Kai Havertz didn’t particularly catch the eye against Krasnodar last night. In fact, many commented that he looked a little tired and jaded after such a long run in the team.
While he didn’t make too many game-defining actions, there’s no denying he played an important role for the team, and a glance at the stats reveal he was perhaps more influential than he was given credit for.
According to FBRef’s numbers, the midfielder had 77 touches in his time on the pitch. The back four excluded, that was the most of any Chelsea player.
Of course Mateo Kovacic and Jorginho left the pitch after 70 minutes, but the fact that Havertz – who was played in a much more advanced, free floating role – was competing with them at all is in itself impressive.
He also picked up an assist, let’s not forget, as well as pressing the ball an impressive 12 times.
So while he didn’t grab the headlines, we won, and he did his part.
