Real Madrid vs. Chelsea: 5 players who could decide the second leg of the Champions League quarterfinal

Chelsea CF Kai Havertz

The former Bayer Leverkusen star and Chelsea’s one of the most expensive signings of all time, Kai Havertz has flourished under Thomas Tuchel after initially struggling under the command of club legend and former manager Frank Lampard.

Under Tuchel’s more advanced formations, which fit Havertz’s natural style of play as an attacking midfielder, the player has finally shown his potential and somewhat justified his price tag.

On a difficult night for the Blues, Havertz emerged as a silver lining amid moments of shame in front of their home crowd. With his potential, which is still raw yet explosive, he has fairly earned his position as Chelsea’s number 9 ahead of Romelu Lukaku and Timo Werner.

He was the club’s lone goalscorer against Real Madrid, ultimately scoring the ball after threatening Thibaut Courtois several times, and Tuchel and the crew will once again rely on his brilliance in front of goal to at least hope for a comeback.

The key reason for his success under the manager is the relatively free position he has been given, which allows him to run forward, cut inside, open up gaps, and do a lot more than he could under Lampard. This talent of his makes him a valuable asset in both the midfield and the attacking unit, as seen by his effort in the first leg.

In London, the 22-year-old emerged as a secondary leader to Thiago Silva, continuously leading the team’s motto and spirits to battle for a positive outcome. He put forth more energy in the second half and will undoubtedly do so again in Madrid.

His partnership with Jorginho, Mount, and Pulisic as a single offensive unit armed with Tuchel’s mind games will pose greater risks to Real’s defence and have a heavy impact on the scoreboard.