Since then, the 24-year-old has struggled to live up to the fee, delivering a number of below-bar displays for Mikel Arteta's men. He has predominantly operated as an attacking number eight for the Gunners so far this term but he played in a very different role on Saturday for Germany.
Julian Nagelsmann opted to utilise Havertz at left-back as his side were defeated 3-2 by Turkey in a friendly, a game that saw the versatile Arsenal man score the opener, netting after just five minutes. The former Bayer Leverkusen youngster's performance clearly impressed Blues defender Cucurella, who shared a dressing room with Havertz in west London last season.
Writing on his former teammate's latest Instagram, Cucurella said: "LB (fire emoji)." Die Mannschaft head coach Nagelsmann was also full of praise for Havertz after the match.
“I don't see this as a risk for him, but as a very, very big opportunity to play a key role at the Euros," the ex-Bayern boss said regarding his compatriot's new role. "Kai said he wanted to do it, wanted to try it — for a first time in an unfamiliar position, he did extremely well."
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