Former Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack has a lot of time for his countryman Kai Havertz.

The attacking midfielder has not always showed his best qualities in a Blues shirt.

While his inconsistency has earned him detractors, he has also stepped up for Chelsea in their biggest moments in the past couple of seasons.

Ballack told German outlet Bild: “Kai has proven - even before that with Chelsea - that he can fill the striker role well. It's a pity though, because I see him in a system that is ideal for him behind the striker. There he can make even better use of his qualities.

“That means Havertz will perhaps not shine as much up front as he does behind the top players. You have to know that and that should be communicated by the coach that he will help out in attack."