Kai Havertz's Chelsea career is officially up and running.
After disappointing showings in his first two Chelsea appearances against Brighton & Hove Albion and Liverpool in the Premier League, respectively, Havertz turned on the style in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday evening, scoring a hat-trick to help the Blues make light work of Championship side Barnsley, winning 6-0.
Having netted his first Blues goal just before the half hour mark, the Germany international, who was subbed off after 66 minutes, added a second and third of the night after half time, firing Chelsea into a five-goal advantage following additional strikes from Tammy Abraham and Ross Barkley.
After frustrating showings against Graham Potter's Seagulls and reigning Premier League champions Liverpool, Havertz will no doubt take a huge amount of confidence from his treble against the Championship side from South Yorkshire.
And one factor that could be telling in his capabilities of netting a hat-trick was Frank Lampard's decision to start Havertz as an attacking-midfielder in the No.10 position.
Against Brighton and Liverpool, Havertz started out wide, opposed to in the centre behind Timo Werner. Though he is capable of playing on the right-wing, he is far more effective when deployed centrally.
And it appears as though Lampard has closely looked at what was lacking from the German's performances in the last two games and discovered that he is, in fact, far better as an attacking-midfielder in the middle.
Only recently, Havertz revealed that his best role was operating as a No.10, showing that he was right to ensure Lampard played him in that position against Barnsley.
Discussing where he believes he can play best, Havertz, last week, said: “I played I think every offensive position at Leverkusen. I played as a right winger, as a No.10, as a No.6, No.8 and sometimes as a striker as well.
“But for more it’s very important to have that flexibility on the pitch and to be creative, that’s something I like. I think I can play many positions.
“Of course, for me my best position is as a No.10, but of course I can play on the right side or as a striker as well. To be honest I’m happy to stay on the pitch. I think I’m flexible.”
After netting a treble against Barnsley, Havertz will now be hoping that he can build on his performance and replicate similar standards in the Premier League, starting against West Bromwich Albion at the Hawthorns on Saturday.
