Kai Havertz finally proves Frank Lampard’s fiery comments right with Chelsea display

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With a goal and assist in Chelsea’s dominant 4-1 win over Crystal Palace, Kai Havertz gave his Blues’ career a kickstart and finally proved former manager Frank Lampard right. The German has struggled to settle since making a £72million move from Bayer Leverkusen, but has been given regular game time under Lampard and his replacement Thomas Tuchel.

Havertz was selected as the Blues’ leading man for the trip to Selhurst Park, and just eight minutes in, he finally began to repay that faith.

After receiving the ball from Callum Hudson-Odoi, he cut into the box and placed a shot past Palace keeper Vicente Guaita.

Within two minutes Chelsea had doubled their lead, with Havertz involved again. This time, Ben Chilwell played him down the left and he cut the ball back to Christian Pulisic who smashed in.

The goal was the 21-year-old’s first in the top-flight since mid-October, with his slow start seeing him come under fierce criticism.

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A win in the FA Cup against Morecambe, in which Havertz played a crucial role, prompted former boss Lampard to hit back at his detractors.

“The people that question them should look at other top players that have come at a young age to this country,” he told talkSPORT at the time.

“Eden Hazard being a great example. He came here and became one of our greatest players ever. It’s not an easy transition to this league.

“It’s a hard league and I think people that question them should give them time because they are great lads and we signed them for now and the future.”

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“I understand the questions as it’s the world we live in. They will prove to be big players for the club.”

Despite that public backing, Havertz continued to struggle for goals and assists under Lampard, with the Englishman eventually sacked by the Blues.

Though his man-of-the-match winning performance against Palace came too late to save Lampard, it will give hope that he can live up to the comparisons to Hazard.

While Roy Hodgson’s side were poor, failing to have a shot in the first-half and enjoying just 35 per cent of the possession, this was a statement display from Havertz.

In addition to his goal and assist, he was threatening throughout, showcasing the high quality he possesses with a sublime first touch to bring down the ball and fire a shot which Guaita was able to save soon after Chelsea’s second.

Sky Sports pundit Chris Coleman was certainly impressed, as he hailed Havertz for the opening goal.

“This is the coolest, classiest finish you’ll see this weekend in the Premier League,” Coleman said in his commentary.

“It’s absolutely class from a player who they’ve been waiting to shine since they signed him and this is more like it from Havertz.”

The only question that now remains is can Havertz continue to produce this quality and prove Lampard right?

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