Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel is confident Kai Havertz could lead the Champions League side challenge as a key striker.
Havertz reached Stamford Bridge as an attacking midfielder when former manager Frank Lampard signed him from Bayer Leverkusen for £ 71million, including additions, in September last year.
But Tuchel, who made six changes for Saturday ‘s 0-0 draw at Leeds, played Havertz as his number nine at Elland Road, with Timo Werner and Olivier Giroud on the bench, while Tammy Abraham remains injured.
“It was pretty much the same role he (Havertz) had against Everton,” said Tuchel, who felt the Blues created plenty of chances to leave West Yorkshire with all three points.
“I think Kai feels very comfortable in senior positions. I feel it is very comfortable to let in half-places from the high position, turn and drive with the ball and use its speed.
“But he also arrives naturally in the box and in the six-yard box, to end our attacks. ”
The German international Havertz was ruled out by Leeds goalkeeper Illan Meslier ‘s smart response only early in the second half and failed to turn down three more chances.
But Tuchel said: “It’s comfortable to finish, it’s strong in finishing. He can clearly play as a number nine, he can play as a semi-fighter or as a climber.
“These are his roles and today we used him as number nine and I’m happy.
“Unfortunately he couldn’t finish how he finished in training and his talents allowed him to finish because we had plenty of opportunities.
“It’s a situation where he feels comfortable and I trust him.”
Chelsea extended their unbeaten run under Tuchel, who replaced Lampard in January, to 12 matches in all competitions.
Their winning point secured them fourth place with nine league games remaining.
Leeds avoided their third straight loss in the league and although they failed to score in their last three games, they also created a number of clear chances.
Boss Marcelo Bielsa took heart after his side caused enough problems for Chelsea and his satisfaction was captured by defender Pascal Struijk.
“We will take a point against a very good side like them,” Struijk said on the club’s official website.
“They have run well, so it’s good for us to get a point out of this game.
“We had a couple of opportunities but unfortunately they didn’t go in, but it’s good that we can create those opportunities.
“If we can get a point and we are unlucky to get three points, it shows that we can compete with the best. ”
Bielsa had to use the 13th different partnership of the season at midfield, with Struijk alongside Diego Llorente as skipper Liam Cooper missed out through illness.
The Argentinian is also waiting to find out what level of leg injury Patrick Bamford suffered after the striker went out of action in the first half.