Pundit given dazzling echoes of Man Utd favourite by ‘silky’ Chelsea star

Rio Ferdinand says that Chelsea midfielder Kai Havertz’s “cool, calm and collected” nature brings comparisons with Dimitar Berbatov to mind.

Havertz arrived at Stamford Bridge last summer as the most expensive in a series of marquee additions.

However, the former Bayer Leverkusen star has struggled to recreate the explosive form which earned him his move.

The 21-year-old had an impressive start, but a serious bout of coronavirus late last year set him back. Havertz has also had injury to contend with in recent weeks, which has not helped his transition under new boss Thomas Tuchel.

Nevertheless, he played the full 90 minutes on Wednesday as Chelsea progressed to the Champions League quarter-finals with victory over Atletico Madrid.

Speaking to BT Sport, Ferdinand revealed that the midfielder reminds him of former Manchester United and Tottenham star Berbatov.

“It has [taken him a while to adapt]. It is normal that not all players hit the ground running perfectly,” the pundit said.

“He is one of them and he has taken the time to adapt. But I think you can see the quality is there, we saw at Bayer Leverkusen in previous years that he was a hugely talented footballer.

Chelsea striker Kai Havertz will fulfill potential

Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel says he is confident that £75m summer signing Kai Havertz will fulfill his potential, and that he will do all he can to make it happen.

“It has taken time but I think in the end he will get there, he is somebody who has a good feel for the game. He reminds me a little bit of Berbatov in how cool, calm and collected he is.

“He is very silky, he plays on the edge of the game a little bit at times and drifts about.”

Ferdinand sets Havertz Chelsea target

Ferdinand added that he wants to see a mean streak emerge in Havertz’s game at Chelsea.

“He looks like a nice boy, and I want to see a ruthless side to him come out,” the pundit said.

“I think you can [instil it] on a football pitch, to get yourself out of position that he is in now you need to find something maybe that is not part of your makeup.

“Look and search for things you can add and that might get you on the steps to improving with your form.”

READ MORE: Tuchel reveals what ‘frightened’ him in Chelsea victory