Kai knows Chelsea Hav a very special player on their hands in James

Kai Havertz was full of praise for Reece James after the defender’s outstanding goal inspired Chelsea to a 4-0 victory at Burnley. 

Thomas Tuchel’s world and European champions endured a difficult opening 45 minutes on Saturday as the Clarets pushed hard for a result to boost their chances of remaining in the Premier League. 

But James, back in the starting line-up for the first time since picking up a hamstring injury in the 1-1 draw with Brighton last December, broke the deadlock with a fine effort in the 47th minute. 

He went on to assist Havertz’s second goal of a quickfire brace before Christian Pulisic added a fourth to cap an impressive second-half display from the Blues. 

And the German was full of praise for his fellow 22-year-old at full-time. He said: “Reece’s goal was brilliant and it helped us a lot.

“I think he’s a special player for us, a very important player. He’s a full-back but he scores goals, he assists goals, and I think that’s very important for us. 

“He’s a great character and a great player.”

Havertz was given the nod to lead the line as Tuchel dropped Romelu Lukaku to the bench — despite the £97.5million record signing bagging the winner as Chelsea won 3-2 at Luton in the FA Cup last Wednesday. 

The German international had not found the net in the Premier League since the corresponding fixture against the Clarets back in November. 

And he was delighted to add to his tally having scored in the Carabao Cup, Club World Cup and Champions League since that 1-1 draw with Sean Dyche’s men at Stamford Bridge. 

Havertz said: “It’s always very difficult when you don’t score. But these goals help and I’m happy about this. 

“Sometimes you have to wait a little bit to get some more goals. I always want more and more. 

“Sometimes it’s hard but of course I’m happy to score two goals.”

With Thursday trip to Norwich in mind, he added: “I think we are on a good run again but we want to continue that and keep on going.”