Chelsea head coach Thomas Tuchel has explained his decision to hand Kai Havertz a start in the Champions League final.
The Germany international is somewhat of a surprise inclusion in the Blues lineup against Manchester City as he and Mason Mount will provide support to lone striker Timo Werner.
As a result, it's almost the same Chelsea side that started the semi-final second leg win over Real Madrid at the beginning of the month.
However, there was some expectation that Christian Pulisic would get the nod in attack after being a regular in the side during the closing stages of the Premier League season.
But Havertz 's height advantage and understanding with Werner is the reason for his inclusion.
"We had some final words, but everything is set now," told BT Sport. "They have to do it, they have to feel it, it’s good they have to do it because it’s their quality, it’s their commitment, it’s their team effort that can decide this match on our side.
"We’ve gone for a little bit of height. Timo and Kai are a good couple up front, they’re good team-mates together, they have a good feeling for each other.
"Christian, it’s a tough choice to leave him out, but he’s very strong from the bench.
"I told the guys, we have some disappointing news because I have to choose from 23 for the starting 11 but we need 15 or 16 to win the game today."
Havertz was a big-money arrival at Stamford Bridge just under a year ago and following a slow start to life in England he has recently begun to show signs of his quality.
Interestingly, his improvement has coincided with a change of manager as well as him playing as a false 9 rather than the attacking midfield role he was used in during Frank Lampard's reign as head coach.
Although, he is operating from the right-wing against Man City tonight.
