Thomas Tuchel is keen to help unlock Kai Havertz’s “unlimited potential”, promising the youngster will be given opportunity to feature in his Chelsea side.

The Germany international joined the west London club in the summer and struggled to nail down a settled role under Frank Lampard despite the high expectations from the club’s faithful.

Tuchel insists his lack of playing time over the course of the last month has simply been down to the Germany international’s lack of fitness.

The gaffer said: “Since I arrived, the only thing that kept him from making a big impact is his injury, nothing else. I see a committed guy, I see a guy who made a brave decision to move abroad at a young age and to go out of his comfort zone and accept a big challenge in a big team, in the biggest league.

“I see a totally clear guy who is totally aware of that, full of talent, unlimited talent and I see a play who will have a big impact in Chelsea, I’m absolutely convinced because the mix gives me that feeling that he can have a big role in this club and he is absolutely determined to fulfil his role.”

Tuchel has no doubt that there’s immense potential here. It’s just a matter of being able to unlock it.

The Blues manager added: “He is a unique player. It’s not so clear where he needs to settle. Does he need to settle on one special position? Or is he kind of a hybrid player? Today, I would say he’s in between a nine and a 10, something in between.

“He’s very comfortable in the box; he’s very comfortable in high positions, he’s very good at offensive headers, he has good timing to arrive in the box, good finishing, good composure in the box, around the box, and very comfortable in high positions so between nine and 10.”