Three key takeaways from Chelsea 1-0 Al Hilal in Club World Cup

2. The Havertz-Lukaku partnership is legitimate

The slight knock Mason Mount suffered against Plymouth saw the Blues’ managerial staff make a host of changes for the Club World Cup semifinal. Chelsea had to find a way to try and replace Mount’s creativity and output while maintaining a balance within the squad. Tuchel and Co. came up with two changes. First, the Blues reverted back to a 3-4-3. The 4-1-4-1 probably seemed like a bad idea given Mount’s pressing would be missed. Therefore, the coaches were OK conceding a bit of possession as long as there was an extra body to help out in defense. Second, a like-for-like change was made in the team as Tuchel named Kai Havertz—the most comparable player to Mount within Chelsea’s ranks—to the starting line-up.

While a front three of Havertz, Lukaku and Ziyech is something supporters have been asking to see for quite some time, this wasn’t exactly the set-up they wanted. Fans have discussed the trio in a 3-5-2 formation as a potential answer to the Blues’ struggles throughout the campaign. This shape would see Ziyech act as a free-roaming No. 10 in behind a striking partnership of Havertz and Lukaku. It has even been reported that the talisman has shown a desire to play with the German wunderkind more often because of their chemistry.

The two got an opportunity to put their money where their mouths were on Wednesday when they were on the pitch together for 90 minutes. Although Chelsea still largely lacked lethal end product, there were some moments that hinted at the Havertz-Lukaku partnership having some undeniable potential. The best example of this was the goal that the Belgian scored. Havertz got onto the end of a through pass before putting a cross into the six-yard box. The ball bounced around in the area before falling to the feet of Lukaku, who promptly buried the chance. The Daily Telegraph’s Matt Law was quick to point out after that four of the nine goals scored by the club record signing this season came when Havertz was on the pitch with him.

It’s difficult to find consistency in the Blues’ attack lately given the number of players that Tuchel has at his disposal. The constant switching of formations doesn’t exactly help matters either. Nevertheless, it seems as if the key to getting Lukaku on the scoresheet could be pairing him with Havertz in some way, shape or form. This would be in Chelsea’s best interest because of the amount it paid for the German’s services two summers ago, as well. Just an idea.