Chelsea manager Frank Lampard was impressed by Kai Havertz’s performance on Wednesday after he netted a hat-trick in their 6-0 League Cup win over Barnsley and said it was just the first of many great nights to come from the Germany international.
Havertz struggled in Premier League games against Brighton and Hove Albion and Liverpool but showed on Wednesday why Chelsea spent 71 million pounds to get him from Bayer Leverkusen.
“I said in the last two games that Kai has had no pre-season and in signing for the club, I think it took a few days out as well,” Lampard told reporters. “We had to play him because we had a few injuries and tonight was a great exercise and another game for him to see how we work off the ball, to be part of that.
“The combinations he had with Tammy Abraham, the way he grew into the game and had confidence and the three goals. It was a great night for Kai and the first of many for him.”
Meanwhile, Chelsea have signed Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy from French club Stade Rennes on a five-year deal, the Premier League side said on Thursday.
Financial details of the transfer were not disclosed but British media reported Chelsea paid around 22 million pounds for the 28-year-old who had three years left on his Rennes contract.
“I am so excited to be joining Chelsea. It’s a dream for me to be a part of this exciting squad and to work with Frank Lampard and all of his coaching staff. I look forward to meeting my team mates and can’t wait to get started,” Mendy told the club’s website.
Chelsea’s decision to boost their goalkeeping options follows Spaniard Kepa Arrizabalaga’s dip in form since last season, with his latest error coming in their 2-0 defeat by champions Liverpool last Sunday.
Chelsea face West Bromwich Albion in the league on Saturday.
