Arsenal legend Thierry Henry has drawn parallels between Chelsea star Kai Havertz and his former Gunners teammate Robin van Persie.
Chelsea beat Borussia Dortmund 2-0 at Stamford Bridge in the UEFA Champions League round of 16 second leg on Tuesday (March 8). The result saw the hosts win a 2–1 aggregate tie and progress to the quarter-finals.
Among those who impressed for the Blues against the Bundesliga club was German international Havertz. The attacker scored the winning goal for his team from a penalty kick and was also involved in setting up Raheem Sterling’s first goal.
Kai Havertz vs Dortmund game numbers:100% dribbles completed100% tackles won51 touches7 duels won7x possession won5 shots2 chances created1 goal1.06 xGing Kai with a crucial goal. 💥 https://t.co/ZXsbLgyuqM
Analyzing the game, Henry said Havertz reminded him of his former Arsenal teammate Van Persie. The Gunners legend explained that the Chelsea attacker is as good with his back to goal as the Dutchman.
“I thought he [Havertz] was good,” Henry said on CBS Sports. “In the [build-up to the] first goal, you could tell he held the ball very well. Sometimes he reminds me a little, very little of Robin. [van Persie] back to the goal, the way he can hold the ball.
“Robin van Persie was very good with his left foot, his touch was always immaculate, to try to attract people. That’s why I think the guy who used to be extreme or [a number] 10, he plays 9 because when he returns to the goal, he can hold the ball well.”
However, Henry emphasized the need for Havertz to start contributing more goals to the team, saying:
“Now, he needs to make sure he can turn that into more goals because he can. You can play with him.”
Thierry Henry says Kai Havertz reminds him of a former Arsenal striker. 👀 https://t.co/Xfu6wAHWeH
The result against Dortmund saw the Blues win two straight in all competitions for the first time since October last year.
Chelsea keep trophy hopes alive while Arsenal continue to fight for title
London giants Chelsea and Arsenal have had contrasting campaigns in the Premier League. The Blues are tenth in the points table, while the Gunners sit at the top of the standings.
Graham Potter’s team is 29 points behind the table leaders with one game less. North London giants, on the other hand, enjoy a five-point lead over second-placed Manchester City with 12 games to play.
Apart from their league woes, Chelsea have been knocked out of both domestic cup competitions. However, they have kept their silver medal hopes alive by advancing to the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals.