Joe Cole insists Kai Havertz is ‘the way forward’ for Chelsea ahead of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

Former Chelsea star Joe Cole believes sticking with Kai Havertz up front is the ‘way forward’ for the Blues with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang playing more of a role off the bench.

Havertz started in place of Aubameyang and scored as Chelsea beat Bournemouth 2-0 in their first game back after the World Cup on Tuesday evening.

He also teed up Mason Mount for the second goal and Cole thinks he has solidified his place. 

Kai Havertz played a starring role as Chelsea beat Bournemouth on Tuesday night

Joe Cole (centre) and Tony Pulis agreed that Havertz needs to retain his place up front  

Speaking after the game on Amazon Prime, Cole said: ‘(Havertz) He’s a good guy. We want him to be more mean. He was excellent tonight goal and an assist. 

‘I thought it was a really bold decision from Graham Potter when you’ve got Aubameyang on the bench. 

He’s gone with Havertz and I think that’s the way forward for Chelsea. Good goal for Chelsea.’

Aubameyang has had little impact since returning to the Premier League in the summer

Former Premier League manager Tony Pulis was in agreement, saying Aubameyang is not the player he once was.  

‘I think when you’re a top four Premier League club you need depth, and they bought him as cover more than anything else,’ he added.

‘He’s gone from being that good to dropping over the hill. I’m sure he’ll add something during the season but he’s not the main man any more.’