Arsenal’s Kai Havertz was involved in Germany’s 5-0 win over Hungary in the Nations League.
The 25-year-old continued his impeccable scoring form, scoring for the national team to record his fourth goal contribution of the 2024/25 calendar.
Havertz has already scored two goals and provided one assist from Arsenal’s opening three Premier League games, adding to his tally by finding the net for Germany on Saturday evening.
Mikel Arteta’s 2023 signing impressed alongside his teammates on international duty, prompting German media to make one interesting admission.
Kai Havertz of Germany scores his team’s fifth goal, from the penalty spot during the UEFA Nations League 2024/25 League A Group A3 match between G…
German media react to Kai Havertz’s performance against Hungary
After the disappointment of crashing out at the quarter finals of Euro 2024, Julian Nagelsmann deemed it appropriate to make some changes to his favoured XI.
The manager experimented with several of his players’ roles against Hungary, with Havertz chosen to play the number 10 position behind the striker and between the brilliant Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala.
Not only did Havertz score from the spot against Hungary, but also put in a bright overall performance, seeing German media applaud his approach in the new role.
BILD questioned whether Havertz suits the central attacking midfield role ‘better’ than playing as a striker.
“Does the position behind the striker suit him better? The interplay often worked well, and he was also dangerous himself.
“He missed a great chance just before half-time. He then even hit the underside of the crossbar again. Bad luck, but like at the European Championships: He has to score from the game. But he was rewarded with the penalty to make it 5-0, which he himself won.”
BILD’s view on the Arsenal man’s performance was shared by Spiegel, who described Havertz as being the ‘homeless man’ who may have just found a home in Nagelsmann’s refreshed system.
“Often had the problem of being a homeless man on the field. Still a striker at the European Championships, Havertz played as a number ten this time. With his passing accuracy and dribbling ability, he fit in well with the sometimes almost childish game of Wirtz and Musiala.
“He also brought the necessary toughness in tackles and cunning in pressing.”
Arsenal won’t be surprised by Havertz’s numbers against Hungary
Just as he does for Arsenal, Havertz was heavily involved in the game as his side operated close to their optimum level.
Flourishing in attack, Germany hit Hungary where it hurt, with Musiala inspiring those around him with a man of the match display.
Kai Havertz statistics v Hungary 90 minutes played1 goal2x hit the post1 shot on target92% passing accuracy 7 duel wins5x fouled 100% crosses completed
As Spiegel noted, Havertz’s experience between the youthful spark of Musiala and Wirtz was beneficial, with his statistics from the game reinforcing his involvement.
From maintaining an almost stellar passing rate to being fouled five times by the opposition for his involvement in the game, it was a busy night for Havertz, and one where he showed his versatility at international level.
Of course, those in Germany are more than aware of the Arsenal man’s ability to play the number 10 role, where he thrived at Bayer Leverkusen earlier in his career.
Up next for Havertz comes a duel with Jurrien Timber’s Netherlands side, with the two Gunners going head to head on Tuesday night.
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