Frank Lampard makes honest admission over Chelsea star who was sold amid struggles

Frank Lampard has praised Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta for getting the best out of Kai Havertz while taking some responsibility for his less impressive time at Chelsea.

Havertz joined Arsenal last summer in an eyebrow-raising £65million transfer from Chelsea but quickly won over the club’s supporters. The Germany international has contributed 19 goals and eight assists in 60 appearances for the Gunners so far, with his positional flexibility proving to be a huge asset for Arteta.

His ability was on show as he opened the scoring with a header from Leandro Trossard’s cross in Arsenal’s 2-0 win over Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League on Tuesday night. Havertz is thriving under Arteta’s management, playing as either a withdrawn forward or a free-roaming midfielder.

Those characteristics were present during his three years at Chelsea following a £75m move from Bayer Leverkusen, but consistency was often lacking. Havertz endeared himself to Chelsea fans by scoring the winner in the Champions League final in 2021, but the Blues ex-manager Lampard has explained why his potential remained unfulfilled at Stamford Bridge.

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“I brought him to Chelsea a good few years ago now, he was a young player,” Lampard said on Amazon Prime’s coverage of Arsenal against PSG. “I think when he came to Chelsea it wasn't quite clear. He was a very talented player, his position wasn't quite clear.

“He'd been a No.8, more of a midfield player, he'd been a No.9 and we never got to the end of his story at Chelsea. What was his best position? 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?’

“I said ‘no trust me he's a talented boy, he will grow into the Premier League’ and I think he's done that. He's a really relaxed lad, very easy going but I think there is a little streak beneath that where he wants to do well. He will be frustrated because he is just a boy who wants to do well.”

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Havertz did return 32 goals and 12 assists in 139 games for Chelsea, but he appears a much better fit for Arsenal. Arteta was full of praise for him after his key contribution against PSG. “So powerful, but as well he's so intelligent,” he said.

“The way he occupies the spaces, the way he glides everything together. Now when he's around the box and you have the feeling he's going to score a goal. The goal was superb and overall a really good performance. So [I’m] really pleased with him.”

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