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