Kai Havertz faces biggest Chelsea challenge as Club World Cup offers Thomas Tuchel fresh hope

There were no expletives from Kai Havertz in the aftermath of Chelsea's Club World Cup triumph. Not in front of the TV cameras at least. On this occasion, the German remained composed as he reflected upon another match-winning goal in a high-profile final.

"It's amazing. From champions of Europe to champions of the world. It sounds better," Havertz said with a smile. "We did so much to be here and to win this game. It’s an incredible feeling.

"I dreamed of this as a kid, it's an amazing feeling for me. I'm thankful for everyone that brought me here, my family, my girlfriend. The Champions League final and now this – it is all for them."

Havertz's extra-time penalty proved enough for Chelsea to overcome Palmeiras on Saturday and win the only trophy that had previously eluded the club. Once again, the 22-year-old delivered under the most intense pressure.

That has become Havertz's calling card since his arrival from Bayer Leverkusen in the summer of 2020. In addition to his goal against Palmeiras and his Champions League final winner, the German international also claimed an assist in the UEFA Super Cup and stepped up against Real Madrid in Europe last season.

It's away from the showpiece matches that Havertz has found life harder at Chelsea. He has struck just six goals in 43 Premier League appearances and hasn't yet established himself as a guaranteed starter, although injuries and illness have played their part in that.

The signing of Romelu Lukaku from Inter Milan also impacted Havertz. He thrived as a number nine in the final weeks of the 2020/21 campaign but was usurped in the summer by the Belgian striker, who was recruited for a club-record fee of £97.5million.

Havertz was crowbarred into the Chelsea attack