Analysis: Can Kai Havertz be the difference-maker for Arsenal this season?
The transfer of Kai Havertz from Chelsea to Arsenal this summer has been met with a mixed reception. While some feel the 24-year-old can be the difference-maker for the Gunners this season, others are not so sure. Dietmar Hamann, a former Germany international and compatriot of Havertz, has offered his opinion on the matter and believes the versatile attacker should be used in a more attacking role.
Havertz’s mixed record at Chelsea
Havertz joined Chelsea from Bayer Leverkusen in 2020 for a fee of £75.8 million, but his time at Stamford Bridge was far from successful. In three years with the Blues, he managed just 32 goals and 15 assists in 139 appearances. He was mostly deployed as a centre-forward during the 2022-23 campaign, but could only manage nine goals in 47 games.
Arteta’s plans for Havertz
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is keen to remould Havertz and use him on the left-hand side of a midfield three. However, Hamann does not see Havertz as a midfielder and thinks Arteta would be better off using him in more of an attacking role.
“I think Kai Havertz’s best position is up front, just off the main striker,” Hamann told Lord Ping. “I think he’ll play with Gabriel Jesus, up top. Arsenal are a team that likes to pass the ball a lot more than Chelsea, and I think that will suit Havertz.”
Hamann’s prediction for Havertz
Hamann believes that Havertz will be a “different player” this season and is one to keep an eye on when the season gets started. He tips the German to link up well with Gabriel Jesus and thinks that playing with an out-and-out number nine, such as Romelu Lukaku, Harry Kane or Robert Lewandowski, will give Havertz the space he needs.
Can Havertz be the difference-maker for Arsenal?
Only time will tell if Havertz can be the difference-maker for Arsenal this season. He has shown glimpses of his potential in the past, but he has yet to fully realise it. If Arteta can get the best out of him, then he could be the spark that Arsenal need to challenge for honours this season.