Kai Havertz has sent a defiant message to his critics insisting it is "time to perform" half a year on from his big-money move to Chelsea.
The Blues paid £71million to sign Havertz from Bayer Leverkusen last summer, beating clubs across Europe to land the promising attacking midfielder.
The 21-year-old's first season at Stamford Bridge has been an underwhelming one so far and he has scored just once in the Premier League.
But Havertz returned to the starting line-up to face Everton on Monday night - after missing much of February with a knock - and played a key role in the 2-0 win over the Toffees.
Fielded as a false nine, the German saw his deflected first-half strike go down as a Ben Godfrey own-goal before he won the penalty for Jorginho to double the lead in the 65th minute.
Asked whether it was his best performance in a Chelsea shirt, Havertz told The 5th Stand : "It is difficult to say but the first few months were difficult for me.
"I hope that I will get a lot of confidence now and carry on like this.
Was Kai Havertz's display against Everton his best since joining Chelsea? Have your say in the comments.
"Of course, it wasn't easy to come here where everything was new. I have been here for seven months now though, so now it is time to perform.
"I know that in myself, I know many people have doubts about me. I just keep on going and working, trying to help my team in every training session and game.
"That's the most important. I hope this performance will give me a lot of confidence. I hope to continue like this."
Havertz clearly relished playing in his floating role in the attack and added: "I like to have freedom on the pitch.
"I think I was lucky to score a goal but I'm very happy with the performance, not only from me but the whole group.
"I think we can do a lot better than today, but the result was a win so of course we’re very happy with it."
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