Why Omari Hutchinson deserves Chelsea chance over out-of-form Havertz

Cameron Smith

• Updated: 23 May 2023 08:55 CDT
• 4 min read

Kai Havertz's move from Bayer Leverkusen to Chelsea in 2020 was billed as a transfer that could define the next decade for the West London club.

In some ways, he fulfilled that in his first year at the club - scoring the winner in the Champions League final to secure the Blues' first win in the competition since 2012. On the other hand, however, he's failed to adapt to the pace of the Premier League and has looked soft and lightweight without ever catching alight despite bright sparks.

Havertz has enjoyed purple patches of form during his Chelsea career, but he's never quite managed to translate those moments of brilliance into consistent performance.

READ: Should Chelsea regret keeping Bayern Munich target Kai Havertz?

Just as worrying as that is the fact that his goal against Liverpool, at the start of the 2021/22 season, is his only goal against one of the 'top six' in the Premier League.

In the top flight, Havertz has netted three times against Burnley, twice against both Southampton and Fulham and once against: Crystal Palace, Liverpool, West Ham, Brighton, Wolves, Norwich, Newcastle and Watford.

He's failed to turn up in big games, as seen in Chelsea's 1-0 loss to Arsenal, in which Havertz lost possession 13 times, didn't complete a single dribble or a single cross, and missed the ball at the near post for Gabriel's winner.

READ: Kai Havertz: Chelsea star desperately needs competition

Furthermore, he's scored just four without registering an assist in 18 appearances so far this term.

As a result, it's time Havertz's place in the Chelsea starting XI comes under intense scrutiny, especially considering there's an exciting young talent waiting in the wings for his opportunity.

Why Omari Hutchinson deserves a chance

Signed by Chelsea from Arsenal's academy system in the summer, Omari Hutchinson has already made his mark for his new side.

After humiliating the Blues on several occasions during his time at Arsenal, Hutchinson has continued that form upon arriving at Chelsea, and has already impressed head coach Graham Potter.

The 19-year-old, who can play as an attacking midfielder or a right winger, has begun training with the Blues first-team and was included on the bench for Chelsea's 4-1 loss against Brighton in October.

Hutchinson has scored six goals and assisted a further six in just 14 appearances in all competitions for Chelsea's U23 side this campaign and has caught the eye with his energetic style of play and incredible close control.

The former Arsenal star likes to drop deep to receive the ball before driving forward with pace and power, bursting through challenges with the utmost ease.

He tore Leyton Orient to shreds in the final EFL Trophy group stage game, netting once and grabbing two assists in a mightily impressive performance against the League Two high-flyers.

Unlike Havertz, who has seemed slow, weak and passive in possession this season, Hutchinson plays with hunger and speed, which would add an element of flair to a Chelsea attack lacking much creativity and individual brilliance.

With Sterling being used in a wing-back berth due to injury issues in the Chelsea squad, the Blues are lacking someone with the pace and dribbling ability to beat an opponent 1v1 in the final third - this is something Hutchinson could fix if he's given a chance.

Chelsea appear to be in a rut, despite encouraging signs at the start of Potter's tenure, and a bright spark like Hutchinson could be exactly what is needed to reignite their season.

The World Cup break will provide the youngster will time to work under Potter while Havertz is in Qatar, and upon the restart of the Premier League season, Hutchinson deserves a chance to shine.