Journalist Rafa Honegstein has now been sharing some insider information on Kai Havertz’s start to life at Arsenal.
Honegstein was speaking on ‘The Athletic Football Podcast’ in an episode dedicated to Havertz’s first few months at Arsenal.
And when speaking at length, the journalist revealed how difficult the adaptation period has actually been.
Honegstein said: “I think everyone at the club understands that Arteta is incredibly meticulous and detailed when it comes to what he wants from his players in the final third.
“You’d think that more creative players would be given freedom as you said to express themselves but they have very specific rules of what they can and can’t do and what they should do.
“Somebody close to Kai Havertz told me that Havertz is aware of all his instructions and is trying to fulfil them as best as possible, but maybe in that determination to do whatever Arteta wants from him, something gets lost a little bit at this moment.
“Maybe it is not internalised enough, maybe he is still second guessing himself and I think those moments that you miss on the pitch can make all the difference.
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“He looks a bit hesitant, he looks a bit unsure of what he is trying to do at times and if [Martin] Odegaard is the right example, or Fabio Vieira is another example of a player who took a long time to figure out what Arteta wants and then being able to deliver it, maybe this is a different kind of adaptation process.”
Rafa Honegstein believes Kai Havertz has become hesistant at Arsenal
Of course, it’s certainly been a fascinating journey to watch.
Havertz naturally had a lot of expectation on his shoulders when arriving at the club – he cost £65m from a fierce rival.
However, he hasn’t really had an entirely fair opportunity to prove his worth.
Even after scoring the winner on the weekend, Havertz is still enduring questions being raised over his attitude and effort since joining Arsenal.
But many pundits and fans simply aren’t appreciating the transitional period that Havertz is enduring.
Martin Odegaard had a slow start to life at the club – many fans didn’t particularly want him to be signed permanently.
However, he’s now club captain and capable of leading Arsenal to trophies.
And when you consider Honegstein’s information about just how much Havertz is adapting at Arsenal, he should be afforded more time.
Perhaps the opportunity to build on his winner against Lens on Wednesday would be a welcome one.
Despite his troubles, Kai Havertz does look right on the edge of some strong form, and the Arsenal faithful would love to see him find it.