These stories are samples pulled from external media sources. They do not represent the views or position of Chelsea Football Club.

Havertz earns praise from compatriot

Man City and Germany midfielder Ilkay Gundogan believes Kai Havertz can become one of the best footballers in the world.

The pair have enjoyed time on the pitch together with Germany but have also come up against each other many times, most notably the Champions League final.

Speaking to MMM on YouTube, Gundogan revealed what makes Kai so special.

‘He definitely has a lot of potential. He’s still so young but has played so many games, whether it’s in Germany or in England,’ he said.

‘He’s won a lot already, he won the Champions League last year against us, so that’s obviously a really big thing. He can really get better and better, he’s a great guy, very down to earth.

‘On the pitch, he’s very relaxed, smooth you know, he doesn’t really show nerves, which can be a really good thing. He still has a way to go but he’s already done a lot to show his potential and his qualities.’

Smith talks Gilmour's attitude

Norwich City manager Dean Smith believes Billy Gilmour has become a better player both on and off the pitch during his loan spell with the Canaries.

Gilmour is ineligible to play this evening as his parent club Chelsea visit Carrow Road, but ahead of the match manager Smith has heaped praise on his attitude.

‘As a lad, his attitude and application is second to none. First out on the training ground and the last off. He has just got a love for football. He is well-liked within the dressing room by staff and players,’ Smith said, quoted by Norfolk Live.

‘He has come to a different type of football club and what I mean by that is Chelsea go into most games and dominate possession, Norwich as a club, us going into the Premier League, there is going to be better (opposition) players than we have got in the (Norwich) squad at times.

‘He has had to learn another side to the game and I think if you asked him he would say he has learnt and become a better all round player because of that.’

Warnock's Drogba claim

Neil Warnock has revealed his Sheffield United side could have signed Chelsea icon Didier Drogba for just £100,000 when the Ivorian was playing for Le Mans.

TalkSPORT report that the football manager once had a conversation with Laurent D’Jaffo whilst they were both at the Blades, with the player recommending to the club that they sign Drogba.

Asked if he’d ever regretted not signing a player during his career, Warnock said: ‘I think every manager has, really. Just thinking about it now, usually it’s a striker.

‘One of the main ones early on in my career. I had a French lad playing for me, Laurent D’Jaffo, and he once rang me and said: “Gaffer, I’ve seen a player for you in the second division in France, very good, £100,000.”

‘I said: “£100,000? It’s a lot for a second division French player.”

‘I then said: “What’s his name?” and he said “Drogba”.

‘I said “we can’t pay £100,000 for a second division French player”. But you all know what happened to him in the end!

‘That’s my biggest. I don’t think I could have had a bigger loss than that one.'