Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has confirmed he intends to use Kai Havertz a striker, despite his wasteful finishing against Leeds United.
The German spurned a number of clear cut chances in the 0-0 draw at Elland Road, a result which dampens their hopes of a top-four finish.
Havertz has been used in a number of positions in his first season in English football, but Tuchel believes he is best served as a central striker.
“I feel Kai is very comfortable in high positions to drop into half spaces from the high positions to turn and drive with the ball and use his speed,” he said after the draw.
“But he also arrives very naturally in the box to finish our attacks. He is comfortable in finishing.
“He can play as a No.9, as a half striker or a winger. Today we used him as a No.9. I am happy, unfortunately he could not finish like he finishes in training or his talent allows him to finish. I trust him in this position.”
However, former Chelsea star Joe Cole believes that in order for his old side to truly challenge for titles, they need to sign a player in the ilk of Erling Haaland.
Reports in Germany have linked the Blues with a move for the Norwegian sensation, who has 47 goals in as many games for the Bundesliga giants.
“They need one player for me, Haaland. He’s on the wish-list, Cole told BT Sport. He’s a No.9. There’s so much in this squad, there’s quality in all areas, such a strong squad.
“You just need that one sparkle of magic, that No.9, that focal point and it will change this club getting back to the glory days of challenging for the title regularly.”
The bore draw was Chelsea’s third goalless draw under Tuchel, with the Blues boss admitting it is his responsibility to make them more productive going forward.
On the game, he added: “If you can split this game into different segments you would maybe answer this question with a clear yes. But in my opinion, it is not possible, so it will always stay a team effort to attack and always be a team effort to defend.
“We have to admit that we put a lot of pressure up high the pitch, that our strikers never stopped working, that our front line never stops to put intensity and counter-pressing.
“It stays our responsibility my responsibility to create more and to maybe have more big chances. But if we win this game with one or two goals we would talk totally different about it and we will stay focused on the performance.”
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