Mikel Arteta, playing Kai Havertz as a left-sided No. 8 for Arsenal, has been a great disappointment so far. There’s pressure on the Spaniard to drop the German international from his line-up. Even if he’s dropped, a permanent solution will need to be found for how to get the best out of the £65 million signing, which leads me to ask why he can’t be given a winger role. I ask that, as the Gooners obviously wouldn’t want him playing as the striker or as an attacking midfielder.
Havertz could flourish as a winger; his versatility and creativity could pose a huge threat to opposing fullbacks. His dribbling skills and ability to cut inside could stretch their defence, creating channels for Arsenal’s forwards to exploit. Additionally, his aerial prowess could be a game-changer during set pieces, where Arsenal has shown potential. His height and timing could lead to scoring opportunities, adding an extra dimension to Arsenal’s attack.
Havertz not playing at midfield could give Mikel Arteta every opportunity to unleash one of the strongest midfield set-ups he could ever. He may play Thomas Partey, Martin Odegaard, and Declan Rice together or introduce either one of Leandro Trossard, Fabio Veira, or Emile Smith-Rowe as the left-sided No. 8.
About which side Havertz plays in the wings, he may be the Bukayo Saka back-up Arteta has always wished to sign this summer. Arteta must find the best way to use Havertz’s skills soon.
Darren N
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He was not. We could of signed a much better
and cheaper wide player,
He needs to prove the doubters wrong.
this week end would be a good place to start.
I believe the left-AM role is currently the best one for him. If Xhaka could play very well in that area, let alone Havertz who’s taller and more attacking-minded
His teammates just need to utilize his aerial ability and Arteta should’ve instructed him to press instead of Odegaard
Gai, you always overemphasized his aerial abilities if that’s all there is to his game then, he isn’t good enough. Xhaka played that role well without scoring 2 headers. Rice also played the role well against the Citizens so we need Havertz to improve against ManU if used there. If not, he should be tried on the left. I don’t think he would ever get a regular playing time upfront considering Jesus and Nketiah.
#i mean if not he should be tried on the right.
I mean his height could’ve been used to win aerial duels and to make flicks for his teammates, not just for scoring
It’s like how Fellaini was used at Everton
Gai, Hope Arteta sees what you are seeing, so far you idea is yet to be in full gear. We wait to see real reason why Arteta signed him. May be we shall see a different Havertz in champions league for Arsenal. All this will surely unfold before end of the season. One I am sure of is Havertz is a good technical player.
Havertz has attributes that suggest he should be more of a threat in attacking phases than Xhaka was. However, he has yet to have sufficient influence in games and needs to be more involved.
I also feel he is more suited to AM rather than a role on the wings.
Ha, ha, ha. We signed a player and don’t know why we signed him. You couldn’t make it up. Wouldn’t Kudus have been a REAL R Wing cover. £68 million dans la drain……again. WTF! Whilst we experiment with Havertz and drop points, the world will be giggling. ‘You can’t make a sows ear into a silk purse’. Let him prove himself from THE BENCH.
After spending 170 million for a midfield revamp, we ended up with mediocre displays. Something the gaffer should be concerned. Last year after 3 games we scored 9, conceded 2; this year scored 5 , conceded 3. No cover for Saka, Nelson getting injured again! Doing what? Where? Why was a perennially injured given a bumper new contract? Pepe frozen out while a bang average Gab J. 11 goals in 26 appearances! Pepe 10 goals in 29 games.
Maybe Arteta should stop trying to force him into the starting line up?
Also Sakas sub will get zero game time.
Some players just take a little more time to integrate, there is no denying the German quality.
Integration or adaptability and complex reactions time are of particular important for the coordination requirements in the modern game.
Havertz is primarily an attacking player, his understanding of his teammates are paramount to his success.
Id like to ask Darren how and where he gets his odd idea that Havertz has a wingers skills?
What is this theory based on? and as a serious rival to SAKA, MARTINELI, EVEN TROSSARD AND JESUS? NO WAY ON EARTH!!
He has not played as a winger at Chelsea, though on occasions as a wider central attacker.
BUT MAINLY UP FRONT, WHERE HE PLAINLY IS NOT A NATURAL CLINICAL FINISHER, when at Chelsea.
I will continue to support our managers hard to fathom purchase of HAVERTZ .
But I would be lying if I did not admit to huge doubts. IN PARTICULAR, what I doubt mostly, is his all out effort and commitment to try 100%.
I have seen no evidence thus far that he is that type to put his body on the line for our team and that worries me deeply.
You would expect any new player to be busting a gut to impress. He has hardly broken sweat as yet. But I’ll wait awhile yet before giving final judgement.
I could not stand ANOTHER lazy player, though one without Ozils sublime talent- even though largely wasted, through idleness.
I agree Jon.
Biggest criticism of Havertz is his lack of intensity and idleness.
Does he drive the ball forward?
Does he show physicality like Xhaka?
He jogs around the pitch, second best at whatever he tries, and has made no impact.
Honestly he looks like Ozil in midfield and is a waste of funds at this point.
It’s on the player to get himself up to the level, and it’s on Arteta to bench him until Havertz levels up.
Yes Durand! As I have said God knows how many times on JA and elsewhere and in conversation with other Gooners, both at games and in general, UNLESS A PLAYER IS DRIVEN AND HAS THE INATE CHARACTER TO WORK AT HIS UTMOST, he is never going to achieve greatness in our Prem.
That is why OZIL, as gifted as he was, failed to shine regularly, after his good start.
His character was way inferior to his talent.
We both fear that trait is in HAVERTZ too, sadly!
Havertz has talent, little doubt in that regard.
He was terrible and underwhelming at Chelsea due to a lack of intensity and work ethic in my opinion.
In 3 years he has not adapted to the intensity of the PL compared to Bundesliga.
Half-hearted displays lacking intensity, 100% effort, and most importantly, GRIT.
A soft player unwilling to get stuck or show the aggressiveness necessary when someone needs to step up and grab game by the scruff.
An average but overpriced & overpaid player stuck in his own mediocrity. We will look back in several years and admit such.
Arteta could not unlock Auba, Pepe, Laca, Guendouzi, Tierney, for example, and Havertz will follow suit.
65 million should have gone towards a true B2B midfielder, not a mediocre player without a defined position, where “hopeful improvement” is his defining characteristic..
I like this guy, but let’s be honest, he hasn’t been doing so well. Hence, he needs to be benched, and ESR must be there to fill the gaps and open the spaces for Marti and anyone upfront.
Why spend time trying to find a place for Havertz, his best position is on the bench. He needs to start in cup games to gain some confidence and prove he has the ability for the premiership. What has Havertz shown in the prem to have priority over the likes of ESR, Trossard, Veira and even Jorginho.