"A generational baller", "Should start every game" - Chelsea fans praise attacker after Club World Cup win against Al-Hilal

Chelsea fans have praised German forward Kai Havertz after his eye-catching performance against Al-Hilal in the Club World Cup semi-final.

Havertz, whose Blues' career thus far has yet to truly get going, was in inspired form for his side as they secured a narrow 1-0 victory. The German started on the left-hand side of an attack that reigned havoc on Al-Hilal's defense.

It was Havertz's run and subsequent cross that contributed to striker Romelu Lukaku scoring the game's only goal, with the Premier League side booking their place in the competition final on Saturday against Brazilian side Palmeiras.

Blues' fans will be hoping that Havertz continues his good form in what could be a crucial month for the Blues.

Havertz has already made some important contributions to Chelsea

Joining the club back in 2020 for £78 million from Bundesliga outfit Bayer Leverkusen, Havertz was regarded by many as one of Europe's top emerging talents.

Yet his debut season for the Blues left much to be admired as he was in and out of a side that was transformed under Thomas Tuchel.

The Germany international conjured up 4 goals in 23 Premier League appearances last season and has 2 in 16 this term. But it was his starring role in the side's Champions League final last season that had many Blues' fans excited.

The 22-year-old scored the only goal of the game as the Stamford Bridge outfit defeated much fancied Manchester City, with the player also picking up the man of the match award.

Perhaps the problem that has occurred for Tuchel in playing Havertz is the question of which position suits the player best.

During his time in the Bundesliga, Havertz was often deployed as a free roaming attacking midfielder with his guile and unique technique on the ball having garnered many plaudits during his Leverkusen career.

The forward scored 36 Bundesliga goals in 118 games and the excitement surrounding his most recent performance against Al-Hilal mirrored the captivating performances he had achieved for his former side.

The London outfit's Club World Cup final encounter with Palmeiras will again give Havertz the opportunity to impress and he could begin to challenge the likes of Mason Mount, Christian Pulisic and Hakim Ziyech for a regular starting berth under Tuchel.

About the author

Matthew is a European and international football journalist at Sportskeeda who has been covering news, rumors and match reports for close to 3 years. Learning creative writing from University of Essex, he combined his skills and passion for football take up writing for the sport professionally.

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A Manchester United fan since childhood, Matthew admired Sir Alex Ferguson for his loyalty and brave coaching style. His favorite footballer is Thierry Henry, believing the Frenchman to be uniquely talented and charismatic. An ardent Three Lions fan, England's penalty shootout win over Colombia in 2018 is his favorite FIFA World Cup moment of all time, and he believes that Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe will have a Ballon d’Or duopoly after Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

He also follows his local EFL League Two clubs AFC Wimbledon and Sutton United, and spends his free time watching and writing about professional wrestling. He also likes to work out, watch movies and go for night outs.

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