Frank Lampard has defended Kai Havertz in the wake of Chelsea’s defeat at Everton.
Havertz has been inconsistent since his move to London and has also recently been laid low by COVID-19.
The German has come in for some criticism but boss Lampard has told his doubters they are well wide of the mark.
Speaking at his post-match press conference, Lampard said: “I think in the modern day there is going to be criticism of players after losing games or when something doesn’t go right.
“We certainly should be patient with Kai Havertz because he’s a top-quality talent.
“I’ve got no problem with Kai. If people want to criticise him and jump straight on to criticise, just wait.
“Give a young player time. Come back to me in six months, a year or whatever.
“I know the player that Kai Havertz can be.”
Some Chelsea fans have been unhappy that Havertz has been asked to play on the right flank, having initially featured in the number 10 role.
But Lampard countered: “He’s playing on the right wing. He can play in any position across the front.
“He played on the right wing countless times before he signed for Chelsea. So that’s not an issue. He can do that.”