Mikel Arteta has been warned that he may be pushing for something that isn’t there when it comes to one Arsenal star.
Arteta’s squad has parted ways for the international break on frustrating terms, as Arsenal dropped points for the first time this season.
The Gunners drew 1-1 with Brighton at the Emirates last time out in the Premier League, with a host of controversy coming as a result of the draw.
Declan Rice’s red card was the main talking point from the game, clouding any positivity to take from the fixture. However, there was something to be said about Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka’s blossoming partnership.
Kai Havertz of Arsenal celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Wolverhampton Wanderers FC a…
Chris Sutton has doubts over Kai Havertz’s position at Arsenal
Last season, one of the highs was the form of Havertz, who took a lot of time settling into Arteta’s squad after signing for Arsenal last summer.
Once the German had found his feet in North London, there was no looking back, with a similar approach being seen already in this campaign.
So far, Havertz has contributed to three goals in his opening three Premier League appearances, scoring two goals assisted by Saka, and recording one assist to set up the Englishman.
While the 25-year-old is thriving playing as Arsenal’s number nine under Arteta’s guidance, not everyone supports Havertz’s claim to being the Gunners’ striker.
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live [02/09/24 20:15], pundit Chris Sutton admitted that he doesn’t think Havertz ‘will ever’ be regarded as a striker.
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“I always thought when I saw him [Havertz] at Leverkusen that he was a number 10 really more than an out-and-out number nine,” Sutton explained.
“I don’t think he will ever be an out-and-out number nine, but that still doesn’t take away the cleverness which he has in his game. He has been a hybrid.”
Sutton did however comment on Havertz’s efficiency as Arsenal’s leader of the line, which is supported by the Germany international’s numbers, where he’s contributed to 18 goals in his last 17 Premier League appearances as a number nine.
Given the 25-year-old’s physical and game-playing profile, things are working in stellar fashion for Havertz in Arteta’s current system, with his versatility something that has come of great use at the Emirates.
What position did Havertz play for Bayer Leverkusen?
Sutton’s doubts over the 2023 arrival’s position ring true to some extent, as in Germany, Havertz wasn’t regarded as a number nine.
At Bayer Leverkusen, Havertz thrived primarily as the Bundesliga side’s number 10, playing in central midfield and at times, on the right side of attack.
What is interesting is that the German’s best scoring season in the Bundesliga came when he played in central attacking midfield, where he netted 17 goals in 34 league appearances for his boyhood club.
Given the role of Martin Odegaard in Arteta’s system, it’s unlikely that Havertz will get the chance to show his worth in his former position although, at present, there’s little need to consider a change of duty.
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