Liverpool need to target Kai Havertz to beat Chelsea.
Despite fielding a couple of their latest expensive signings, Chelsea looked sluggish in their 3-1 win over Brighton last week. With the new boys looking to bed in, their much-heralded youngster struggled to get to grips with the game.
While I am sure there will be a few big changes to the team as they prepare to face off against the defending champions, there was one area of the team that probably won’t alter much and it’s an area that Liverpool can take advantage of.
Kai Havertz has bags of potential and could have been unveiled at Anfield under different circumstances. However, his performance on the opening day of the season has shown up some big weaknesses that could and should be exploited.
Havertz is a playmaker, he likes to get on the ball and create but, against Brighton, he seemed to struggle to play wide right in a 4-2-3-1. The young German looked unsure about how to make the most of the formation and would often crowd the space for full-back Reece James who was trying to push forward and join in the attack.
As the game wore on he found himself drifting inside and a lot deeper to try and get some touches and influence things.
While his two brightest moments came from this area as he tried to play balls in behind for fellow countryman Timo Werner, the passes lacked conviction and confidence. The move also left acres of space out on the right and should he do this against the reds a quick turnover could prove costly.
But it wasn’t his lack of attacking firepower that should have Klopp and his coaching staff excited, instead, it was his real lack of defensive acumen that should be exploited at Stamford Bridge.
Havertz started the game off by backing out of a 50/50 challenge, which was a trait that was seen a few times as the first half wore on. In the 34th minute, Brighton were able to break after a weak challenge from the former Leverkusen man in the middle of the park only to squander a quality opportunity.
But more importantly, he looked like a player that was totally unsure of his defensive responsibilities. Havertz’s work rate was almost non-existent as he failed to track runners with full-back Reece James tucking in whenever Brighton came forward. He was totally unsure about when and who to press as he was caught ball watching and letting the occasion go by him.
When Havertz did get manage to get back to do some defending he was beaten far too easily by simple turns of pace both on the inside and outside.
Brighton were unable to take advantage of these glaring holes in the Havertz game but Liverpool are a different beast. With Sadio Mane and Andrew Robertson as his direct competition and he will certainly have his hands full. But if Klopp decides to attack this area in particular you may see Naby Keita start on the left-hand side of the midfield three to really push Havertz into uncomfortable areas of the pitch.
It’s been an exciting few days for Liverpool fans off the pitch and I think it will be topped off with a big statement win over Chelsea in London this weekend.