# Gary Lineker Ranks Kai Havertz Above Richarlison and Anthony Martial
Gary Lineker has come out in support of Arsenal’s struggling star Kai Havertz, claiming that the 24-year-old is a superior player than Tottenham’s Richarlison and Manchester United’s Anthony Martial.
Havertz joined the Gunners from Chelsea this summer in an eyebrow-raising £65m move – a deal many Arsenal fans, pundits and ex-players questioned given that the Germany international was largely underwhelming in his three years with the Blues.
The attacking midfielder has failed to hit the ground running at his new club with boss Mikel Arteta forced to defend Havertz on several occasions already. Arteta has even suggested that Havertz’ team-mates are partly responsible for his early teething problems.
Despite Havertz’s struggles in north London, Lineker feels he is still better than Spurs’ Brazil international Richarlison, who has flopped since his £60m move from Everton last summer. Lineker also ranked Havertz above United’s Martial, following reports that United may look to release the Frenchman next summer.
‘I don’t think at the minute you can judge any Chelsea player on last season’s performances,’ Lineker said about Havertz on the No Ratings Podcast. ‘The club was in turmoil, it was a mess, it was a shambles, they all underperformed. I think there’s something in Havertz, and what gives it to me is he scored a winning goal in a Champions League final, he did that.
‘The others at the moment have underachieved a bit. Martial has the talent but I don’t know if he’s a bit soft mentally or unlucky with injuries. I would personally put Havertz first, then either or, maybe Martial, because he has a record, and Richarlison still has it to do, although I think he’s capable.’
Lineker’s comments come as a boost to Havertz, who is yet to show his true potential since joining Arsenal. With the backing of one of England’s most iconic footballers, the German will be hoping to turn his fortunes around and prove his worth in north London.
Only time will tell if Havertz can live up to Lineker’s expectations and become one of the Premier League’s top players. In the meantime, Arsenal fans will be hoping that their record signing can start to show his quality and help the Gunners climb up the table.