It’s the oldest lesson in the book in football (and indeed in most sports), at least when it comes to attacking – you won’t score if you don’t shoot.
Kai Havertz is currently leading the line for Chelsea game after game, yet he’s got just 6 goals in all competitions this season. According to FBRef, he averages 2.36 shots a game. At a rate of 40% shots on target, that’s just over one shot on target per game. You’re just not going to go anywhere as a forward with one shot on target per game.
It also points to another problem – the way he naturally drifts away from goal, helping link up with his teammates but reducing our threat in the box.
Perhaps he should take a leaf out of Joao Felix’ book. The Portuguese has 3.97 shots per game, playing deeper than Havertz. Of course there’s no point taking long range potshots, but equally one can be too determined to wait for the perfect chance.
