Former Chelsea winger Joe Cole has described criticism aimed at Kai Havertz as 'unfair'.
Havertz was one of the Blues' marquee signings in the summer, joining on a deal worth an initial £62million from Bayer Leverkusen in the summer.
Chelsea have enjoyed an excellent start to the season, sitting within touching distance of Premier League frontrunners Tottenham and Liverpool and winning their Champions League group.
But Havertz hasn't quite hit the heights of his Leverkusen days just yet, or at least that's the perception, despite the German managing four goals and four assists in 15 outings to-date.
And that very respectable return is, perhaps, why former Blues wideman Cole feels the criticism is unfair.
“No, it’s not been fair (the criticism) because when you do go into a different culture, with different team-mates, different style of play and different training, it can be tough," he told BT Sport.
"But the talent is unquestionable. He’s widely regarded as one of the best young players in Europe.
"He’s had his injury difficulties, he had the virus that set him back, but my feeling is that the cream will always rise to the top and he’s a top, top player.
"We’ve seen it in flashes and as the season moves on, that will get more and more consistent.
"I think he’s struggled a little bit with how well Werner has settled in. Two German lads coming in, obviously it helps, but he’s (Werner) settled in.
"They’ve come from different clubs, different environments and different demands in training, so Werner has settled in quicker, but Havertz will be a big player, I’m convinced of that. As the season goes on, he will impact games.”
Havertz was forced to sit out for two weeks after contracting coronavirus earlier in the season, but he says he is now getting back to full fitness.
"I am feeling very good," he said after Chelsea's draw with Krasnodar on Tuesday night. "The start (of the season) was not my best but I am very thankful to be here and I give every day my best to try to help the team.
"And of course, I know that Frank Lampard is a big manager for me. I can learn from him. He is helping me day-by-day and I am very thankful for that.
"I have to keep working and to do my best.
"I think I am now 100% but the two weeks out and with nothing at home, it was difficult to come back. You lose your whole fitness almost but I think I am two and a half weeks back.
"I am feeling better day-by-day. I started some games and I am feeling good."
