Havertz is now flying as a number nine in north London, a striker who has already scored two goals in three appearances for Arsenal this season.
It’s evident that the German is more comfortable playing further forward, a position he often plays for his country too.
However, on Saturday evening against Hungary, Julian Nagelsmann decided to deploy Havertz in a number 10 role, a blast from the past.
Havertz used to play in the 10 often for Bayer Leverkusen before he made the move to England, and occasionally played there for Chelsea.
And it’s testament to the German’s versatility and quality that he was once again able to thrive in the position in his country’s 5-0 win.
Kai Havertz hailed for ‘world-class’ performance in new position for Germany
Frankfurter Rundschau noted that Havertz had been given the opportunity in the number 10 because of Ilkay Gundogan’s international retirement.
And the source went on to describe the Arsenal striker’s performance as ‘world-class’, that was until his finishing.
Kai Havertz of Germany scores his team's fifth goal, from the penalty spot during the UEFA Nations League 2024/25 League A Group A3 match between G...
Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images
They wrote: “After Ilkay Gundogan’s retirement, he was moved back one position and started as a number ten.
“From there, the attacker moved into a variety of spaces: sometimes he picked up the ball at the level of his own sixes, then he pushed behind the opposing defence line.
“In short: Havertz used his running strength to make the German attacking players even more flexible. The big shortcoming, however, remains the finishing of chances.”
They finished: “Havertz played at a world-class level until the end – but he still has to work on the rest and finally score goals from open play.”
Sky Germany echoed those thoughts, also handing Havertz a strong rating but lamenting his missed chances: “Good movements, good ideas.
“Missed two great chances in the first half – a header that hit the crossbar and a shot that missed the goal from a perfect position – and hit the post again after the break.
“Was able to celebrate at the end after he scored the penalty.”
Havertz needs to improve his finishing ahead of North London derby
The reviews of Havertz’s performance were ultimately all the same: industrious and clever, but lacking finishing prowess.
In truth, the German is often able to finish his chances for Arsenal, he never significantly underwhelms in terms of his xG.
Ian Wright lept to the defence of Havertz recently, unhappy with people downplaying his goal against Brighton & Hove Albion.
It does ultimately feel as if Havertz will remain a slightly polarising figure for club and country, but it’s clear that he’s regularly delivering for both.
Havertz is never going to finish his chances like Wright or Thierry Henry, but he does offer so much to the teams he’s representing, a truly unique talent.
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