Arsenal's decision to pay £65million to sign Havertz from Chelsea in 2023 raised some eyebrows at the time, but the Germany international has thrived after Mikel Arteta decided to use him as a striker.
Playing up front for Arsenal, Havertz has made 21 goal contributions in 32 games across all competitions and he is also key to the way the Gunners press under Arteta. In fact, he has covered more distance in the league this season than any player aside from Bruno Guimaraes.
However, despite his pressing ability being crucial to Arsenal's defensive success, Havertz believes it is an area he can improve on. When asked which quality of one of his team-mates he would like to have, Havertz told club media : "Defending from Saliba".
Earlier this year, former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher explained how Havertz's work as a striker had helped Arsenal improve defensively. "I think that Arsenal, defensively, are as good as anyone in Europe right now," Carragher said on Monday Night Football back in May.
"They have definitely improved in 2024 better than in the first half of the season. One of the reasons for this is the role of Kai Havertz. He is a centre-forward, and he is helping Arsenal to do what they are doing right now, which is basically being so strong defensively."
Arteta has also hailed Havertz's defensive contributions, stating in April: "He has incredible qualities in the attacking phase as well as in link up play. His contribution defensively is outstanding with the work rate he puts into the team.
"He has more games to come and he will be trying to improve his numbers. It is just his first season for us and has been moving in different positions. He is very intelligent. I don't think [we have seen his best yet].
"At this age, and he's just started with us, it's his first season, he's building those relationships. He's moving in those positions as well and he's that good, and with the intelligent that he has he can be much better."
0 Comments