Graham Potter had other options for the midweek game against Bournemouth but Kai Havertz was handed the number nine role, and the player did not disappoint with a goal and an assist in the 2-0 win. He was voted Player of the Match on The 5th Stand.

The coach acknowledges it has been hard at times to hand Havertz a fixed position but he gives his view on the current state of play.

‘Kai is only 23,’ Potter begins. ‘He came into this country on the back of a fantastic period in Germany but he's still a young player.

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‘You can't do anything about the price tag and all that goes with that, and there's an expectation, but he's still a young player that's learning the game and has fantastic quality. I think as a nine he gives you the flexibility and variability in the game. He can drop in but he can also threaten the backline and he can score. So I like him in that position.

‘With the period that we've had, we've had to adapt a few things. It's nice to get that clarity [on position], but sometimes it's not possible. The players are multifaceted in terms of their qualities so they can play in a few positions. And Kai is one of those.

‘I have to make the [team selection] decision based on what I think every day in training and Kai is a German International who scores goals and plays for the German national team, and looking at his goal record there, it is elite level. Whenever he's played there, he's managed to score and he's also contributed to the team.’

Havertz did return to Chelsea from what is considered a disappointing World Cup for Germany but in common with all those back from Qatar, Potter has not seen any international frustrations having an impact on the club environment.

‘You are worried for all the guys that come back,’ he says, ‘it is a disappointment to go out the World Cup and Thiago for example had high hopes as the Brazilian captain, especially with his age and time not on his side for the next World Cup. The England guys are disappointed that they didn't go through.

‘But I must say they've all come back in a fantastic spirit, a great attitude. they've been amazing and professional.

‘They've gone from the sun of Qatar to the cold of Cobham and the dealt with it is absolutely fine. They've been brilliant, so no worries with them.’