20 July 2023 , 07:49
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Mikel Arteta has explained that Kai Havertz is operating at the heart of a new look Arsenal midfield - but admits that is likely to change.
Much has been made of Havertz's best role throughout his time in England, with the Germany international and his perfect position constantly questioned during his three-year spell with Chelsea. Those same question marks continue to loom over him after his £65million move to the Gunners, but Arteta has laid bare what the 24-year-old's role is for the time being.
Speaking after Arsenal's 5-0 win over the MLS All-Stars in Washington, Arteta told reporters: "He gives us something different. his height for example where he can be a target man if we need to beat the press. He’s playing at centre-attacking midfield for now but I’m sure throughout the season he’ll be used in different positions."
It was an impressive performance from the Champions League winner, just 24 hours after Havertz was the subject of huge ridicule as he underwhelmed during the MLS All-Star skills challenge, where he became the first player in history to score zero points.
Those same people criticising him were soon silenced in emphatic fashion when Havertz notched Arsenal's fifth and final goal the very next day. He controlled a delightful cross from Marquinhos with his chest, allowing the ball to bounce to set himself before lashing his effort home on the volley.
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The sight of Havertz arriving late into the box or sneaking in at the back post to score might be one the Emirates faithful get used to, though it is dependant on where Arteta views the German as best deployed.
Havertz himself has previously opened up on his preferred role while he was still on the books at Chelsea.
Kai Havertz scored his first Arsenal goal against the MLS All-StarsMirror Football is now on Threads! You can follow us here.
Pressed for comment on the matter late last year, Havertz rolled his eyes before adding: "Everyone asks this question and after three years, everyone should know by now what I can do - that I'm flexible up front and I can play a lot of different positions.
"Of course, sometimes it's good to play in different positions and sometimes it's bad, but in general I'm an offensive player.
"I like to be in the box, I like to score goals, I like to arrive in the box often and I don't care if I'm there as a No.9 or a No.10. If I'm in the box, I'm there to score goals - and that's it."
If he is only there to score goals, Havertz is off to a good start and will be looking to get on the scoresheet once again when Arsenal face off against Premier League rivals Manchester United in New York on Saturday.